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Shed with terrace and wooden garden furniture during spring
Pasadena residents planning to embark on Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) construction projects should now have a clearer path forward with the city’s newly launched Accessory Dwelling Unit Standard Plans Program.
By offering pre-approved plans and streamlined approval procedures, the city aims to demystify the ADU process and to empower homeowners to enhance their properties while contributing to the city’s housing diversity.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Planning and Community Development, presents a gallery of pre-approved ADU plans ranging from studios to two-bedroom units. These plans, designed by both the City and licensed professionals, promise time-saving benefits in design and permitting.
The program’s launch includes two city-designed plans offered at no cost, with more designs by licensed professionals slated for addition in the coming months.
“All plans featured as part of this program have been pre-approved by the Building and Safety Division resulting in time-savings in both the design and permitting of an ADU,” the Planning Department said. “Note that any modification to pre-approved ADU plans would result in the need for plan check and the plans would no longer be considered pre-approved.”
An ADU provides complete independent living facilities and is situated on the same parcel as the primary residence. The city categorizes ADUs into single-family, multi-family, junior ADUs, and ADUs in historic districts or in individually designated historic properties, each with specific permitting criteria.
As published on the ADU webpage, the available pre-approved ADU plans cater to various needs, including Prototype A, a 374 sq. ft. studio unit, and Prototype D, a 682 sq. ft. two-bedroom, one-bath unit. Estimated plan check and permit fees range from $7,000 to $13,000, excluding additional permits like fire sprinkler or grading permits.
The submission process for pre-approved plans involves contacting the Permit Center, preparing a site plan, completing agreements and applications, and undergoing plan review.
Applicants can request a virtual meeting to obtain preliminary feedback from city staff on building code and zoning code requirements for your proposed ADU. The virtual meeting service is offered to anyone interested in building an ADU in Pasadena before plans are submitted for plan check review.
To view the ADU plans that are now available, visit the Planning Department’s ADU webpage, www.cityofpasadena.net/
For more information, visit www.cityofpasadena.net/
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