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Twentynine Palms reports 39 residential permits in 2025, staff to offer pre-reviewed ADU plans
Summary
City staff reported issuance of 29 single-family, 5 multifamily and 5 accessory dwelling unit permits so far in 2025 (39 total) and said the city will make pre-reviewed ADU plans available to streamline permitting and lower costs for homeowners.
City staff told the Twentynine Palms City Council that the city has issued 39 residential building permits so far in 2025 — 29 single-family permits, 5 multi-family permits and 5 accessory dwelling unit (ADU) permits — and that 22 additional applications are under review.
The City Manager and the Community Development Director said the city is working to make it easier for property owners to build ADUs by assembling a set of architect-vetted, off-the-shelf plans that have already been reviewed by the city to reduce design costs and shorten review times.
City staff said the effort responds to state law changes that have increased the ability of homeowners to add ADUs. Under the plan, residents could choose a pre-vetted ADU plan at the front counter and proceed through permitting with fewer delays and lower upfront architectural expense.
Council members and staff discussed common barriers to ADU construction, including cost and the time required to hire an architect and produce plans. The Community Development Director, identified in the discussion as Keith, said staff and consultants had prepared a set of plans tied to the city's housing-element work and would make those plans available to residents who want to build ADUs.
Staff characterized the ADU plan set as a way to reduce the financial and procedural hurdles for homeowners who are not professional developers. Council members welcomed the step; one council member noted California law requires permitting of ADUs and expressed support for facilitating compliance while making the process easier for residents.
Staff said they would share the plan set with council when the materials become available. Council members asked staff to continue outreach and provide more information about the 22 permits currently under review.
