City staff outline ADU preapproved plans, state rules and fast-track permitting for Fresno homeowners

City staff on May 7 briefed the Fresno Planning Commission on accessory dwelling unit (ADU) policy, five preapproved ADU standard plans and the local permitting experience since the program began in 2022.

Staff told commissioners that state law governs many ADU rules and limits what the city may impose locally. Staff said typical state provisions include a maximum ADU size of about 1,200 square feet in most instances and that local jurisdictions cannot require parking for ADUs when state preemption applies. Staff also noted the California Department of Housing and Community Development reviews factory-built (prefabricated) units before they can be used as ADUs.

Isaac Garza (planning staff) and ADU program staff explained the City of Fresno maintains five preapproved ADU plans that applicants can use to speed permitting. The five plans range from a 340-square-foot studio (Plan 1) to a 1,015-square-foot three-bedroom ADU (Plan 5). The plans include design options (elevation styles, front-porch options), and permit issuance for standard-plan submissions typically takes 7 to 10 business days if the site plan and option table are complete. Staff said permit fees and school fees apply and that a fee spreadsheet and additional guidance are available on the City of Fresno ADU program website.

Local program statistics presented to the commission: since the program’s launch in 2022 staff received 21 standard-plan applications; 31 percent of those were moved to a issued-permit stage, 12 percent were withdrawn and 12 percent rejected (mostly for incorrect application type). Staff said Plan 2 (a 499-square-foot, one-bedroom model) is currently the most commonly selected model.

Staff discussed common regulatory points: setbacks (typically 4 feet for side and rear), front-yard setback rules, that an ADU may be constructed where residential uses are allowed in the zone, and that a property generally must have a primary residence before multiple ADUs can be added. They also noted junior ADUs (JADUs) are limited to 500 square feet. For multifamily properties the number of allowed detached ADUs may depend on the number of existing units.

Commissioners asked whether the city can require open yard space, whether ADUs can be used on commercially zoned land that allows residential uses, and how prefab units are permitted. Staff answered that open yard requirements are preempted by state law if those would conflict with ADU allowances and that prefabricated units must be reviewed by the California Department of Housing and Community Development and meet foundation and permanent-utility-connection requirements before a building permit can be issued.

Why it matters: ADU rule changes at the state level aim to expand small-scale housing options. Fresno’s preapproved plans and streamlined review are intended to reduce up-front design costs and speed permit issuance for homeowners.

Next steps: The ADU program contact and the standard-plan PDFs are available on the City of Fresno ADU program website; staff said they will continue to track application volumes and report program statistics to the commission.