Upland recognizes contractor Tom Campbell for donating preapproved ADU plans to meet state requirement

The Upland City Council on Monday presented a certificate of recognition to Tom Campbell for donating six sets of preapproved accessory dwelling unit (ADU) construction plans valued by the council at approximately $50,000, Development Services staff said.

Development Services Director Robert Dahlquist told the council that the donation includes six different layouts and that state law requires cities to provide preapproved ADU plans on their websites at no cost to residents. Dahlquist said the plans were developed through Campbell’s private consulting firm and that Campbell also works for the city as a plans examiner in the development services department.

Why it matters: Providing preapproved ADU plans helps residents reduce design costs and accelerates permitting for small accessory units that can expand housing supply. City staff said the donated plans will be posted on the building and safety web page for free download.

Council comments and context: Councilmembers and the mayor thanked Campbell for the donation and noted that Upland is ahead of many other cities because of the contribution. The recognition was ceremonial; no formal policy change or funding commitment was required to accept the donation. City staff said the donation helps the city comply with the state requirement to offer preapproved ADU plans.

Next steps: Development Services staff will upload the donated plans to the city’s building-and-safety web page for public access, the director said.