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Wildomar to offer WRCOG‑funded pre‑approved ADU plans to lower homeowner costs
Summary
Council heard a presentation on WRCOG‑funded pre‑approved ADU plans (six floor plans, three elevations, 500–1,200 sq ft) and a bilingual guidebook; plans aim to reduce architect fees and permit times, and ADUs under 750 sq ft are exempt from some impact fees under state law.
Planning staff presented a WRCOG‑funded program to make permit‑ready accessory dwelling unit (ADU) plans available to Wildomar homeowners, with the stated goal of lowering up‑front design costs and shortening permitting timelines.
Planner Abdul Legar told council the grant will fund six floor plans and three elevations — ranging from about 500 to 1,200 square feet with studio, one‑, two‑ and three‑bedroom options — and a guidebook in English and Spanish. He said the plans include structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical and Title 24 compliance so homeowners would only need to provide a site plan for setback verification.
"This will allow someone to save a ton of money," Legar said, noting that architect fees for ADUs can range from $5,000 to $20,000 and that development‑impact fees are waived for detached ADUs under 750 square feet under state ADU law. The pre‑approved plans aim to reduce both plan‑preparation cost and plan‑check time, staff said, and the city expects the technical plans to be available by early 2026 and downloadable from the city's website.
Staff emphasized the program is intended to increase affordable housing options by cutting financial and time barriers for homeowners who want to build ADUs. The council received the plans and the guidebook plan and did not change any local regulations as part of the presentation.
