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City unveils ADU standard-plans program to speed approvals and lower costs
Summary
City staff presented a preapproved ADU-plan program with five prototype plans (all under 750 sq ft) to streamline permitting under AB 1332; building official Dan Schultz described multiple prototypes and adaptation for flood zones.
City staff presented a new ADU standard-plans program aimed at simplifying and speeding ADU permitting after recent state ADU law changes. The program will offer up to five preapproved ADU prototypes on a dedicated landing web page; designers may submit plans for review and approved plans will be posted through 12/31/2025 (the end of the current code cycle).
Dan Schultz, the building official, described the prototypes—ranging from a 350-square-foot studio to a 750-square-foot three-bedroom plan—and explained that plans will be provided as slab-on-grade or raised foundations for flood-prone lots. Staff said preapproved plans will reduce plan-check time and fees because structural designs will be pre-vetted; applicants still must submit site-adaptation materials and demonstrate code and energy compliance.
Staff said the city will provide handouts and FAQs and will post approved plans on a web landing page; longer-term plans include a customer self-service portal for online ADU plan selection and streamlined submittal. Commissioners praised the effort as a means to reduce design costs and to encourage ADU uptake.
