Preapproved ADU Program
NEW – Preapproved ADU Plans Now Available!
Image courtesy of BevyHouse
The City of Santa Barbara now offers a quicker, more affordable way to add detached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to your property. Through the Preapproved ADU Program, you can access standard construction plans created by qualified professionals and pre-approved by the City. This program streamlines the process, making it easier and faster for homeowners to add new detached ADUs.
What are Preapproved Plans?
Preapproved plans are ADU designs submitted by designers, architects, builders, and other qualified professionals and vetted in advance by Planning and Building & Safety. Once preapproved, they can be selected for use by homeowners for their own ADU projects with an expedited review timeline and lower permitting costs.
Benefits for Homeowners
- Design Certainty: Know that the design you have selected complies with Building Code and has Design Review approval.
- Fast Review: Plan check is done in half the review time required for standard ADU applications.
- Reduced Fees: Applicants pay a reduced plan check fee (25% fee reduction). Construction and inspection fees still apply.
Homeowners - How to get a Preapproved ADU
I want to use preapproved ADU plans. Where Do I Start?
1. Contact the Planning Division to Verify if an ADU is Allowed.
Accessory dwelling units are permitted in all zones that allow for single-unit or multi-unit residential uses; however, not all Preapproved ADUs are allowed on properties developed with more than one unit or historic resources. Contact the Planning Division to verify if an ADU is allowed on your property: (805) 564-5578 PlanningCounter@SantaBarbaraCA.gov.
2. Explore the Preapproved ADU List.
You may wish to contact several designers and learn about their options, pricing, and installation approach. Be sure to confirm the designer's role in submitting the plans and securing the building permit. It is highly advised that you have a licensed contractor pull the permits. This keeps the liability for the work with the professional service.
3. Apply for a Building Permit
Preapproval does not mean that the designs already have their building permits, but rather that elements of the permitting process are accelerated upon application submittal. Preapproved plans are around 70-80% complete but you will still be required to provide site-specific information. To use a preapproved ADU plan, you must:
- Contract with the designer responsible for the plan set.
- Submit additional site-specific plans, studies, and engineering, as applicable.
- Submit both of the application forms below. A full list of submittal requirements is in the forms.
Building Permit (BLD) Application
Preapproved ADU Supplemental Application
4. Plan Check Review
Staff reviews the complete Preapproved ADU application with an accelerated timeline—generally within 10 business days. The plan must be identical to the plan that were previously approved; any deviation will result in rejection of the application. Homeowners who wish to revise the design may do so by submitting a regular ADU permit application with the altered plans.
5. Building Permit Approved
Homeowner resubmits as requested until plans are approved and building permit is issued.
6. Inspections
City staff conducts building inspections during the construction phase.
Preapproved ADU List
To use a preapproved ADU plan, homeowners must contract with the designer responsible for the plan set. Listed in alphabetical order, the following designers offer ADU plans that the City of Santa Barbara has preapproved:
Bevyhouse
Website: www.bevyhouse.com
Designer: Bevyhouse
Contact: info@bevyhouse.com or (805) 701-6960
What's Preapproved:
740 sq. ft. ADU foundation-only with State-approved factory-built housing
1 bedroom 1 bath, detached unit. Three architectural styles:
Option A “Modern Style”: Link to "Modern Style" plans
Option B “Spanish Style”: Link to "Spanish Style" plans
Option C “Farmhouse Style”: Link to "Farmhouse Style" plans
Where Allowed:
On lots developed with single-unit homes only. Must be detached. Not allowed in front yard.
More Preapproved ADUs coming soon!
Questions? – Please contact us at ADU@SantaBarbaraCA.gov if you have any questions or wish to join our Preapproved ADU Program.
Disclaimer. Please note that the City of Santa Barbara has reviewed the above Accessory Dwelling Unit plans and found them in conformance with all applicable zoning and building code requirements. Additionally, these plans do not require any discretionary design review. The preapproval of these plans does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any specific designer, contractor, or other design professional by the City.