Now Accepting Submissions for Preapproved ADU Program

The City of Santa Barbara is pleased to announce it is accepting submissions for designer-owned plans for preapproved Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Submissions are now being accepted on a rolling basis, with no application deadline. 

Preapproved plans are ADU designs submitted by designers, architects, builders, and other qualified professionals and vetted in advance by Planning and Building & Safety. Having your ADU plans preapproved by the City is an excellent opportunity to help future clients move through the permitting process more quickly and smoothly, while also increasing your visibility to homeowners looking for city-reviewed designs. 

Why Submit Your Plans? 

Preapproved ADU plans will be listed on the City’s ADU webpage, helping connect you directly with homeowners interested in building an ADU. Once your plans are preapproved, homeowners can benefit from an expedited review timeline and lower plan check fees when they apply for permits using your design, improving their overall project experience.  

How to Submit 

Designers may submit requests for preapproval by completing an ADU Pre-Application using the official forms available on the City’s website: SantaBarbaraCA.gov/Pre-ADU. These forms, along with the full list of submittal requirements, can be found on the City’s Preapproved ADU Program webpage. 

Submissions are currently being accepted online at: 
Permits.SantaBarbaraCA.gov/Home  

Email questions to: ADU@SantaBarbaraCA.gov