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Contact

ADU@SantaBarbaraCA.gov

Planning Counter
(805) 564-5578
PlanningCounter@SantaBarbaraCA.gov

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(805) 564-5485 x4371
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Preapproved ADU Program

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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

Sections

I want to use preapproved ADU plans. Where Do I Start?

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Preapproved ADU List

To use a preapproved ADU plan, homeowners must contract with the designer responsible for the plan set. 

The pre-approved ADU plans displayed on this page are for reference purposes only and are not eligible for permitting due to updates in the 2025 construction codes. We’re currently working on new, compliant plans—stay tuned!

BESHDA

Website: www.beshda.com/gable400
Architect: Bonnie Sangster-Holland
Contact: bonnie@beshda.com or (805)563-3509

What's Preapproved:
406 sq. ft. detached studio ADU with sleeping loft. Design options include four exterior schemes and color palettes, a basic covered entry, deck or patio with pergola, optional exterior utility closet, and four kitchen layouts.
Scheme A "Coastal Cottage"
Scheme B "Arts & Crafts"
Scheme C "Contemporary"
Scheme D "Farmhouse"
Link to Design Options & Sample Plans

Where Allowed:
On lots developed with single-unit homes only. Not allowed in historic/landmark districts or on properties with historic resources. Must be detached. Not allowed in front yard or on lots with historic resources or in historic districts.

Bevyhouse

Website: www.bevyhouse.com
Designer: Bevyhouse
Contact: Melbardis@bevyhouse.com or (805) 701-6960

What's Preapproved: 
740 sq. ft. detached, State-approved, factory-built, foundation-only ADU with 1 bedroom and 1 bathroom in three architectural styles.
Dimensioned Floor Plan: Link to Floor Plan
Option A “Modern Style”: Link to "Modern Style" 
Option B “Spanish Style”: Link to "Spanish Style" 
Option C “Farmhouse Style”: Link to "Farmhouse Style" 

Where Allowed:
On lots developed with single-unit homes only. Not allowed in historic/landmark districts or on properties with historic resources. Must be detached. Not allowed in front yard.

Godkin Design/Build, Inc.

Website: www.godkin-db.com
Architect: Shawn Godkin, AIA
Contact: shawn.godkin@gmail.com or (805) 256-2920

What's Preapproved:
526 sq. ft. detached studio ADU in three design styles.
Dimensioned Floor Plan: Link to Floor Plan
Option A "English Cottage": Link to English Cottage style
Option B "Modern Farmhouse": Link to Modern Farmhouse style
Option C "Craftsman": Link to Craftsman style

Where Allowed:
On lots developed with single-unit homes and lots developed with multi-unit homes. Not allowed in historic/landmark districts or on properties with historic resources. 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.

For Designers

Having your ADU plans preapproved by the City is a great way to help your future clients move through the permitting process quickly and smoothly. Designers may submit requests for preapproval via a Pre-Application. Submit the information in the application forms below. A full list of submittal requirements is in the forms.

Pre Approved ADU Application Designer (Designer Only)
Pre ADU Designer Liability Agreement (Designer Only) 

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.