Pre-Approved ADU Plans in Southern California
Pre-approved (or "standard") ADU plans are designs a city or county has already reviewed for code compliance. Using one can save design fees and weeks of plan check. You still need a permit and a site plan, and your lot still has to meet setbacks, utility and fire requirements.
State law: AB 1332
Under AB 1332 (Gov. Code 65852.27), every California city and county had to create a program by January 1, 2025 to pre-approve ADU plans. These programs accept submissions from any party, and approved plans must be posted online. If your city isn't listed below, ask its building department. A program has to exist, even if it currently has few plans.
Verified SoCal programs
| Jurisdiction | Program | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | LADBS ADU Standard Plan Program (pre-approved plans) | LADBS standard plans, designed by private firms and pre-approved by the city. |
| Long Beach | Long Beach Pre-Approved ADU (PAADU) Program | Long Beach paused its PAADU program. Previously approved plans expired December 31, 2025, so check the page for updates. |
| San Diego | City of San Diego ADU / JADU program | The city also accepts plans approved by San Diego County, Chula Vista and Encinitas. |
| Riverside | Dwell Riverside ADU plans | Dwell Riverside offers four free plans. |
| Pasadena | Pasadena ADU Standard Plans Program | Currently one 374 sq ft studio plan. |
| Anaheim | ADU Anaheim Anaheim Pre-Approved Plan Catalogue | Four free plans, plus the ADU Express program. |
| Irvine | Irvine Pre-Approved ADU Plans Program | The program exists, but no plans were available at our last check. |
| LA County (county) | LA County Building & Safety pre-approved ADU plans (unincorporated areas) LA County Planning ADU catalog | Three free plans (1,200, 1,200 and 800 sq ft) for unincorporated LA County. |
| San Diego County (county) | San Diego County ADU building plans (unincorporated areas) | Six free plans, 600–1,200 sq ft, for unincorporated San Diego County. |
| Orange County (county) | OC Development Services pre-approved ADU plans (unincorporated areas) | Six plans for unincorporated Orange County. |
Links verified November 2026. Huntington Beach also reports one 490 sq ft pre-approved plan. Check the city's website. County programs apply only to unincorporated areas.
Pros and cons
- Pros: lower design cost, faster plan check, and predictable construction pricing.
- Cons: fixed layouts that may not fit your lot or slope. You'll still pay for site-specific engineering, utilities and permits.
Who builds them?
Any licensed B contractor can build a pre-approved plan. Many ADU specialists and design-build firms have their own pre-approved designs, too. Also see California ADU laws and the cost estimator.