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Pasadena is preparing to launch a new program initially offering two pre-approved plans for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), aiming to facilitate and expedite their construction.
The ADU Standard Plans Program, which will be presented before the City Council’s Economic Development and Technology (EDTech) Committee on Tuesday, provides a gallery of pre-approved ADU plans for homeowners, ranging from a 374-square-foot studio to a 682-square-foot unit.
“As part of Pasadena’s ongoing commitment to facilitate the construction of ADUs, the ADU Standard Plans Program was recently launched,” Jennifer Paige, Director of the Planning and Community Development Department, said in a memorandum. Demand to construct ADUs has been high in Pasadena, with 484 units constructed from 2020 to 2023, the average size being approximately 600 square feet.
The two plans currently available were designed in-house by the City and are offered at no cost.
“Plans offered by licensed professionals will be available for a fee,” Paige noted. Several more plans will be added in the coming months, designed by licensed professionals.
The memorandum emphasized that the pre-approved plans have undergone review by the Building and Safety Division, resulting in time savings for design and permitting processes. However, any modifications would necessitate plan checks, nullifying the pre-approval status.
“Note that any modification to pre-approved ADU plans would result in the need for plan check and the plans would no longer be considered pre-approved,” the memorandum stated.
The initiative aligns with Program #20 of the City’s 2021-2029 Housing Element, which calls for developing pre-approved ADU plans to help reduce the cost and time needed to process building permits.
The pre-approved plans are available for download on the City’s ADU Standard Plans Program website, https://www.cityofpasadena.net/planning/planning-division/community-planning/accessory-dwelling-units/adu-standard-plans-program/.
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