Pre-approved ADUs

Pre-approved ADU Plans Overview

A Pre-approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (PADU) is a unique approval type for ADU vendors (architects, designers, etc.) that provides for review and approval of ADU plans to be used within the City’s service area, and is not specific to any one site.

Pre-approved ADUs can be built throughout the City, but they must be designed to consider various climate and site factors. These requirements are described in the PADU Application Checklist. 

Pre-approval Process

Before you submit, make sure you have completed all the necessary documents, which are included in the Pre-approved ADU Application Packet:

• Applicant Authorization for Website Posting
• PADU Submittal Checklist
• Standard Application form
• Agreement to Pay for City Services (ACS)

Submitting your Application

1. Submit the ADU plan and required forms listed above to www.lovelafayette.geocivix.com. Follow instructions for "Vendor-only Pre-approved ADU Plans."
   • NOTE: the plans are not site-specific, so you will need to enter "No Address" and an Assessor's Parcel Number (APN) of 999-999-999.
2. Staff will review the application for completeness within 30 days. If additional information is requested, you will need to submit the required documentation.

Processing and Pre-approval

1. The application will be assigned to a staff member to manage the application.
2. Planning Staff will review the PADU proposal within 30 days of receipt and may request additional information.
3. Once approved, Planning Staff will return a digital copy of the plans with a pre-approval stamp.
4. Once you are pre-approved by the City, you must submit to the Contra Costa County Building Inspections Department (CCCBID) for Building Review.
5. When you have received pre-approval from both Lafayette and the County, the County will send an approved copy of the plans to you and to the Lafayette Planning Department. The City's PADU webpage will be updated to include a description of the ADU plan with contact information (see below, "Approved Plans"), plus any additional information as indicated on the Applicant Authorization form.

Expiration

Pre-approved ADU plans are valid for the remainder of the current building code cycle, which is updated every three years. At that time, the listing will be removed from the City's PADU web page and the ADU vendor must submit a new PADU application for approval.

Using PADU Plans

PADU plans are not site-specific. Applicants who wish to build a pre-approved ADU on their property must secure planning and building permits, including, but not limited to; site plan, foundation plan and details, geotechnical investigation report (if needed), and compliance with fire and other safety requirements.

1. No modifications from the pre-approved ADU plans are allowed. If aesthetic preferences or site-specific factors make using a pre-approved plan infeasible, you can submit a standard ADU Application.
2. Use the contact information on the PADU page to inquire with the architect or designer about using their pre-approved plans. The ADU vendor, not the City, retains ownership of the PADU plans.
3. Use the ADU Application checklist to ensure all required site-specific information is included on your plans, including but not limited to site plans, grading & drainage plans, floor plans, building elevations, and colors & materials.
4. Submit your plans for online zoning plan check with the City Planning Department - see How to Get a Building Permit (PDF). You must include the PADU application number for reference (e.g. "PADU01-25").
5. Once zoning plan check is approved, submit the stamped plans and a building permit application to the Contra Costa County Building Inspection Department (CCBID) via their ePermits Center.

Approved Plans

Coming soon - as plans are pre-approved, they will be added here.