Follow these steps to get your adu plans preapproved

The sections below outline the requirements for vendors applying to participate in the Preapproved ADU Program, as well as instructions for submitting site-specific documents for projects using a preapproved ADU plan

1. Prepare Master File Plans

Create generic, standard construction plans that are not site-specific that include the following documents:

• Architectural information (plans, elevations, sections, and details)
• Structural Drawings and Calculations 
• 2025 Title 24 Energy Calculations
• 2025 CalGreen Checklist
• A standard site plan showing the minimum setback and separation distances as required
• Indication of Fire sprinklers (if applicable): Provide a statement as to whether the standard construction plan layout proposes to be equipped with an automatic fire sprinkler system
• Truss plans and calculations (if applicable).
•  For ADUs, you may use code minimum soil valuation for foundation design, or pre-scripted footing sizes if conventional construction is used or match existing foundation

Reference the following requirements outlined in:

• Bulletin #211-ADU Building Plan Requirements & Worksheet
• Bulletin #212-ADU & Single-Family Master Plan Program
• ADU Inspection Checklist - Insert this in the building plans
• Fire Requirements Checklist
• 2025 Cal Green checklist

IMPORTANT: Your plans must be for the current code cycle. You must update and resubmit your master plans when the City adopts new building codes, policies, or zoning changes that affect your plans.

Plan variations are allowed. Master plans may include design variations, but all variations must maintain the same square footage. Plans with different square footage must be submitted as separate master plan files for review.

2. Submit Plans & Pay the Initial Plan Review Fees

After completing Step 1, submit your Master Plan package by emailing it to ADU.Ally@sanjoseca.gov with the subject line: ‘Preapproved ADU  Master File Submittal for [Short Description].’ Make sure your submittal includes:

• All Required Plans and Supporting Documents listed in Step 1. 
• Applicant Information (The person submitting the plans)
  •  Full name
  • Address
  • Email
  • Phone number
• Billing Applicant Information (The person responsible for payment of fees)
  •  Full name
  • Address
  • Email
  • Phone number
• Building/Fire Contact Information (The person responsible for responding to plan review comments)
  
  •  Full name
  • Address
  • Email
  • Phone number

If the same individual will serve multiple roles, indicate this in your submission. Once the plans have been submitted to ADU Ally, follow the payment instructions to pay the initial plan review fees.

3. Plan Review Process

Once payment is received, the plans will be reviewed by the applicable departments for compliance with applicable code and zoning requirements.

• If Comments Are Issued Your Building/Fire contact will respond to the Plan Reviewer’s comments and, if needed, resubmit plans. The Building/Fire Contact will respond to the Plan Reviewer’s comments by following specific instructions by each assigned reviewer.
• If No Comments Are Issued and There Are No Outstanding Fees Your generic standard plans will be approved and added to the Preapproved ADU Webpage.

4. Get a Listing on the Preapproved ADU Webpage

Once approved, your business name, contact, information, and brief description of the size and type of approved ADU plan will be added to the Preapproved ADU Webpage.

*New Vendors have the option of scheduling a preliminary vendor meeting with the building reviewer before formally submitting their plans. Vendors, please email  ADU.Ally@sanjoseca.gov to use this service. 

READY to bUILD A SITE-SPECIFIC PREAPPROVED ADU?

To utilize a Preapproved ADU Plan, submit a Site-Specific ADU Permit Application. The approved master plan must be adapted to your property to address site conditions, such as setbacks, utility connections, and zoning requirements.

Before getting started, complete the ADU Universal Checklist to confirm the property is eligible for a preapproved ADU and determine whether any additional permits or clearances are required.

1. Verify The Site is Eligible for a Preapproved ADU Plan

If Your Property is... 

Zoned Residential with an existing single-family home or duplex

AND Property is NOT located in a geohazard, landslide, flood, or WUI zone*  

AND No Geologic Hazard Clearance or Geologic Clearance or Fire Variance is required  ...  

Then your site will most likely qualify!

*To determine if your property is located in the geohazard, landslide, flood, or WUI zone, check Sjpermits.org and look up your address OR follow the instructions in question #4, #5, #7, #11, and #12 on the ADU Universal Checklist. 

To check overall eligibility if an ADU is allowed on your lot, complete the ADU Universal Checklist.

IMPORTANT: The expedited review process is available only for projects that use the approved preapproved plans without modifications. Projects with plan changes will going through the standard ADU Plan Review & Permit Process with standard review time.

2. Choose A Preapproved ADU Vendor

Reach out to one of the vendors listed below under Preapproved ADU Plans Webpage  to gather details about their available options, pricing, and installation process. 

Confirm whether the vendor will handle plan submittal and permit processing. It’s strongly recommended that the vendor or contractor pulls the permits themselves, as this ensures responsibility and liability for the work remains with the licensed professional. 

3. Prepare and Submit Your Site-Specific Permit

Tailor the preapproved plan to the property. When your site-specific plans are complete, request an intake meeting and send the complete application package to ADU.Ally@sanjoseca.gov with the subject line: “Preapproved ADU Site- Specific Submittal for [Project Address] under Master file XX-XXXXXXX” and include the following: 

4. Construction and Inspections 

Once the building permit is issued, construction can begin. Your contractor should schedule inspection appointments at the appropriate times and present the completed  Bulletin #213 - Inspection Checklist for ADUs along with the approval plans and job permit card to the inspector. Be sure to complete the Construction and Demolition Diversion Review and sign-off application before scheduling a Building Final Inspection. 

Once construction is complete and the final building inspection is approved, congratulations, your ADU is ready for moving in! 

IMPORTANT: Modifications to Preapproved ADU plans will not be accepted for the expedited process. If you have changes to the plan, the project will go through the regular permitting process at ADU Plan Review & Permit Process.

QUESTIONS?

Contact our ADU Ally:
Email: adu.ally@sanjoseca.gov
Phone: 408-793-5302