Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling (PAADU) Unit Programs

Having your detached ADU plans pre-approved by the City can help your future clients move through the permitting process quickly and smoothly. All preapproved ADU plans will be featured on the City’s website, along with your contact information, to help connect you with homeowners who are interested in adding a detached ADU to their property. You will still retain your copyright, so any homeowner who wishes to use the design must contract with you to do so.

Once the City pre-approves your detached ADU plan, the pre-approval will remain valid until the City adopts new building or zoning codes that apply to your ADU plan. The City will notify you when such changes take place and let you know how to submit updated plans.

PLAN SUBMISSION CRITERIA

Pre-approved ADU Plan Submittals must meet the following criteria:

• Only plans previously approved by the City after January 1, 2023 and under the existing objective design standards will be eligible to apply for the preapproval process.

• Detached ADUs only.

• New construction (not conversions).

NOTES:

*Please note that the program does not apply to detached ADUs proposed in conjunction with a new house.

**Each designer is limited to submitting a maximum of two plans for consideration on the Pre-Approved ADU Plan list.

HOW TO APPLY

1. Submit a Pre-Approved Detached ADU Request Form to Arcadia EDGE along with the previously approved plans and a completed PAADU Submittal Checklist.

2. The Planning Division will notify you if your request for pre-approval has been approved, or if more information is needed to process your request.

3. If your request is approved, your plans, along with your contact information will be posted below under “Pre-Approved Plans.”

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Applicants will be charged a plan-check fee at an hourly rate.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A BUILDING PERMIT WHEN UTILIZING A PREAPPROVED PLAN

Working with an architect/designer who has a pre-approved ADU plan is a quick way for homeowners to add a new detached ADU to their property in Arcadia.

In order to use a pre-approved ADU plan, you must contract with the designer responsible for the plan set. All pre-approved plans still require a site plan. A list of submittal requirements is found on the City’s Submittal Checklist for Using a PAADU Plan.

Your ADU Building permit application, including supporting plans and documents, are accepted online via Arcadia EDGE at the link below or scan the QR code below. *Please note that pre-approved plans may not be used for sites located in the Very High Fire Severity Zone (VHFSZ), unless the plan was specifically designed with alternative details for the VHFSZ.

Arcadia EDGE E-Permit Portal – Apply for ADU Permit Using a Pre-Approved Plan

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

When you are ready to submit, Building Division Staff will invoice the appropriate fee based on the ADU square footage, and the impact fee for ADU’s 750 square feet and larger in size.

ADU Website: Guide to Accessory Dwelling Units in the City of Arcadia

Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations

For questions regarding the PAADU Program, please contact the Planning Division at (626) 574-5423 or by email at Planning@ArcadiaCA.gov.

The following plans have been pre-approved by the City of Arcadia. To use a pre-approved ADU plan, homeowners must contract with the designer responsible for the plan set. Contact information for designers with pre-approved plans and sample floor plans and elevations of their ADU units are available below. 

*Please note that pre-approved plans cannot be modified. Any changes will require a new set of revised plans, subject to review by the City.