Pre-Approved Designs for Accessory Dwelling Units

Berkeley homeowners who want to build an ADU can browse pre-approved designs to get permits faster and at a lower cost.

Property owners interested in building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on their lot can select a pre-approved design to save on cost and time.

Browse the ADU Plans Gallery

The City’s ADU Plans Gallery offers a suite of designs. The designs range across square footage, number of bedrooms and restrooms, energy-efficient appliances, and accessibility features.

Prefabricated designs are available from small studios to a three-bedroom homes, so you can find what best fits your residential lot.

If you are unsure if you can build an ADU on your property, visit the Residential Additions and Accessory Dwelling Units webpage to learn more.

How it works

Steps for homeowners

Visit Berkeley’s pre-approved Plans Gallery and browse all available detached ADU designs.
Before selecting a design, contact Berkeley’s Land Use Planning Division at planning@berkeleyca.gov to ask about any zoning restrictions that may apply to your property.
Once you have selected a pre-approved design, contact the designer. The designer will help you in the process of using the selected plan.
Permit applications for pre-approved designs qualify for a reduced plan check fee at 50% of the usual cost, and will often proceed more quickly.
Design changes cannot be accepted into pre-approved designs. If you want to make design changes, you must submit as a new design and follow normal permit processing procedures.

Steps for architects and designers

To get your ADU design pre-approved by the City of Berkeley, schedule an in-person appointment at our Permit Service Center. For more information, email permits@berkeleyca.gov or call (510) 981-7500.

About the gallery

All designs in the Plans Gallery have been pre-approved by the City of Berkeley, the California Housing and Community Development (HCD) or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In accordance with state law, the City is providing a single, simple platform to give homeowners easy access to pre-approved ADU designs.