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What is an Ancillary Dwelling Unit (ADU)?
An Ancillary Dwelling Unit (ADU), also known as an Accessory Dwelling Unit, is a small building on the same lot as your main house, like a backyard cottage, basement apartment, garage conversion, or attached addition.
Finding a design made simple.
Our Pre-Approved Plan Library (PAPL) offers backyard ADU designs already reviewed by the for faster approvals and fewer surprises.
Choose a design, work with a Registered Design Professional (RDP) to adapt it to your lot, and submit for permits without a full design review.
Process
1
Check Your Eligibility
Find out if your lot allows an ADU with the ADU Eligibility Lookup Tool.
2
Determine Your ADU Goals
Identify your reason for building an ADU, whether extra space, rental income, or added value.
3
Plan Your ADU
Choose a pre-approved or custom design and figure out your budget.
4
Build Your ADU
Follow your plan, stay in touch with your team, and see your ADU take shape from foundation to finish.
5
Prepare to Move In
Follow your plan, stay in touch with your team, and see your ADU take shape from foundation to finish.
5
Prepare to Move In
Follow your plan, stay in touch with your team, and see your ADU take shape from foundation to finish.
1
Check Your Eligibility
Find out if your lot allows an ADU with the ADU Eligibility Lookup Tool.
2
Determine Your ADU Goals
Identify your reason for building an ADU, whether extra space, rental income, or added value.
3
Plan Your ADU
Choose a pre-approved or custom design and figure out your budget.
4
Build Your ADU
Follow your plan, stay in touch with your team, and see your ADU take shape from foundation to finish.
5
Prepare to Move In
Follow your plan, stay in touch with your team, and see your ADU take shape from foundation to finish.
1
Check Your Eligibility
Find out if your lot allows an ADU with the ADU Eligibility Lookup Tool.
Can I build an ADU on my property?
Enter your address to see what type of ADU is possible on your location.
