Placer County adds new ADU plan - Placer County Website (.gov)

Placer County has released a new pre-reviewed plan for a one-bedroom accessory dwelling unit, expanding options for property owners looking to add secondary housing units to their properties.

The 661-square-foot unit features a single-story design without a garage, addressing customer demand for a more compact ADU option that differs from the county's existing two-story garage unit.

Accessory dwelling units, commonly known as ADUs or granny flats, are secondary residential structures built on single-family property lots.

California law requires local jurisdictions to streamline ADU approval processes, and pre-reviewed plans help property owners bypass lengthy review procedures that typically accompany custom designs.

The new plan joins Placer County's existing suite of pre-approved ADU options that were first introduced in May 2023, which included one-, two-, and three-bedroom configurations.

Property owners can purchase the pre-reviewed plans for $1,200, representing significant savings compared to standard fees for custom ADU plans that can exceed $9,000.

The plans include engineering for snow loads, foundation specifications, and provisions for solar panels and battery backup systems, while allowing flexibility in heating, roofing, and siding selections.

ADUs provide homeowners opportunities to house family members, generate rental income, or increase property values while helping California communities address housing shortages and workforce housing needs.