Placer County offers new pre-reviewed accessory dwelling unit plans - Placer County Website (.gov)

Placer County has launched new pre-reviewed accessory dwelling unit plans that comply with the 2022 California Building Standards Code, offering property owners a streamlined path to add housing on their lots.

The county now provides three ready-to-build ADU designs ranging from one to three bedrooms, allowing owners to bypass lengthy review processes that typically delay construction projects.

ADUs, also known as granny flats or in-law units, are secondary housing structures on residential properties that California has increasingly promoted to address the state's housing shortage.

The pre-approved plans cost $1,200, representing significant savings compared to standard unreviewed ADU applications that can exceed $9,000 in fees.

Each design includes customizable options for heating, roofing and siding, plus engineering for snow loads, foundation specifications, and solar panel compatibility.

The available units include a 661-square-foot one-bedroom design with garage and a 746-square-foot two-bedroom option with optional garage.

Principal planner Nikki Streegan emphasized that the initiative addresses high community demand for housing while providing property owners an efficient development option.

Beyond cost savings, the pre-reviewed plans help property owners navigate homeowners association restrictions and accelerate the permitting timeline, making ADU construction more accessible for generating rental income or housing family members.