Pre-approved ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) are pre-vetted plans offered by local jurisdictions allowing applicants to navigate the application process without having to undergo an extensive design phase. A site-specific plan that includes grading, drainage, setbacks, and utilities are still required to be submitted for review and approval. This program is intended to streamline permitting by pre-approving plans for code compliance, saving time and money on design costs. 

Currently, no vendors have submitted an application for review of a pre-approved ADU plan.  Check back at a later time for updates to the Pre-Approved ADU Library.

The City of Oceanside invites licensed and unlicensed design professionals to submit detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU) plans to add to our Pre-Approved ADU Library. This process meets requirements set forth by Government Code Section 65852.27 and supports the City’s ADU program. Plans must be designed to comply with the current code cycle.

To apply, complete the online Building Permit Application found on the Building Division’s webpage.  In the Description of Work section, enter “Pre-Approved ADU Application” and then provide a brief description of the ADU.  Building Staff will respond with a link to upload plans and supporting documents.

Click here for minimum plan submittal requirements

How Your Plans Will be Used if Approved as “Pre-Reviewed”

• Plan Listing: Once your ADU plans have been reviewed and approved for code compliance, basic plan images/thumbnails and your contact information will be added to City’s website for the remaining duration of the code cycle under which it was approved. You will become referenced as a “plan vendor” and applicants looking to build ADUs under the Pre-Approved ADU program may contact you to obtain a “Pre-Reviewed” ADU plan package.
• Licensing and Fees: Project applicants are responsible for licensing fees and limitations on use as required by plan vendors.
• Plan Integration: Pre-reviewed ADU plans may not stand alone and must be integrated with a specific site and project scope. Project applicants and their teams are responsible for this integration and the procurement of a complete building permit application and submittal package. Plan vendors may choose to offer services to assist in this process.

• Income: Once plans are approved as “Pre-Reviewed”, licensing fees for the same Pre-Reviewed ADU package may be sold repeatedly until the end of the code cycle.
• Client Reach: Vendors’ plans and contact information will be listed on our online library to be perused by potential ADU project applicants. Applicants may reach out to purchase a Pre-Reviewed ADU plan package, but they may also be looking for help with a custom ADU project outside of the Pre-Approved ADU program.

Plan vendors should notify the City of Oceanside Building Division when featured designs are no longer offered. Pre-Reviewed ADU plans will automatically expire and be removed at the end of each code cycle.

Applicants wishing to utilize a Pre-Reviewed ADU Plan should request approval from the vendor responsible for the preparation of the plan.  Once approval is granted, the applicant can complete and submit a Building Permit Application found on the Building Division’s webpage.  In the Description of Work section, enter “Detached ADU using Pre-Reviewed ADU Plan #___”. Building Staff will respond with a link to upload plans and supporting documents.  Pre-Reviewed ADU plan submittals will be reviewed and approved within 30 days in accordance with AB 1332.