For Homeowners

  • Pre-approved ADU plans designed by qualified professionals will expedite the overall plan review time which reduces permitting costs.

  • Pre-approved plans that meet City building codes, will save time and reduce design uncertainty.

  • Access to a network of pre-approved design professionals for more affordable construction.

Steps to Using Preapproved Plans:


  1. Contact the Planning Division to Verify if an ADU is Allowed

Contact the Planning Division at planning@pismobeach.org to verify if an ADU is allowed on your property under the current Zoning Ordinances.

Additional requirements apply for ADUs in flood hazard areas. Staff can also help identify if your property is located in a flood hazard area.

  1. Contact the Preapproved Plan Designer

The designer of ADU plans preapproved by the City of Pismo Beach retains the copyright to those plans. If you are interested in one of the preapproved plans, contact the designer. They will provide further information about a contract or payment for use of the plans.

  1. Apply for a Building Permit using the Preapproved ADU Permit Checklist

Staff strongly recommends that you hire the plan designer, a licensed contractor, or another professional to facilitate the permitting process. Submittals using preapproved plans still require site-specific materials, as described in the submittal checklist. The ADU must also meet all setbacks, lot coverage requirements, and fire codes for the lot where it is proposed. Permit fees, plan review, and impact fees (if applicable) will also be charged prior to building permit issuance.

The permitting process is typically accelerated for preapproved plans, as a significant portion of the plan review was already completed. However, incomplete or incorrect submittals of the remaining materials can slow down the permitting process.

  1. Other Applicable Permits and Requirements

    1. School District Fees
    2. Encroachment Permit, if water and sewer connections are proposed separate from the primary residence
    3. Fire Sprinkler Plans- Deferred submittal to Fire Department

  1. Obtain and Pass required Building and Fire Department Inspections

After permit issuance, construction can commence. You must pass all required inspections before the project can be finalized. For Building Inspection Requests, call (805) 773-7045 or visit www.pismobeach.org

Fees:

Building permit applications using preapproved plans are still subject to the following fees:

  • Building Permit Processing Fees
  • Building Permit and Plan Review Fees
  • Impact Fees (if the ADU is 750 square feet or larger)
  • Fire Sprinkler Plan Review and Inspection Fees (if applicable)

Key Notes:

  • Preapproved plans are not guaranteed to work on every site. Discuss requirements with the Planning Division prior to contracting with any designer or professional.
  • Preapproved plans may not be altered. If the design includes optional features, all options must be included during the preapproval process.