The cover and site information establish the project
The permit package normally begins by identifying the property, homeowner, project, drawing list, and responsible designers or specialists. The site plan then shows how the work relates to the lot, streets, existing buildings, setbacks, access, parking, and other relevant conditions.
LADBS guidance for ADU submittals identifies a dimensioned plot plan and scaled drawings among the minimum information, while also warning that some projects need additional documents. Local requirements and current checklists must be verified for the reviewing agency.
- Project and property identification
- Sheet index and drawing references
- Existing and proposed site relationships
- Relevant zoning, lot, access, parking, and separation information
- Clear notes about information supplied by the homeowner or specialists
Plans, elevations, and sections describe the building
Existing and proposed floor plans show the work, dimensions, rooms, doors, windows, fixtures, and adjacent conditions. Elevations describe exterior geometry and openings. Building sections make vertical relationships, heights, assemblies, and connections visible.
The necessary detail depends on the assignment. A garage conversion can require careful existing-condition and connection information. New detached construction can require more complete foundation, framing, envelope, and site coordination.
- Existing and proposed floor plans
- Roof plan when applicable
- Exterior elevations
- Building and wall sections
- Schedules, details, notes, and code information
Engineering and other supporting documents must agree with the main drawings
Structural, energy, civil, soils, survey, fire, utility, or other supporting work may be required depending on the property and the reviewing city or county. Loads, dimensions, openings, equipment, utility routes, and notes must agree with the main drawings.
A proposal should state which specialists are included, who hires them, how much coordination is included, and which city or county comments would require additional work.
Submission and corrections are responsibilities, not sheet types
A drawing package does not automatically include permit filing, status checks, agency correspondence, specialist management, or unlimited correction rounds. The proposal should list those responsibilities separately from the drawings.
After review, the response should identify each comment, who will answer it, which document will change, and who will resubmit. New facts, homeowner design changes, added specialist work, or new agency requirements may require additional services.
- Who submits and resubmits
- Who checks status and communicates with the agency
- Included owner revision and agency response rounds
- Included specialist coordination
- Conditions that trigger a written change order
Evaluate an ADU plan proposal through both the drawing set and the responsibility set: what is documented, who supplies each input, who submits it, and how later changes are handled.
Official sources and useful references
Links checked August 29, 2026. They are a starting point; confirm that the current page, map, handbook, or process applies when you use it.
Describe the project and what is still unclear.
Studio Bluework reviews the request before recommending a report, permit-document scope, or another next step.
The inquiry does not create an agreement, take payment, begin work, or authorize agency contact.This article provides general educational information. Property records, site conditions, required specialists, and city or county review may change the answer for a specific project.