The cover and site information establish the project

The permit package normally begins by identifying the property, owner, project description, applicable information, sheet index, and responsible design or consultant parties. The site plan then shows how the work relates to the lot, streets, existing structures, 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 others

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

Consultant and compliance documents must agree with the architectural set

Structural, energy, civil, soils, survey, fire, utility, or other supporting work may be required depending on the property and jurisdiction. Their information is not a detached appendix: loads, dimensions, openings, equipment, utility routes, and notes must coordinate with the architectural drawings.

A proposal should state which disciplines are included, who retains them, how many coordination cycles are assumed, and which agency comments would require additional consultant work.

Submission and corrections are responsibilities, not sheet types

A drawing package does not automatically include permit filing, status checks, agency correspondence, consultant management, or unlimited correction rounds. Those responsibilities should be written into the proposal separately from the drawing list.

After review, a coordinated response identifies each comment, responsible party, revised document, and resubmittal action. Changes caused by new facts, owner redesign, consultant expansion, or agency-driven scope should be distinguished from clarification of the original work.

  • Who submits and resubmits
  • Who checks status and communicates with the agency
  • Included owner revision and agency response rounds
  • Consultant coordination assumptions
  • Conditions that trigger a written change order
Practical takeaway
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

These links are a starting point. Confirm that a page, map, handbook, or fee schedule is current when you use it.

This article provides general educational information. Property records, field conditions, consultant requirements, and jurisdiction review may change the answer for a specific project.