What goes into an ADU permit plan set?

Start with the property and the proposed work

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.

For example, LADBS’s ADU standard-plan bulletin lists floor and roof plans, elevations, sections, and structural and supporting documents. That bulletin is for standard-plan submittals, not a universal checklist for every property. Check the current requirements for your own project and 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

Show the building from more than one direction

Floor plans show the rooms, dimensions, doors, windows, and fixtures from above. Elevations show the outside faces of the building. Sections cut through it so heights, floor levels, roofs, and connections can be understood. Each view answers questions the others cannot.

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

The consultant documents need to match

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.

The proposal should identify which consultant work is needed and how much coordination is included. At Studio Bluework, you select, hire, and pay each required licensed consultant separately. The consultant prepares and takes responsibility for their own professional work.

Ask who submits the plans and handles corrections

Receiving a drawing set does not automatically mean someone will file the application, check its status, or handle every correction. Ask who is doing each task and how many rounds of responses are included.

If the agency returns comments, each one needs an answer from the right person. Some may involve the drawings, others a consultant’s documents or information from you. Changes to the project or work outside the agreed scope may need a separate written authorization.

• 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