Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Program
Del Norte County Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Program
Introduction
California Assembly Bill (AB) 1332, which modifies Government Code 65852.27, mandates that each local agency develop a “Pre-Approved ADU Program” for detached ADUs. In response to AB 1332, the County is accepting applications from designers, architects, builders, and other qualified professionals for “Pre-Approved ADU Plans.” Prior to being approved as “Pre-Approved ADU Plans,” the plans will go through the traditional plan check process to determine if they meet all applicable codes and regulations.
As this is a newly introduced initiative designed to streamline the process of developing detached ADUs, it is subject to ongoing evaluation and potential modifications. Any changes will aim to improve the program’s efficiency, enhance clarity, and better serve applicants by addressing emerging needs and user feedback. Adjustments may include updates to application requirements, modifications to review processes, or revisions to pre-approved plan criteria to ensure alignment with evolving local regulations and state laws. The County is committed to continuous improvement and values collaboration with applicants to refine the program. We look forward to partnering with you to make your ADU project a success while advancing the program’s goals of efficiency and accessibility.
For questions or more information, please contact building@co.del-norte.ca.us.
Design Professionals
Design professionals interested in having their detached ADU plans pre-approved may submit plans for pre-approval independently of a site-specific plan check. Once approved, these “independent ADU plans” may be utilized for ADU projects on various properties, provided they meet the approved design. While pre-approval streamlines the process, it’s important to note that each specific site will still require a separate building permit application. Any site-specific requirements will be verified during the subsequent site-specific building permit process.
All pre-approved ADU plans will be listed on this webpage to help connect design professionals with property owners who are interested in adding an ADU to their property. Design professionals will still retain their copyright to their plans, requiring property owners to contract directly with the designer for use. Please note, pre-approval remains valid until the County adopts new building or zoning codes affecting the plan. Design professionals are responsible for submitting new plans that implement such changes to comply with the regulations in effect.
To apply for the County’s Pre-Approved ADU Program, please review and complete the applicable materials listed below.
- Pre-Approved ADU Program: Preliminary Application
- Pre-Approval ADU Program: Submittal Checklist
- Pre-Approved ADU Program: Authorization to Release
After preparation of the applicable documents, schedule an in-person appointment to physically submit the application materials and remit the respective fees.
Property Owners
To use a Pre-Approved ADU plan, property owners must contract with the designer, architect, builder, and other qualified professional responsible for the plan set. While Pre-Approved ADU Plans help streamline the design and permitting phases, additional site-specific plans, studies, and engineering, may still be required. For more detail, please review the County’s Pre-Approval ADU Program: Site Specific Submittal Checklist.
Pre-Approved ADU Plans
As required by state law, the County posts Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) plans and the contact information for the plan applicants on our website.
Please note:
The County does not guarantee the accuracy of the contact information.
Posting these plans does not mean the County endorses the applicants.
If you want your Pre-Approved ADU plan removed, contact the Building Inspection Division at building@co.del-norte.ca.us.
Currently, no ADU plans have been pre-approved by the County. Pre-Approved ADU Plans will be listed here when they become available. Please check back regularly for updates.
