Submit your plans for pre-approval

If you are a design professional, you can submit your ADU plans for pre-approval. If approved, the design will be added as a pre-approved option for Piedmont.

Need to know

  • Cost: $1,015
  • You retain copyright to the design
  • Homeowners who want to use the design must contract with you

Before you start

Pre-approved plans can be used in Piedmont and using them expedites the permit process.

Pre-approval only applies to architectural plans (floor and roof plans, elevations). They do not include site-specific plans and information. You’ll also need to prepare:

  • Cover page with property information, site plan.
  • Complete building permit set including but not limited to
    • Foundation plans
    • Grading/civil plans
    • Title 24 energy compliance documentation
    • Structural drawings and calculations
  • Title Report
  • Site-specific studies that require review from Building and Public Works, like a Geotechnical report.

There are 3 ways to get your plans pre-approved:

Concurrent processing

If you are going through a site-specific ADU plan check, you can get your plans pre-approved concurrently. This will not add to the processing time. This only applies to detached ADUs. To request a concurrent process, include the Request for ADU Plan Pre-approval form with your site-specific application.

Previously approved ADU

If you submitted ADU plans to us after January 1, 2023, and they were approved, they can be considered for pre-approval. Include the approved plan number and make sure your plans meet the requirements in Step 1.

Independent request

You can also submit your plans for pre-approval independent of a site-specific plan check.

Steps

1. Prepare plans for your request.

Make sure all sheets include a title block:

  • Area for design professional to sign all documents
  • Name, title, address, and contact phone number of design professional
  • Area to place address of property and name, address, contact phone number of property owner
  • Scale for all drawings (for plans and elevations, use 1/4" = 1'-0")

Include a fillable cover sheet with blank spaces for:

  • Occupancy and type of construction
  • Fire sprinklers
  • Gross area by floor(s) and building height
  • Lot coverage calculation
  • Index of drawings
  • Identify special hazard Zones: wildland-urban interface area (WUIA); flood zone; liquefaction; seismic hazard zone
  • List of deferred submittals
  • Engineering standard notes
  • Environmental services standard notes
  • Area for plot plan/site plan (may be provided on a separate sheet)

Make sure your architectural plans include:

  • Architectural floor plan(s) with complete dimensions, cross-referenced details, and applicable construction notes
  • Architectural roof plan
  • Exterior elevations with material details indicated
  • Location of plumbing fixtures

2. Complete the pre-approval request form.

Download and fill out the Request for ADU Plan Pre-approval form.

3. Submit your request.

Email your plans and request form to [email protected]. If you are submitting previously approved plans, include the plan number.

4. Pay fee.

Drop-off a check to the Planning & Building Department at City Hall.

What’s next

We will review your application and let you know if anything is missing.

If approved, we will add your plans to our list of pre-approved ADUs. If a homeowner wants to use your plans, they need to:

Pre-approval status is valid until new building or zoning codes that apply to your plans are adopted. When this happens, we will contact you and let you know how to submit updated plans.

Get help