Pre Approval of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) Plans
Updated: Oct. 15, 2024
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are defined as complete independent dwelling units that have permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation. Detached ADUs are ADUs that have no connection or shared walls with the primary residence.
In accordance with AB 1332, the City of Hayward is now accepting applications from architects and designers to “pre-approve” plans for detached ADUs. These plans will go through the traditional plan check process to determine if they meet all applicable codes and regulations. If they do, the plans will be marked as pre-approved on the City’s new ADU Plans Gallery. Property owners will be able to browse pre-approved plans within the Gallery and contact architects/designers directly to purchase plan sets.
Architects and designers may submit their ADU plans for pre-approval though the Hayward e-Permit Portal following the steps below. Contact a planner by emailing planning.division@hayward-ca.gov or calling (510) 583-4216 if you have any questions about the pre-approval process.
Submitting an Application:
- Register for an e-Permit Portal account: You must be a registered user of the Hayward e-Permit Portal before you can submit your application. Learn more about how to register on our e-Permit Portal help page.
- Apply for Pre-Approval: Using the e-Permit Portal, complete the online application for “ADU Plan Set Pre-Approval” and attach the required submittal materials, listed below. Learn more about how to apply for a permit on our e-Permit Portal help page.
Required Submittal Materials:
The submittal items below are required for this project type. Please note additional submittal items may be required depending on the project scope.
- Construction Documents. Plans shall be formatted on standard architectural sheets: 18” x 24” or 24” x 36”. All sheets in the set shall be the same size. All plans shall meet professional drafting standards. Plan set must include:
- Architectural Plans (Floor Plans, Elevations, Sections, Details)
- Structural Plans and Details (Floor Framing Plan, Roof Framing Plan/Details, Truss Submittal (if applicable)
- Plumbing, Mechanical and Electrical Plans
- Title 24 Energy Report
- Structural Calculations
- ADU Checklist for Pre-Approved Plans
- Architect/Designer Release: (Submit only if you will allow another architect/designer to prepare site-specific plans using this plan set.)
Project Review:
Applicants will be notified by email or can login to the e-Permit Portal for updates on their application. Standard review times are available to view online.
Paying Fees:
Plan check fees are due prior to project review. There is a detailed list of specific development fees on our Permit Center webpage. After submitting your application, staff will reach out with instructions to complete the required payment.
Submit online via e-Permits Portal
