Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) City Standard Approval
Along with our City Standard ADU Plans that were prepared by SnapADU and currently available on the City’s website, the City is now approving other City Standard ADU Plans for detached ADUs that are submitted by designers, architects, builders, and other qualified professionals. Once approved, these ADU plans can be used as a City Standard ADU Plan throughout Chula Vista with an expedited plan review timeline and lower permitting costs.
The City’s Development Services Department is currently accepting applications from qualified design professionals. For information on how to apply, please read the “Design Professionals” section below.
As the City approves City Standard ADU Plans from design professionals, an active list will be maintained on this website. A list of City Standard ADU Plans currently approved for use in the City is available below.
More information is available in the “Homeowners” section below.
For questions, please contact the Development Services Counter at DSD@chulavistaca.gov.
For more information about ADU requirements, please view the City’s ADU webpage.
Design Professionals
The City is currently accepting applications from qualifying design professionals to have their plans for detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) approved for use throughout Chula Vista. Having your ADU plans approved as a City Standard ADU Plan by the City is a great way to ensure that your future clients can move through the permitting process quickly and smoothly. All City Standard ADU Plans will be featured on this webpage to help connect you with Chula Vista homeowners who are interested in adding an ADU to their property. You will still retain your copyright to the City Standard ADU Plan design so that any homeowner who wishes to use the design must contract with you to do so.
Once your ADU plan is approved by the City, the City Standard ADU Plan will remain valid until the City adopts new building or zoning codes that apply to your ADU plan. The City will notify you when such changes take place and let you know how updated plans can be submitted.
The City offers two options to get your ADU plans approved as a City Standard ADU Plan:
- Concurrent Processing: The City offers a “Concurrent” application so that you can obtain you’re your City Standard ADU Plan approval while you are going through a site-specific plan check. Simply fill out the City Standard ADU Plan Concurrent Processing Request along with your site-specific plan check application.
- Independent Application: The City also accepts applications for City Standard ADU Plan approval independent of a site-specific plan check. Applications may be submitted online. For form information on how to submit an application, please visit our Online/Electronic Permit Services webpage.
Homeowners
Utilizing the City Standard SnapADU Plans or working with a designer that has an approved City Standard ADU Plan is the quickest way for homeowners to add a new ADU to their property in Chula Vista. Here are just some of the advantages to selecting a City Standard ADU Plan:
- Design Certainty: Know that the basic ADU design you have selected complies with the California Building Code and Citywide design guidelines.
- Fast Review: Applications using City Standard ADU Plans are reviewed in 14 business days, rather than 21 business days for standard applications.
- Reduced Fees: Applicants pay approximately $1,000 less in plan review fees versus a full submittal. Additional construction and inspection fees will be applicable. Please refer to the Accessory Dwelling Unit, Detached, Standard (All Plans) line item on the Fee Bulletin 10-400. Development Impact Fees and School Fees will be charged in accordance with State Law.
To use a City Standard ADU plan, you must contract with the designer responsible for the plan set. All City Standard ADU Plans still require additional site-specific information including but not limited to; site plan, geotechnical report or waiver, energy design, utility connections, and engineering, as applicable. Please refer to the City Standard ADU Plan Submittal Guide, for an overview of what additional information may be required should you use a City Standard ADU Plan.
City Standard ADU Plans
All City Standard ADU Plans still require additional site-specific plans, studies, and engineering. Homeowners are encouraged to contact the Development Services Department at DSD@chulavistaca.gov to learn more about the requirements for constructing an ADU prior to beginning their project.
Along with the City Standard SnapADU Plans, the following City Standard ADU Plans have been approved by the City of Chula Vista. To use a City Standard ADU Plan, homeowners must contract with the designer responsible for the plan set. Contact information for designers with City Standard ADU Plans and sample photos of their ADU designs will be available below as they are approved.
