Here’s an overview of the steps interested property owners should follow to apply to build a single-story detached accessory dwelling unit using the ADU Permit Ready Program:

1. Review the ADU Permit Ready processing guide which provides step-by-step instructions on how to submit and process an application using the ADU Permit Ready Program building plans.
2. Complete and submit the required forms and supporting documents including:
   • ADU Building Permit Application Checklist (B-75)
   • Hold Harmless Agreement
   • Residential Building Permit Application Form (B-1)
3. If the proposed ADU will be located within the Coastal Zone, applicants must apply for and receive approval of a minor coastal development permit from the Planning Division by completing and submitting the additional required documents:
   • Minor Coastal Development Permit Supplemental Form
   • Land Use Application Form (P-1)

   Note: A minor coastal development permit for an ADU must be approved before or concurrent with the ADU building permit.

Studio (400 square feet)
Studio ADU Permit Ready Building Final Plan Set – Fill out and attach to Application
Studio ADU Permit Ready floor plan
Studio ADU Permit Ready architectural styles

One bedroom (680 square feet)
One bedroom ADU Permit Ready Building Final Plan Set – Fill out and attach to Application
One bedroom ADU Permit Ready floor plan
One bedroom ADU Permit Ready architectural styles

Two bedroom (800 square feet)
Two bedroom ADU Permit Ready Building Final Plan Set – Fill out and attach to Application
Two bedroom ADU Permit Ready floor plan
Two bedroom ADU Permit Ready architectural styles

Three bedroom (1,000 square feet)
Three bedroom ADU Permit Ready Building Final Plan Set – Fill out and attach to Application
Three bedroom ADU Permit Ready floor plan
Three bedroom ADU Permit Ready architectural styles

No, applicants can submit a building permit application to build a personalized ADU without using the ADU permit ready plans.

If you plan to construct a junior accessory dwelling unit, which is allowed to be constructed within the walls of the primary residence or attached garage, that will also require a building permit application.

The City of Carlsbad gathered input on how to develop a program to encourage more accessory dwelling units that best meet the needs of our community through an online survey available from May 13 – June 1, 2022.

Staff used the feedback to develop four sets of preapproved building plans and a streamlined approval process. These include four floor plans and three architectural styles that are compatible with existing Carlsbad neighborhoods. The plans were shared with the Planning Commission in March 2023 and the City Council in May 2023.

Due to a housing shortage in California, the state passed several new laws to support the creation of more affordable housing. These require cities like Carlsbad to create incentives for homeowners to build accessory dwelling units on their properties and to require a streamlined permitting approval process.

In response, the city’s recently adopted Housing Plan (also called the Housing Element) included the creation of this program to encourage homeowners to build standalone accessory dwelling units on their properties using preapproved building plans. The program features several sets of permit ready building plans for single-story detached accessory dwelling units that meet state and local building standards.

The streamlined application process is designed to help save property owners time and money when applying to build a single-story detached accessory dwelling unit in Carlsbad. The program increases efficiency by providing permit ready building plans that reduce staff review time and reducing design fee costs.

The cost to create the permit ready program was funded through a grant received from the California Department of Housing and Community Development.