Pre-approved ADU Plans

The City of Upland now provides permit-ready Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) plans for Upland residents. These pre-approved designs make it easier and more affordable for homeowners to build small, efficient, and code-compliant ADUs.

Each plan has already been reviewed for compliance with the California Building Code, California Residential Code, and the Upland Municipal Code, allowing you to move through the permitting process more quickly.

By offering these standardized plans, the City complies with AB1332 and supports California’s ADU housing laws, reduces design and plan costs for property owners, and helps streamline the review and approval process for new ADUs in Upland.

Homeowners may download any of the available plan sets, prepare a site plan specific to their property, and submit through the CSS Portal for approval.

Attn: These pre-approved ADU plans cannot be used in high fire zone areas. Applicants in high fire zone areas will need to have plans professionally drawn to meet building code requirements for high fire zone construction.

Note: The pre-approved ADU plans are designed for 5-foot setbacks or greater at side and rear yard property lines.


Available ADU Plan Options

All pre-approved ADU plans are designed for a minimum 5-foot side and rear setback. If a property proposes an ADU closer than 5 feet to any property line, additional fire-resistance construction, exterior wall ratings, and/or opening protection may be required under the California Residential Code. These additional fire-separation requirements are not included in the pre-approved plan sets and must be designed by the applicant or their licensed design professional.

Each plan includes 3 different architectural styles to choose from: Traditional, Craftsman and Spanish, and range in size from 440 sq. ft. to 745 sq. ft., the options include:

 
440 sq. ft home example


440 sq. ft. plans - CADU0001

A compact one-bedroom unit suitable for most single-family lots. Includes a bedroom, bathroom, living area, kitchen space, and an optional 247 sq. ft. covered patio. (Pictured: Traditional Style)

440 sq. ft. Detached ADU (1 bed / 1 bath)
484 sq. ft home example


484 sq. ft. plans - CADU0002

A one-bedroom layout with a combined living/kitchen area. Includes full structural, energy, and utility sheets. Designed for single-story construction and works on a wide range of lots. (Pictured: Craftsman Style)

484 sq. ft. Detached ADU (1 bed / 1 bath)
495 sq. ft home example


495 sq. ft. plans - CADU0003

A one-bedroom unit with a simple living and dining layout. Includes full architectural, framing, and foundation plans and an optional 120 sq. ft. patio cover. (Pictured: Spanish Style)

495 sq. ft. Detached ADU (1 bed / 1 bath)
705 sq. ft home example


705 sq. ft. plans - CADU0004

A larger one-bedroom model with a full living area, kitchen, bathroom, and included patio cover. Fully engineered for structural, energy, and green-building compliance. (Pictured: Traditional Style)

705 sq. ft. Detached ADU (1 bed / 1 bath)
741 sq. ft home example


741 sq. ft. plans - CADU0005

A two-bedroom, two-bathroom unit with a standard kitchen and living area. This is one of the largest available plan options and is appropriate for households needing more space. (Pictured: Craftsman Style)

741 sq. ft. Detached ADU (2 bed / 2 bath)
745 sq. ft home example


745 sq. ft. plans - CADU0006

A two-bedroom, two-bathroom ADU with a straightforward layout that includes a kitchen, living area, and separated bedroom spaces. (Pictured: Spanish Style)

745 sq. ft. Detached ADU (2 bed / 2 bath)

How to Use the Pre-Approved ADU PlansHow to Use the Pre-Approved ADU Plans

Step 1 — Select and Download a Plan
           Choose the ADU size and architectural style that best fits your property. Each plan set includes architectural, structural, energy, 
           and utility sheets.

Step 2 — Prepare a Site Plan
           Pre-approved plans include the building design only. A site-specific plan is required for each property and must show:

  • Property lines and setbacks
  • Existing structures
  • Utilities and easements
  • Proposed ADU location

For development standards and placement requirements, refer to Upland Municipal Code Chapter 17.37. For additional assistance, contact the Planning Division at (909) 931-4130.

Step 3 — Submit Your Application Online 
           All ADU applications must be submitted through the Citizen Self-Service (CSS) Portal).

To apply:

  1. Log in or create an account in the CSS Portal (click link).
  2. Select Apply from the main menu.
  3. Choose Permits.
  4. Select the appropriate permit type:
    • Single-Family ADU (Pre-Approved Plans) — for single-family residences
    • Multi-Family ADU (Pre-Approved Plans) — for multi-family properties

The portal will guide you through the application process, including entering applicant information, uploading your selected plan set, and submitting all required documents.

Step 4 — Permit Issuance
           Because the plans are pre-approved, plan check review times are reduced. Construction may begin once the permit has been
           issued.

Design Professionals — Submit Pre-Approved ADU Templates
Design professionals may submit ADU plans to the City for review and approval as a Pre-Approved ADU Template. Once approved, plans and contact information will be made available on the City’s website for public use.

Residents may select a pre-approved plan, coordinate with the design professional, and submit the template along with a site-specific plan for expedited review.

To Submit a Template for Review:

  1. Access the CSS Portal (click link).
  2. Log in or create an account.
  3. Select Apply.
  4. Under Plans, select Pre-Approved ADU Template.
  5. Pay the applicable fee and submit the application.

For step-by-step instructions, click the links below: