The City of Upland now provides free, 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.

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. Detached ADU (1 bed / 1 bath)
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)

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

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

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)

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

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)

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

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)

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

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

Step 1 — Download Your Preferred Plan

Select the ADU size and architectural style that best fits your property. Each download includes the full plan set (architectural, structural, energy, and utility sheets).

Step 2 — Prepare a Site Plan for Your Property

The pre-approved plans provide the building design only. Homeowners must prepare a site plan showing setbacks, existing structures, utilities, easements, and the proposed ADU location. If you have any questions related to the location of your proposed ADU, please refer to the Upland Municipal Code, Chapter 17.37 and contact the Planning Division at (909) 931-4130 with any questions.

Step 3 — Submit Your ADU Application Online

All ADU permit applications are submitted through the CSS Portal. To apply for a Pre-Approved ADU permit you must:

a. Create an account or log in to the CSS Portal.
b. Select "Apply"
c. Choose "Permits"
d. Select the permit type that matches your property:
       - Single Family ADU (Pre-approved Plans) – if the primary structure is a single-family home
       - Multi-Family ADU (Pre-approved Plans) – if the primary structure is a multi-family building

Once selected, the CSS Portal will guide you step-by-step through the submittal process, including entering applicant information, uploading your ADU plan set, and providing all required documents and details.

Step 4 — Receive Your ADU Building Permit

Because the building design is already pre-approved, review times are significantly reduced. Construction may begin after permit issuance.

Design Professionals are now eligible to submit Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) plans to the City for review and designation as a “Pre-Approved ADU Template.” Once approved, the plans and the Design Professional’s contact information will be posted on the City’s website for public use.

Residents will be able to select a pre-approved ADU plan, contact the Design Professional and submit the pre-approved template along with a site-specific site plan for expedited City review.

To submit a Pre-Approved ADU Template for City review:

1.  Visit the Citizen Self-Service (CSS) Portal
2.  Create an account, or log in
3.  Click “Apply”
4.  Under “Plans,” select “Pre-Approved ADU Template”
5.  Pay fee and submit