What is the LADBS Standard Plan Program?

It is a program run by the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety in which an ADU design is reviewed and pre-approved once. After approval, anyone building that design in the City of Los Angeles can skip most of the structural and architectural plan check, which shortens permitting.

Does a pre-approved ADU plan mean I can skip permits entirely?

No. You still pull a building permit and still need a site-specific review for things tied to your lot — foundation, grading, drainage, utility connections, and zoning. The Standard Plan only pre-clears the repeatable parts of the design, so the remaining review is faster.

Are pre-approved ADU plans cheaper to build?

They can lower soft costs. Because the design is already vetted, you typically save on plan-check time and revisions, and you start from a complete, code-compliant plan set. Construction (hard) costs depend on size, finishes, and site conditions.

Where do I find pre-approved ADU plans?

Los Angeles publishes a catalog of approved Standard Plan ADU designs, and licensed architects and designers also sell ready-to-build ADU plan sets. A-du Build is a marketplace where you can browse and buy pre-approved ADU plans compliant with the California Residential Code.

LADBS Standard Plan Program for ADUs, Explained

The LADBS Standard Plan Program is a Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety program that pre-approves an ADU design once so it can be permitted repeatedly with a much shorter plan check.

It is also called the Standard Plan ADU or pre-approved ADU program. The goal is to make building a code-compliant ADU faster and more predictable.

How a Standard Plan ADU works

Normally, every set of building plans goes through a full plan check, where the city reviews the architecture and structure against the building code. The Standard Plan Program front-loads that work: an ADU design is reviewed and approved one time. After that, the same design can be built again and again, with the city only reviewing what is specific to each individual lot.

What still has to be reviewed on your lot

Foundation and soil — sized for your site conditions.
Grading and drainage — how water moves on your property.
Utility connections — water, sewer, gas, and electrical service.
Zoning and setbacks — placement, height, and fire-separation on your specific parcel.

Because the repeatable architectural and structural review is already done, this site-specific review is what is left — which is why pre-approved plans typically permit faster than a fully custom design.

Pre-approved plans vs. custom design

A custom ADU gives you full control over layout and look, at the cost of a longer, more expensive design and review cycle. A pre-approved or Standard Plan ADU trades some flexibility for speed, predictable pricing, and a plan set that has already cleared code review. For many homeowners, starting from a pre-approved plan is the fastest route to a finished, rentable ADU.

Browse pre-approved ADU plans on A-du Build or learn what an ADU is.

Frequently asked questions

What is the LADBS Standard Plan Program?: It is a program run by the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety in which an ADU design is reviewed and pre-approved once. After approval, anyone building that design in the City of Los Angeles can skip most of the structural and architectural plan check, which shortens permitting.
Does a pre-approved ADU plan mean I can skip permits entirely?: No. You still pull a building permit and still need a site-specific review for things tied to your lot — foundation, grading, drainage, utility connections, and zoning. The Standard Plan only pre-clears the repeatable parts of the design, so the remaining review is faster.
Are pre-approved ADU plans cheaper to build?: They can lower soft costs. Because the design is already vetted, you typically save on plan-check time and revisions, and you start from a complete, code-compliant plan set. Construction (hard) costs depend on size, finishes, and site conditions.
Where do I find pre-approved ADU plans?: Los Angeles publishes a catalog of approved Standard Plan ADU designs, and licensed architects and designers also sell ready-to-build ADU plan sets. A-du Build is a marketplace where you can browse and buy pre-approved ADU plans compliant with the California Residential Code.

This guide is general information, not legal or permitting advice. Program details and the approved-plan catalog are set by LADBS and change over time; confirm current requirements with the City of Los Angeles or your local jurisdiction.