Preapproved ADU Plan Program

Why apply for preapproval?

• You retain the copyright to the preapproved designs. Residents must contact you to use the plans.
• Building permit submittals with preapproved plans require less time for plan review, making the permit process quicker for your clients.
• There is no limit on the number of times a preapproved plan can be used in Woodland.
• ADUs are in demand. The City has issued about 10 ADU building permits per year since 2021.

Preapproval Steps: 

1. Reference the ADU Preapproval Application Requirements Checklist. 
2. Submit the required documents. Resubmit as required. 
3. Pay plan review fees prior to approval. 
4. Staff posts your contact information on this webpage!

Key Notes: 

• The designer is required to update all preapproved plans following updates to any applicable codes or requirements. Revisions must be submitted before new code cycle is in effect. If plans are not resubmitted with updates for each new Building Code cycle, the designer and plans will be removed from the preapproval list. 
• The City is not be liable for any illegal reproduction of floorplans or other copyrighted materials posted on the City of Woodland website.
• The City will not be responsible for the accuracy of the designer contact information posted on the website. The plan designer can request for contact information to be updated or removed from the preapproved list at any time. 

Steps to Using Preapproved Plans:

1. Contact the Planning Division to Verify if an ADU is Allowed

Accessory dwelling units are permitted in all zones that allow for single-family or multifamily residential uses. Contact the Planning Division at CDD-Planners@cityofwoodland.gov to verify if an ADU is allowed on your property under the current Zoning Ordinance.

Additional requirements may apply for ADUs in flood hazard areas. Staff can also identify if your property is located in a flood zone.

2. Contact the Preapproved Plan Designer

The designer of ADU plans preapproved by the City of Woodland retains the copyright to those plans. If you are interested in one of the preapproved plans, contact the designer. They will provide further information about a contract or payment for use of the plans.

3. Apply for a Building Permit using the Preapproved ADU Permit Checklist

Staff strongly recommends that you hire the plan designer, a licensed contractor, or another professional to facilitate the permitting process. Submittals using preapproved plans still require site-specific materials, as described in the submittal checklist. The ADU must also meet all setbacks, lot coverage requirements, and fire codes for the lot where it is proposed. Permit fees, inspection fees, and impact fees (if applicable) will also be charged prior to building permit issuance.

The permitting process is typically accelerated for preapproved plans, as a significant portion of the plan review was already completed. However, incomplete or incorrect submittals of the remaining materials can slow down the permitting process.

4. Other Applicable Permits and Requirements
   1. School District Fees, if the proposed ADU is 750 square feet or larger
   2. Encroachment Permit, if water and sewer connections are proposed separate from the primary residence
   3. Fire Sprinkler Plans- Deferred submittal to Fire Department
      • For information on how to submit fire sprinkler plans or to schedule a fire department inspection (if required), visit the Fire Department's webpage or call 530-661-5872.

5. Obtain and Pass Required Building and Fire Department Inspections

After permit issuance, construction can commence. You must pass all required inspections before the project can be finalized. For building inspection requests, call (530) 661-5817.

Fees:

Building permit applications using preapproved plans are still subject to the following fees:

• Building Permit Processing Fees
• Building Inspection Fees
• Impact Fees (if the ADU is 750 square feet or larger)
• Fire Sprinkler Plan Review and Inspection Fees (if applicable)

Key Notes:

• Preapproved plans are not guaranteed to work on every site. Discuss requirements with the Planning Division prior to contracting with any designer or professional.
• Preapproved plans may not be altered. If the design includes optional features, all options must be included during the preapproval process. This does not apply to exterior cosmetic features, such as paint or shutters.