San Jose ADUs

San Jose preapproved ADU plans: what homeowners should know

Preapproved ADU plans can make the permit path faster. But they do not clear your lot by themselves.

Published August 8, 2026

San Jose has a preapproved ADU program. These plans have already been reviewed by city staff for code. That can save time.

But the plan is not the whole project. You still need a site-specific plan. The city still needs to see where the ADU will sit, how utilities work, and whether your lot has limits.

Quick answer

  • Preapproved means the standard plan was reviewed by San Jose.
  • It does not mean your lot is already approved.
  • You still need a site-specific plan and complete documents.
  • A simple lot may move faster than a hard lot.
  • Ask who pulls the permit and who is liable for the work.

What preapproved means

A preapproved ADU is a standard plan. San Jose has already checked that plan for code. This can reduce back-and-forth during plan review.

The city says permits may be issued on the same day of the scheduled plan review meeting if the site-specific plan and related documents are accurate and complete.

That is a big “if.” Trees, slope, utility lines, fire rules, easements, and access can still slow the job down.

Approved San Jose preapproved ADU plans

The city lists these vendors in its approved preapproved ADU plan section. Confirm the current status before you pay a deposit, because city lists can change.

Ca2Homes / UniADU

  • 499 sq. ft. 2 bedroom 1 bath ADU
  • 747 sq. ft. 2 bedroom 2 bath ADU

Ask this: Ask if they handle only the plan, or if they also handle the builder, permit, site work, and inspections.

J. Kretschmer Architect / GetADU

  • 748 sq. ft. 2 bedroom 1 bath ADU
  • 476 sq. ft. 1 bedroom 1 bath ADU

Ask this: Ask who builds the ADU, who prepares the site-specific plan, and what happens if you want a change.

LiveLarge

  • 795 sq. ft. 2 bedroom 2 bath ADU

Ask this: Ask for the full installed price, delivery needs, utility scope, and who pulls the permit.

Plans under review are different

San Jose also lists some plans as under review. These are not the same as approved plans. The city says they are not yet eligible for the expedited preapproved path.

These pending plans are still useful to watch:

Questions to ask before you choose a plan

  1. Is this plan approved today, or still under review?
  2. Who prepares the site-specific plan?
  3. Who pulls the permit?
  4. Who is the licensed contractor of record?
  5. What happens if my lot needs changes?
  6. Does the price include foundation, trenching, utilities, delivery, and finish work?
  7. Will any change remove the fast-track permit path?

Cost is a separate check. Read San Jose preapproved ADU costs before you compare plan prices.

If you are not sure whether a standard plan fits, compare preapproved ADUs vs custom ADUs in San Jose.

When a preapproved ADU may fit

A preapproved plan may be a good fit when your lot is simple, the standard layout works, and you do not need many changes.

It may be a poor fit when you need special privacy, custom windows, tight access, a hard utility route, or a garage conversion with unknown slab and wall conditions.

How this fits the bigger ADU search

If you are comparing companies, start with the Bay Area prefab ADU company list. Then read the San Jose prefab ADU cost guide so you know what the unit price may leave out.

If your main goal is speed, also read the San Jose ADU project timeline. The fastest project is usually the one with the cleanest documents.

Official sources

Frequently asked questions

What is a San Jose preapproved ADU plan?
It is a standard ADU plan that San Jose staff already reviewed for code. It is not a full approval for your exact lot.
Can a preapproved ADU get a same-day permit?
Sometimes. San Jose says same-day permit issuance may be available when the site-specific plan and documents are complete and accurate.
Do I still need a site plan?
Yes. San Jose says applicants still need a site-specific plan that shows where the ADU will go on the property.
Can I change a preapproved plan?
Be careful. San Jose says changes may move the project out of the expedited preapproved path. Ask the vendor before you plan changes.
Are pending plans the same as approved plans?
No. Pending plans are still under review. They are not yet eligible for the faster preapproved path.

Ready to talk to someone?

Send your ADU question or quote details. I will help you find the next step.

Send your ADU details