With architectural fees climbing, "pre-approved" is the buzzword for 2026. At
San Fernando Valley ADU Construction Contractors, we see homeowners asking if they can use the
LADBS "YOU-ADU" standard plans.
Since the San Fernando Valley is largely comprised of neighborhoods that are part of the City of LA (such as Van Nuys, Northridge, Sherman Oaks, and Woodland Hills), most residents qualify for this program. However, if you live in an independent city within the Valley—such as San Fernando, Burbank, or Glendale—you cannot use the LADBS YOU-ADU plans, as those cities have their own building departments and codes.
What is the YOU-ADU Program?
The YOU-ADU is a "Standard Plan" developed by the City of Los Angeles (Bureau of Engineering and LADBS). It is a free, pre-approved architectural and engineering plan for a detached ADU.
- Design: It is a 1-story, 1-bedroom unit (approximately 455–499 square feet).
- Cost Savings: By using this plan, you save roughly $10,000–$15,000 in architectural fees.
- Speed: Because the structural engineering is already vetted by the city, the "Plan Check" process is significantly faster.
How to Use It in the Valley (3 Steps)
- Verify Jurisdiction: Check your property tax bill or the
ZIMAS website. If your "Jurisdiction" is City of Los Angeles, you are eligible.
- Download the Plans: You can download the full plan set and submittal checklist directly from the
LADBS Approved Standard Plans page.
- Site-Specific Plot Plan: While the house design is free and pre-approved, you still need to hire a professional (or do it yourself) to create a Site Plan. This shows exactly where the unit will sit on your specific lot, including setbacks, utility lines, and its distance from your main house.
Important 2026 Context for the Valley
- New State Mandate (AB 434): As of January 2026, all California cities (including Burbank and Glendale) are now required by state law to offer at least one set of pre-approved ADU plans. If you are in one of those independent cities, check their specific Planning Division website for their version of a "free" or "pre-approved" plan.
- Power Constraints: If you are in the City of LA, remember that while the plans are free, LADWP (Los Angeles Department of Water and Power) may still require a "service planning" review to ensure your neighborhood's transformer can handle the additional load, which is a common bottleneck in older Valley neighborhoods.
If you need guidance or have questions, please
call us!
