Concord Launches Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Program 

CONCORD, CA (April 11, 2023) — The City of Concord has officially introduced its pre-approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) program. The plan will help people save time and money during the design, planning, and permitting process of building an ADU.

Funding comes thanks to a grant from the California Department of Housing and Community Development. The city created six building code-compliant, construction-level drawings for the program. And they have now made the plans available to the public at no cost.

Sometimes called “granny units” or “in-law units,” these residential units typically occupy space on the same lot as an existing or proposed single- or multi-family principal dwelling and provide complete independent living facilities for one or more people.

Concord’s six designs include studios, one-bedrooms, and two-bedrooms. They range in size from approximately 200 square feet to 900 square feet. Each floor plan can accommodate different layouts. The designs also have multiple architectural styles commonly found in Concord. These include Bungalow/Craftsman, Spanish-inspired, Post-war suburban rancher, and modern.

Providing easier and less expensive option

“This is a huge benefit to our community,” said Concord Mayor Laura Hoffmeister. “Providing these free ADU plans will assist the City in meeting the identified goals and policies contained within our adopted Housing Element by making it easier, quicker, and less expensive for our residents to add these units to their property.”

People who utilize the pre-approved plans will not incur the cost of hiring a design professional to prepare drawings, and will significantly reduce the plan check fees associated with reviewing the plans prior to obtaining a building permit.

It also significantly reduces the time it takes to get a building permit. Applications for custom ADUs typically require multiple rounds of plan review and it can take weeks before a permit is issued. With the new pre-approved plans, complete applications can be approved within as few as five days.

More information and links to floor plans/elevations, site plan templates and full drawing sets are available at www.cityofconcord.org/ADUs   

You can direct questions to the Planner on Duty, zoning@cityofconcord.org, (925) 671-3152.