Pre-Approved ADU Plan Submittal Process

To utilize Santa Ana’s Pre-Approved ADU Plans, your property must meet the following requirements:

• • Project site is developed or proposed to be developed with a single-family dwelling unit
  • Not located in a flood zone (Zone A or AE)
  • Not located in a historic district (French Park (SD-19), Downtown Historic District, and Floral Park)
  • Not located in Heninger Park (SD-40)
  • Proposed project must meet grading permit exemption requirements

Use the property information search tool to determine if your property is eligible.

While Pre-Approved ADU Plans have already been reviewed by City staff, navigating the permit, plan check, and development process can be complex. To better assist you through this process, it is highly advised that you contact City staff for a pre-submittal consultation.  Email us at planning@santa-ana.org to schedule your pre-submittal consultation.

• To make your consultation as fruitful as possible, please review the following required Pre-Approved ADU application submittal documents,  prepare to discuss your ADU proposal, and think of any questions that you may have.
  • Pre-Approved ADU Submittal Checklist, use this sheet as a guide to ensure your plans meet all necessary requirements for submittal.
  • Pre-Approved ADU Application and Affidavit
  • Pre-Approved ADU Hold Harmless Agreement
  • Site Plan detailing the Pre-Approved Plan set utilized, all existing and proposed structures, property lines, walkways, driveways, landscaped yards, walls/fences, air conditioning units, and existing or proposed easements (minimum scale: 1 inch = 20 feet).
  • Cover Page (Title Sheet) of your chosen Pre-Approved ADU Plan must have all fillable fields completed.
  • Detached ADU Grading Permit Waiver shall be submitted, completed and signed along with application.
  • Copy of Recent Title Report: The Title Report must have been completed within the last six months and must include an Assessor’s Parcel Map, Grant Deed, and Legal Description for the property. The Grant Deed should indicate the owner of record signing the General Data and Affidavit form.  A Title Report can be obtained through any title company.
  • All other required documents and applications that apply to your project (see Pre-Approved ADU Submittal Checklist).
  • Site Plan and Cover Page (Title Sheet) of your chosen Pre-Approved ADU Plan must be a minimum size of 24″ X 36″.

• To submit your Pre-Approved ADU application please contact your assigned case planner (if you elected to schedule a pre-submittal consultation) or contact the Planning Division at planning@santa-ana.org to schedule a submittal meeting.
• Please note that all projects utilizing the Pre-Approved ADU Plans may only be submitted over-the-counter with paper copies of all documents.
• During your over-the-counter visit, City staff will review your application for completeness and code compliance. Your ADU application will be reviewed by Planning, Building and Safety, and the Public Works Agency. Provided your application is complete and your proposal complies with all code requirements, your over-the-counter submittal may be approved in as little as one day.

• Once all City departments have reviewed and approved your application submittal, you will be required to pay all permit, inspection, capacity and/or impact fees.
  • Please note School District development impact fees will need to be paid offsite at respective School District offices.
• When you have paid all required fees and presented City staff with City and School District clearances, permits can then be pulled.

Once you have been issued your permits, you can begin construction and call (714) 667-2738 to schedule inspections.