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FAQ Topic: Planning and Building

Step 2. Submit an Address Request

All Pre-Approved ADU’s require an address to be assigned prior to submittal of Plans. To request a new address, please email the Planning Division at Planning@santa-ana.org with a brief description of your project and a Site Plan identifying all existing buildings on the property and the location of proposed detached ADU. Please allow up to … Continued

Step 6. Final Approval & Permit Issuance

Once plan check fees have been received, staff will review application and materials and notify applicant on any further direction. After all required departments have reviewed application and materials and they have been approved, staff will finalize any required permit fees and applicant will be directed to submit final payments. Once all payments have been … Continued

Step 5. Building Plan Check Review

Once your request for Pre-Approved ADU Building Plan Check has been received, you will be invited (via email) to create an account and submit your project materials into a portal for review. Please follow the E-Plan Check Review Upload and Submittal Guide for file naming, size requirements and uploading instructions. You will have 10 days … Continued

Can I sell or rent my ADU?

ADUs may be rented separately from the primary residence, but shall not be used as a short-term vacation rental. An ADU may only be sold separately from the primary building on the lot if the primary building and the ADU were built or developed by a qualified non-profit corporation in accordance with Government Code Section … Continued

Can I build a two story ADU?

Attached ADUs may be built up to the same height permitted in the underlying zoning district for the primary building. Detached ADUs may be built up to two stories not exceeding 20 feet in height. Conversion of an existing accessory structure or a portion of the existing primary residence to an ADU is not subject … Continued

Step 3. Submit a Building Plan Check Request

Projects utilizing the Pre-Approved ADU Plans can only submit via electronic plan check. Pre-Approved ADU plans qualify as Tier 2 Projects and are eligible for Planning and Building concurrent review. Click here to request an electronic plan review for a new Pre-Approved ADU. Please allow up to 3 business days for staff to process your request … Continued

Step 4. Prepare and Finalize Documents for E-Plan Check Review

While you wait for a response, please ensure you have all the following  documents, which are required for Pre-Approved ADU Plan submittal. 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 Hold Harmless Agreement Site Plan detailing the Pre-Approved … Continued

Step 1. Determine Eligibility

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 … Continued

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