How Pre-Approved ADU Plans Can Save You Time and Money in Southern California
If you’ve been thinking about adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) — a backyard home, guest suite, or rental — there’s some great news.
More and more Southern California cities are now offering Pre-Approved ADU Plans, making the process of building faster, easier, and much more affordable.
At Palm Springs Signature Homes, we’ve been helping homeowners across the Coachella Valley and beyond take advantage of these programs — and the results speak for themselves. Homeowners save months of waiting time and thousands of dollars in design fees, all while getting a beautiful, code-compliant ADU that fits their property perfectly.
What Are Pre-Approved ADU Plans?
Pre-approved ADU plans are ready-to-build designs that have already been reviewed and accepted by a city’s Building and Safety Department.
That means the city has already done the heavy lifting — the structural design, code checks, and plan review are done.
For you, this means:
No need to hire an architect for custom drawings
Much faster permit approvals
Lower plan-check costs
Peace of mind knowing the plans are fully compliant
Instead of waiting months for design revisions and approvals, you can move directly into construction once your site plan and utility layout are ready.
Where Can You Use Pre-Approved ADU Plans?
Here in the Coachella Valley, Cathedral City has taken the lead with an impressive Pre-Approved ADU Program.
Their collection includes several designs — like the popular Plan 2 (2-bed, 1-bath, 705 sq. ft.) — that balance comfort, style, and affordability.
And Cathedral City isn’t alone. From Coachella Valley, across Southern California, more cities are joining in:
Santa Ana – multiple studio, 1-bed, and 2-bed plans available for free download
Ventura – complete plan sets up to 3 bedrooms
Pasadena – standard plans pre-reviewed for faster approvals
Burbank – pre-approved ADU library (BPAP program)
Unincorporated Orange County – official ADU plan sets
Unincorporated San Diego County – standard plans ranging from 600 sq ft to 1,200 sq ft
If you own property in any of these areas, you can take advantage of a much simpler and more predictable building process.
Why Homeowners Love This Approach
Beyond the obvious savings, pre-approved plans offer something every homeowner wants: certainty.
With a fixed plan and known specifications, we can give you a realistic cost estimate before we even break ground.
At Palm Springs Signature Homes, our average build range for these projects runs from about $176,000 to $225,000, depending on utility connections, finishes, and site conditions.
And since all designs already meet California energy and structural codes, there’s no risk of surprise design changes or costly re-submittals.
We Handle the Details
Choosing a pre-approved plan doesn’t mean your project is “cookie-cutter.”
We still handle every local requirement — grading, foundation, setbacks, utility runs, and even solar integration.
Want hardwood or tile floors instead of carpet? Quartz countertops? A Mediterranean or Desert Modern finish?
We’ll help tailor those upgrades while keeping your project within budget and schedule.
If you’re planning a solar carport or thinking about separate meters for your ADU, we’ll walk you through the pros and cons and coordinate everything with the city and utility providers.
Your Partner in Building Smart
At Palm Springs Signature Homes LLC, we focus on turning your property’s unused space into something valuable — whether that’s a guest house, a rental unit, or a private retreat for family.
Our team stays up to date with every city’s ADU requirements and pre-approval programs throughout Cathedral City, Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indio, La Quinta, and surrounding Southern California communities.
So when you’re ready to build, you’ll have a partner who already knows the system, the shortcuts, and the savings.
Let’s Talk About Your Project
If you’re ready to explore a pre-approved ADU plan for your property, let’s start with a quick consultation.
We’ll review your lot, check your city’s program, and prepare a free take-off estimate based on current market pricing.
