ADUs/JADUs: Pre-Approved ADU Plans Program

The City has established an ADU Pre-Approved Plan Program, where ADU designers and builders can obtain an approval from the City to provide their ADU plans as a Pre-Approved ADU plans for Brean homeowners to utilize. Although some site-specific customization is necessary, a Pre-approved ADU Plan provides individual homeowners with a reliable means to ensure compliance with all applicable codes and to significantly cut pre-construction expenses and streamline the permit approval process.

For ADU Designers/Builders:  How to Obtain Pre-Approved ADU Plan Approvals as a Vendor/Designer

  1. A completed building permit application with the required plans and fees must be submitted to the Building Division, in accordance with the process. The City of Brea only accepts electronic submittals. Visit the Building Division website or contact Building & Safety Division staff at (714) 671-4406 or building@cityofbrea.gov for more details.
  2. If you are submitting plans for more than one type of ADU, please submit a separate building permit application for review of each ADU type.
  3. The Pre-Approved ADU Plan submittal package must include the following:
    • Architectural plan set, which includes but not limited to, a title sheet, site plan place holder sheet, floor plan, elevations, longitudinal & transverse sections, utility plan sheet, and details.
    • Structural plan set, which includes but not limited to, a foundation plan, roof framing plans, sections and details.
    • Structural calculations (Gravity & Lateral), as applicable.
    • Fire Hazard Severity Zones Design, as applicable
    • Title 24 Energy Minimum Mandatory Measures
    • Residential CalGreen Compliance Mandatory Measures

Examples of a standard Pre-Approve ADU Plan set can be found in other local jurisdictions’ pre-approved ADU programs: Newport Beach, Anaheim, Santa Ana (note: these programs are provided as a reference only)

  1. Once submitted, plans would be routed to all applicable City departments (i.e. Building, Planning, Public Works, Fire) for review.
  2. Once the plans are approved, such vendor/designer will be included in the City’s list of Pre-Approved Designers, where the contact information and type of ADUs pre-approved would become available to the public on the City’s website.

Note:  Each Pre-Approved ADU plan must be updated each time the City adopts new building codes, mid-cycle codes updates, along with other building policies, ordinances and/or Zoning Code updates, if applicable. In order to update Pre-Approved ADU plans, the vendor/designer must go through the review process specified above.  

For Homeowners:  How to use a Pre-Approved ADU Plan to build an ADU on my property

  1. For use of a Pre-Approved ADU Plan, your property cannot be located within a Methane Zone or a flood zone.  In addition, if your property is located within a Hillside Zone, Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone or Liquefaction Zone, additional restrictions may apply. You can look up your property information on the City’s Online GIS map system. Please note that it is always advised to consult with Building & Safety Division staff prior to submitting for Building Permits.  
  2. Once it is determined that your property qualifies to utilize a Pre-Approved ADU Plan, you need to contact the Pre-Approved Designer and work with them to obtain the Pre-Approved ADU Plan.
  3. In addition to the ADU Plan Check Submittal and Questionnaire Worksheet, there are supplemental documents that need to be submitted, along with the Pre-Approved ADU Plan, which may include, but are not limited to, the following:
    1. Updated site plan specific to the project property.
    2. Title 24 Energy Analysis
    3. Civil drawings/drainage/grading plans for all hillside properties, or as applicable
    4. Geotechnical Investigation Report for hillside properties, or as applicable
    5. Preliminary Soils Report or documentation that demonstrates compliance with the City of Brea Foundation Design Policy
    6. Best Management Practices (BMP) Form to be completed and pasted on the drawings (included in the Building Permit Application)
    7. Preliminary Water Quality Management Checklist (PWQMP)
    8. Photovoltaic System & Energy Storage System, as applicable.
    9. Address Request Form
  4. When you have all required plans and documents, it’s time to apply for a building permit. A completed building permit application with the required plans must be submitted to the Building Division, in accordance with the process. The City of Brea only accepts electronic submittals. Visit Building Division website or contact Building Division at building@cityofbrea.gov or (714) 671-4406 for more details.

Important Note: There are various fees associated with ADU building permits and construction. Contact Building Division at building@cityofbrea.gov or (714) 671-4406 for more details.