Quick Answer: A permit-ready ADU plan (also called a pre-approved ADU plan) is a set of architectural drawings that has already been reviewed and approved by a city’s building department — meaning when you submit these plans for your specific property, the plan review process is dramatically faster because the design has already been vetted. San Jose launched its Pre-Approved ADU Plans Program in 2020 and currently maintains a catalog of approximately 25-30 pre-approved ADU designs ranging from studios (300 sq ft) to 2-bedroom units (up to 1,200 sq ft). Using a pre-approved plan in San Jose can cut permit approval time from 8-12 weeks to 2-4 weeks. The pre-approved plans are available on the City of San Jose website (sanjoseca.gov/ADU) at no cost for the plan set itself — you pay standard permit fees ($3,000-$10,000 depending on ADU size) and site-specific engineering costs ($3,000-$8,000 for foundation and soils work specific to your lot).
San Jose Pre-Approved ADU Plan Program Details 2025
Helpful Resources:
| Factor | Pre-Approved Plan | Custom Architectural Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Plan cost | Free (from City of San Jose) | $8,000 – $20,000 (architect fee) |
| Plan review time | 2-4 weeks | 8-16 weeks |
| Permit fee | Standard fee ($3,000-$10,000) | Standard fee ($3,000-$10,000) |
| Site-specific engineering | $3,000 – $8,000 | Included in architect fee |
| Design flexibility | Limited to catalog designs | Fully custom layout and appearance |
| Best for | Standard rectangular lots, faster timeline | Unusual lots, hillside, custom look |
Quartz Construction builds ADUs from both pre-approved plans and custom architectural plans in San Jose. We handle plan selection, site engineering, permit submission, and construction. Learn about ADU construction services. CSLB #1003436 | Call (650) 749-7436.
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"Quartz Construction did an amazing job on our kitchen remodel. The team was professional, on time, and the results exceeded our expectations. Highly recommend to any Bay Area homeowner!"
— Michael T. |
"We hired them for a bathroom remodel in our San Jose home. From permitting to final walkthrough, everything was handled perfectly. The tile work is stunning. 5 stars without hesitation."
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"Just finished our ADU garage conversion. The project came in on budget and on schedule — rare in the Bay Area! The rental income already started. Could not be happier with Quartz Construction."
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Quartz Construction & Remodeling | CSLB #1003436 | Licensed, Bonded & Insured
Phone: (650) 749-7436
Address: 1777 Hamilton Ave #1080, San Jose, CA 95125
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