ADU - Pre-Approved Plans

Pre-approved ADU Plans enable homeowners to construct ADUs on their property through an expedited building permit process!  

ADU designers/builders who offer standard construction plan layouts that are pre-approved can offer their customers a streamlined and expedited permit process. Refer to the Pre-Approved Design Professionals at the bottom of this page to see who are offering pre-approved plans in San Rafael.  

This pre-approval program applies only to detached ADUs. All pre-approved plans are still subject to parcel- specific site plans.   

For design professionals seeking to obtain approval of master construction plans, see the next section. 

For homeowners using preapproved plans, see the Homeowners section below. 

Complete a building permit application with the required plans and submit the proposal in accordance with the procedures outlined in the Building-Permit-Application-1.pdf  page.  

Each submittal will be routed to Building, Planning, San Rafael Fire Department, and Public Works for review. 

IMPORTANT: Each master plan will need to be updated each time San Rafael adopts new building codes, building policies, or zoning regulation updates. 

 Master Plan Submittal Packages shall include the following:   

1. Architectural plan set to include a title sheet, floor plan, elevations, sections details, utility plan sheet, and design specific details. 
2. Structural plan set to include a foundation plan, roof framing plan, floor framing and structural details. 
3. Structural Calculations, as applicable. 
4. Current CalGreen Checklist – Residential. 

The City of San Rafael only accepts electronic submittals. For instructions on how to submit, click eTRAKiT (cityofsanrafael.org). 

This section provides guidance on developments standards, resources, and Frequently Asked Questions that can simplify and expedite your project design.

If your project is based on a pre-approved design, an application similar to any other type of building permit application shall be completed. Each application submittal shall include the Pre-approved Master Plan Package, Site Plan, and, if necessary, the specs for the outdoor mechanical equipment, including the noise attenuation measures. Pre-Approved plans may not be altered in any manner.  

City of San Rafael is located in the San Francisco Bay region, which has several types of environmental conditions. Much of the City is within zones that are considered geologic and hydrologic hazard areas. Any development within these areas requires specific site review. Therefore, all pre-approved ADU applications are limited to parcels located outside the areas below.  

• Hillside  

• Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) 

• USGS Geology  

• Tsunami Inundation Zones 

The City does not yet have pre-approved plans. We will add pre-approved plans to this section once they have been reviewed and approved.