ADU Program

The City of Fresno’s ADU Program encourages the development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by offering a selection of pre-approved plans to homeowners. The plans offer a variety of sizes and styles that will match the diversity of Fresno’s neighborhoods and the needs of households throughout the city. These plans can also be used to build small primary homes to help first-time buyers enter the housing market or assist those seeking to downsize.

Pre-Approved Plans

There are five pre-approved plans and three design elevations to choose from for each plan.

Visit the Permit Application page to learn how to apply for an ADU building permit using a pre-approved plan.

Pre-approved plans include plans for solar panels. Fire sprinklers may be required for ADU’s under certain circumstances. These circumstances may be tied to the existing residence, for example when the primary residence is fire sprinklered, generally the ADU must also be fire sprinklered, or when the ADU will be too close to a property line or adjacent residence. In some cases, adding fire sprinklers to the ADU may be more cost effective than other forms of required fire protection. For example, fire sprinklers are allowed to be installed as a substitute when the location has deficient fire department access or fire water supplies (including hydrant placement). These items are addressed when the ADU pre-construction site (or plot) plans are submitted for review and approval.