Advantages of Pre-Approved Plans for ADUs

If you’ve been thinking about adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) to your property in San Luis Obispo County, there’s some great news: the county has recently released a series of pre-approved ADU plans—and they’re a game-changer for homeowners looking to build faster, smarter, and more affordably.

At SLObispo Remodelers, we specialize in ADU construction across the Central Coast, and we’re excited about what these pre-reviewed plans can do for you. Here’s why they matter, and how you can take full advantage of them.

What Are Pre-Approved ADU Plans?

Pre-approved or pre-reviewed plans are architectural designs that have already been reviewed and approved by the local building department. They meet all current codes and regulations for San Luis Obispo County and are ready for immediate use.

Instead of hiring an architect to start from scratch—and then waiting weeks or months for the county to review your submission—homeowners can now select from a library of permitted plans and skip the review line.

🛠️ Key Advantages

✅ 1. Faster Permits and Approvals

One of the biggest hurdles in ADU construction is the timeline. With pre-approved plans, you bypass a major part of the permitting process, often reducing your wait time from months to just weeks.

✅ 2. Lower Design Costs

Because these plans are already designed and reviewed, you don’t need to hire an architect from scratch—saving thousands of dollars in design fees.

✅ 3. More Predictable Budgets

Pre-reviewed plans come with predictable construction requirements, helping you get more accurate quotes upfront—less risk of surprise costs or back-and-forth with the city.

✅ 4. Modern, Flexible Designs

SLO County’s pre-approved ADUs include contemporary layouts and features that work for rentals, multigenerational families, or guest housing. Many include options for:

• Studios, 1- and 2-bedroom layouts

• Detached backyard cottages

• Attached or over-garage units

• Energy-efficient construction

✅ 5. Local Builder Familiarity

Builders like us at SLObispo Remodelers are already familiar with these plans. That means faster quoting, easier scheduling, and fewer delays in construction.

Why SLO County Launched This Program

With rising housing costs and limited inventory, the county is encouraging homeowners to build ADUs as a way to:

• Increase affordable housing

• Help residents generate rental income

• Support aging-in-place and family housing solutions

It’s part of a broader push to streamline residential development while preserving neighborhood character.

How SLObispo Remodelers Can Help

We’ve built dozens of ADUs across SLO County, and we’re ready to guide you through this new process. Here’s what we offer:

• Help selecting the right pre-approved plan for your lot and goals

• Site evaluation and local compliance guidance

• Full-service construction with clear communication

• Optional upgrades and finish customizations

We’ll handle the red tape so you can focus on your vision.

Real-World Example

One recent client in Atascadero wanted a private unit for an aging parent. We used a pre-reviewed 1-bedroom design, submitted the permit in a single meeting, and started building within 3 weeks—something that used to take 2–3 months to get approved.

Not only was the timeline faster, but the cost savings meant they could afford higher-end finishes and an expanded patio.

Want to Explore the Options?

We’ll walk you through the available plans, help you understand what works best for your lot, and build you a beautiful, code-compliant ADU with no guesswork and no stress.

Contact SLObispo Remodelers today to schedule a free consultation and learn how pre-approved ADU plans can save you time and money.

SLObispo Remodelers is committed to helping Central Coast homeowners expand smartly and affordably. We stay up-to-date with county programs to help you make the most of your property—without the usual hassle.