01 / Plan pathChoose the right production starting point.
This is typically a two-agency path: City zoning review followed by Los Angeles County building-permit review.
Express PlanStarting at $4,500For a qualifying jurisdiction preapproved plan adapted into the property-specific architectural production set.
Custom PlanStarting at $6,500For an original floor plan and architectural production set developed around the property and homeowner.
02 / Size + fee checkpointsSize affects more than floor area.
Confirm City zoning standards and the County building-review requirements for the selected ADU pathway.
Separate City and County reviews can create different deposits, fees, consultant coordination, and processing milestones.
500 SFConfirm school-fee assessment rules750 SFState impact-fee protection checkpoint1,000 SFTwo-bedroom state minimum allowance1,200 SFCommon local upper-range checkpoint
03 / Site conditionsProperty conditions can change the path.
- City zoning clearance
- County building-review requirements
- Fire authority
- Hillside and grading
- Utilities and homeowners association review
04 / Consultant screenLikely disciplines to evaluate.
- Structural engineering
- Title 24 energy documentation
- Survey
- Civil, geotechnical, fire, or biological consultation when triggered
Consultants are retained only when required by the property, design, or reviewing agency. Their proposals and coordination are separate from the architectural production fee unless stated otherwise in the agreement.
05 / Property-specific next stepTurn the guide into a preliminary project report.
Enter the address to screen jurisdiction, mapped constraints, likely agencies, drawing requirements, consultants, and the preliminary fee path.
Important: This guide is general planning information, not a zoning determination, permit approval, fee quote, or guarantee of feasibility. Current parcel records, adopted codes, agency interpretations, utility requirements, site investigation, and written agency confirmation control.