AB 1332: Colma Pre-Approved ADU Plans Program

The Town of Colma’s Pre-Approved ADU Plans Program makes building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) faster, easier, and more affordable. By using plans that have already been reviewed for compliance with the California Building Code and local regulations, homeowners can save time and reduce costs.

This program supports Assembly Bill 1332 and complies with California Code, GOV 65852.27, helping Colma expand housing options.

What Are Pre-Approved ADU Plans?

  • Pre-reviewed designs for detached ADUs
  • Checked for compliance with state and local codes
  • Include structural, roof, and floor plans
  • For general use only (not linked to a specific property)
  • No customization beyond materials for an expedited 30-day review

Browse available pre-approved plans through the new online Colma ADU Plans Gallery, which provides homeowners interested in adding ADUs access to:

  • Site-built plans: Constructed directly on your lot
  • Prefabricated plans: Built off-site and delivered

Please note that the approval of pre-approved ADU plans does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any specific designer, contractor, or other design professional by the Town of Colma.

Applicability

The Pre-Approved ADU Plans program applies to new construction of detached ADUs using unmodified pre-approved plans.

Who Can Participate?

  • Homeowners: Planning to build an ADU using pre-approved plans, or pre-approved plan owners/designers/contractors submitting a site-specific application on behalf of the property owner.
  • Designers & Vendors: Licensed professionals submitting plans for pre-approval, which include:
    • Designers of stick-built ADUs
    • Manufacturers of factory-built or modular ADUs

How It Works

For Designers

Phase 1 – Pre-Approval (Not Site-Specific)

  1. Designer submits plans, permit application, and applicable fees.  Plans must include structural, floor plans, roof plans, etc., but no property-specific information or site plans.
  1. Planning and Building Department staff review submitted plans within 60 days and notify the designer of any incomplete items or needed corrections.
  2. Designer resubmits the plan revision and responses to comments until the application is complete and all comments are addressed.
  3. If the proposed plan complies with building codes and zoning regulations, it is pre-approved and featured on the Colma ADU Plans Gallery This listing includes basic plan information and the plan owner's contact details.
  4. Complete construction drawings do not need to be posted. Staff will remove the plan listing within 30 days upon the plan owner's request.
  5. Plans will remain available with pre-approval until the current Building Code cycle ends.

Resources for Designers

For Homeowners

Phase 2 – Using Pre-Approved Plans (Site-Specific)

  1. Select a plan from the Colma ADU Plans Gallery
  2. Contact the designer for full pre-approved ADU plan details
  3. Submit a site-specific application, fees, and building permit. This includes site-specific materials not reviewed during pre-approval, such as a site plan and utility connections.
  4. Planning staff reviews the complete application within 30 days; the permit is issued upon approval.
  5. Begin construction!

Resources for Homeowners

Questions?

Contact the Planning Department:
📞 (650) 757-8888 | ✉ planning@colma.ca.gov

Contact the Building Department:
📞 (650) 757-8888 | ✉ building@colma.ca.gov

Additional Information

For information on ADU regulations, FAQ's, and other resources, visit our Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) webpage.

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