ADU Review Process

ADU Review Process

Submitting an Application for Expedited Review

Expedited review of the Accessory Dwelling Unit application together with the plan check application and all accompanying material may be done at no additional cost. Expedited review does not mean that the project submitted is promoted to be immediately reviewed and with staff's immediate attention, it simply only provides a method for two process to occur simultaneously or in concurrence with one another.

Please be aware that this type of submittal comes with an inherent risk that the design may change as a result of staff's comments to the Accessory Dwelling Unit application. A design change may incur additional soft costs to the applicant where required in re-engineering structural details of the project.

When submitting a project for Expedited Review, please include a letter from the applicant and property owner demonstrating their understanding of this risk. A template letter is provided below.

Pre-Approved ADUs

The City of Sierra Madre is now accepting applications for pre-approved Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and is utilizing the plans provided by designs firms below. Using the following designs is intended to expedite the plan check review time.

Mei Li Homes, LLC.
DomADU, a 400 square foot, one bed, one bath layout with a pitched roof design. 

For additional information on the plans and designs, please contact Mei Li Homes, LLC
Website: thedomadu.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone Number: (909) 243-3022

neXt dwelling, LLC.
neXt 400 pre-approved ADU plan, a 400 square foot studio layout that is available in a variety of architectural styles and roof types to help you choose one that best fits your home. 


For additional information on the plans and designs, please contact neXt dwelling, LLC. 
Website: nextdwelling.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone Number: (424) 273-5861

For questions regarding the Pre-Approved ADU program, please contact the Planning & Community Preservation Department.