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1. What is an ADU?

ADUs are dwellings that are secondary to a primary single-unit dwelling. They can be attached or detached. The pre-approved plans are detached units.

2. What does pre-approval mean?

The ADU has been reviewed for compliance with the building code and has been approved to build. The homeowner/developer can skip the building design process, building code plan review and plan review fee. The next step in the process is the site design. This step will require design, plan review for site-related requirements and associated fees.

3. What is the permitting process?

To expedite the approval process, it is important for residents to meet with city staff prior to submitting an application to discuss the project. Following the meeting, a resident, or their contractor, submits a building permit application with the pre-approved construction plans through eBuild, the City’s online permitting resource. When submitting a pre-approved plan for permit, identify that the plan is a pre-approved ADU in the project description on the application. See the eBuild User Guide for step-by-step instructions.

Building permitting staff will review the application for completeness and the plans for site-specific regulations. This review will typically take 3-4 weeks.  If there are no questions or items that need to be addressed following the plan review, the applicant will receive notice that the plans are approved and the permit can be issued. If there are outstanding issues, the applicant will receive an itemized list of Plan Review Comments to address prior to approval.   See the Building an ADU Checklist. 

4. Do you have to use one of the pre-approved ADU designs to build an ADU?

No, residents can have their own plans developed. However, the City’s standard review process would apply.

5. How do I use the plan library?

• Browse the online gallery 
• Connect with plan's designer
• Finalize your design
• Prepare a full site plan
• Get a construction permit

6. How much are the plans?

The City of Eugene plans are free to use. The pre-approved plans in the plan library can be purchased from the architect or designer for $500 each.

7. How much does it cost to build an ADU?

Cost is difficult to estimate. It is based on the design, materials, finishing and many other variables. In general, a detached ADU is the same price per square foot as a single detached home. As of 2020 that means that the City of Eugene plan (approx. 576 sq. ft.) would be about $115,000 to construct.