Pre-Designed ADU Program

Background

The cities of Arroyo Grande, Atascadero, Grover Beach, and Morro Bay obtained grant funding as joint applicants to hire a consultant and create a pre-designed Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) plan program. The goal of this joint effort is to expedite the ADU permitting process and encourage the construction of accessory units to support our regional housing goals. 

What is an ADU?

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a residential unit that can be added to a lot with an existing single-family home or multi-family development. ADUs can be located in a few different places, either detached (such as a separate building in a backyard), attached to a part of the primary residence as an addition, or be converted from an existing garage or other part of the primary residence. ADUs are independent rental units that have their own kitchens, bathrooms, and entrances. Some common other names for ADUs are accessory apartments, secondary suites, and/or granny units/flats.

What is a JADU?

A Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) is a section of an existing single-family home that is repurposed as a private dwelling by incorporating a small kitchen and separate entrance. The difference between a JADU and ADU is that JADUs must be located within the existing primary residence and be no greater than 500 square feet in size. JADUs require owner occupancy either in the primary residence or accessory unit.

ADU Handout

The City of Morro Bay has developed a handout/guide describing the process of design, planning, and permitting for the Pre-Designed ADU. Otherwise, Morro Bay will be following the guidelines as set by the State. Those guidelines can be viewed in the California Department of Housing and Community Development ADU Guidebook, found here.

ADU Stock Plans

The City, in conjunction with the cities of Grover Beach, Atascadero, and Arroyo Grande has developed Pre-Approved ADU stock plans to facilitate the construction of additional units on eligible properties. A presentation illustrating the ADU Stock Plan process and a preview of the floor plans and architectural style can be found here.

Full bid sets can be found at the below links:

Please contact Airlin Singewald, Community Development Director, at asingewald@morrobayca.gov if you are interested in submitting plans to be available on the City's website.

Last updated: March 7, 2025