Pre-Approved ADU Plan Submission Guide for Designers & Architects

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The City of Monrovia welcomes design professionals to submit ADU plans for inclusion in our public catalog. To grow the selection of available plans, we’re inviting designers and architects to submit plans for consideration in our official pre-approved catalog. Approved plans will be posted on the City’s website and made available to the public. Follow the steps below to apply for pre-approved status

Step 1: Prepare a Complete Plan Package

Design professionals must submit a complete architectural plan package that includes the following:

Title sheet with your firm’s name, ADU model name, and version date
Floor plan, roof plan, exterior elevations (all sides), and building sections
Foundation, framing, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical sheets
Window and door schedules
General notes (including Monrovia-specific standards—see below)
Standard details and structural notes
A sample site plan to show a conceptual placement on a generic lot

Design Parameters:

All submitted plans must comply with the following minimum design standards:

Detached ADUs only
Maximum 800 sq. ft.
One story, max height of 16 ft.
No lofts or two-story spaces
Utility connections (water heater, HVAC) must be shown
AC location must include a note indicating “minimum 3 feet from property line” or equivalent
Include address number placement (per Fire Dept. preferences)

Step 2: Include Required Supplemental Materials

Checklist Cover Sheet – A completed City-provided checklist to confirm all items are present
Pre-Approved Plan Application Form – Identifying the submitting firm and design name
Hold Harmless Agreement – Signed agreement acknowledging City is not liable for construction outcomes or site-specific issues
Demographic Use Note On the plan title sheet include the following questions. Answers will need to be provided by each homeowner who uses the plans. Answers will identify if the ADU is intended for a family member or rental use. This helps the City report ADU activity to the State. The required questions are:
- Is the ADU for a family member? (Y/N)
- Is it for rental? (Y/N)
- If rental, what is the expected monthly rent?

Step 3: Follow Monrovia Formatting Guidelines

For consistency and ease of use, submitted plans must:

Be formatted in a clean, readable layout
Use consistent naming conventions (e.g., “Model A1 – Studio,” “Model B2 – 1BR”)
Include a version/date stamp on each sheet
Standard Plan Note (Required): “This plan has been submitted for pre-approval consideration by the City of Monrovia. Site-specific review for placement, setbacks, and utilities is still required.”

Step 4: Submit Plans to the City

Send your complete submission package in digital format (PDF) to:

📧 building@monroviaca.gov
Subject: Pre-Approved ADU Plan Submittal – [Your Firm Name]

Once received, your plan will be reviewed internally, and City staff will respond within 4–6 weeks with feedback, approval, or requests for revision.

Contact the Building Division for additional information on fees required to review the submission package for pre-approval status.

Step 5: What Happens After Approval

Once approved:

Your plan will be labeled as a Monrovia Pre-Approved ADU Plan and assigned a plan number
It will be posted on the City’s website with your firm’s contact information
Homeowners may contact you directly to adapt the plan to their site
You are responsible for creating site-specific plans and ensuring zoning fit

Plans approved through this program will be listed publicly on the City’s website with your firm’s contact information, making them accessible to Monrovia homeowners looking to build.