Pre-approved in Vista, not in Los Angeles. Building it in Los Angeles would need the city's full plan review.
3 Bedroom, 2-bath pre-approved ADU plan (1,194 sq ft). About 38 by 35 feet overall, a U shape around the front entry. Craftsman, Spanish and Traditional versions. Drawn by Design Path Studio to the 2025 California codes. Pre-approved ADU plan published free by the City of Vista, for lots with an existing single-family home. The city waives plan check fees for these plans; permit and inspection fees still apply.
See how this design fits on your lot. Drag the ADU footprint to explore placement options.
Shortest distance from the unit to each controlling line, from the county parcel map. Good to a foot or two; not a survey.
This site plan is for preliminary planning only. Setback data is based on general municipal guidelines and may not reflect site-specific conditions, easements, or recent zoning changes. Always consult with a licensed professional before proceeding.
The ADU at your chosen placement alongside the existing structures on the lot. The navy outline marks the lot boundary; the gray outline marks the buildable area inside the setbacks. Move or rotate the ADU above and the 3D view follows.
Jurisdiction
Some West LA and Studio City pockets are unincorporated LA County. Confirm your jurisdiction with the local building department if you are near a boundary.
Based on square footage and regional construction averages
This range is a speculative estimate based on typical construction costs where this plan is approved, including design, permits and fees, and on the plan's size. Smaller ADUs cost more per square foot, because a kitchen, a bathroom and utility connections cost about the same at any size. It does not account for site conditions or material selections. Actual costs must be validated with a licensed general contractor or the plan's architect before making any financial decisions.
Build Location
Los Angeles, CA
Vista waives certain development impact fees on an ADU when the owner records an agreement that, for the first ten years, the unit houses a lower-income household or a family member or caregiver of someone in the main home. Many fees on ADUs under 750 square feet are already waived automatically.
Learn moreFrom the official program pages, checked November 6, 2026. Funding, terms and eligibility can change, so confirm with the program before you rely on it.
Most homeowners finance ADU construction rather than paying cash. These are the common routes. Talk to a lender you choose; A-du does not arrange loans.
Illustration only, assuming a 20-year fixed loan at 8.5% APR on the estimated build-cost midpoint. Your rate, term, and eligibility depend on the lender and your finances. This is not an offer of credit; financing is provided by third-party lenders, subject to their approval.
Lenders that underwrite on your home’s value after the ADU is built, often the best fit when current equity doesn’t cover the build.
For owners with substantial equity, a line of credit against the home is typically the simplest and fastest route to fund construction.
California periodically funds ADU grant programs (e.g. the CalHFA ADU Grant for predevelopment costs, when funded). Worth checking before you borrow.
Pre-approved plan from City of Vista
Chris Koss, AIA, the California-licensed architect who owns A-du, can permit this plan for you, whichever firm drew it.
Pre-Approval Status: Pre-approval information is provided by the vendor and should be verified directly with your local building department.
Site Review: Pre-approval covers the building design, not your lot. Where it sits on your property still has to meet setbacks, fire department access, water supply for firefighting and, where the lot is in a wildfire hazard zone, wildland-urban interface building rules. The building and fire departments check these for every address at plan check.
Cost Estimates: All pricing information is provided by the vendor as estimates only. Actual costs may vary.
Platform Role: A-du is a technology platform connecting homeowners with design vendors. We do not provide architectural, engineering, or construction services.
Optional; at checkout you pay only the flat fee (credit cards, when offered, add a 2.99% surcharge). This plan is free from City of Vista either way. Get the plan, then request permitting by Chris Koss, AIA from your plan dashboard.
Chris Koss, AIA, a California-licensed architect who owns A-du, provides this permitting service personally under a separate written agreement with you (the Permitting Services Agreement). It is not performed by A-du, and A-du takes no part of his fee. You can take the plan to your building department yourself instead.
Coming soon
$299 per project.
We're deciding whether to build a guided way to permit this plan yourself. Tap Notify me if you'd use it.
Not available yet. Nothing to buy today.
Published free