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Oakland Homeowners - Building an ADU just got easier

August 25, 2025

In light of the housing shortage in California, municipalities are starting to make it easier to add an ADU (accessory dwelling units) to an existing property. Oakland has even gone so far as to offer "off the shelf", already city-approved plans and designs.

The cost, time, and uncertainty of getting plans drafted is a HUGE part of the process of building an ADU. So the city's pre-approved architectural plans are a fantastic shortcut for anyone who needs the additional space. There are studio, 1BR, and 2BR plans available. You can actually just click and download them directly from the city's website!

The city of Oakland defines an ADU as "a small, self-contained home on the same property as a Single-Family or Multi-Family residence. ADUs include everything needed for independent living, like a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area".

While some ADUs are built inside the existing structure - a converted garage or basement, for example, they can also be built as separate structures. It's these free-standing structures - backyard cottages - that Oakland is providing preapproved plans for.

Learn more about the process for applying for an ADU at the city's website here.

To discuss how the addition of an ADU might affect your property value, contact us anytime at [email protected].