Glendale’s Permit-Ready Plans program offers free standard ADU designs in 204-, 512-, and 994-square-foot sizes. The plans can reduce design work, but the City still checks whether the selected design fits the property and meets local development standards. The FAQ says the plans cannot be modified.
Complete site-plan review first
The City’s stated sequence is to review the program agreement, document checklist, and estimated costs; select a plan and elevation; then submit the signed Hold Harmless User Agreement, applications, and required materials with the site-plan review fees. The site-plan application goes to the applicable City disciplines after it is deemed complete. Glendale lists a 10-business-day turnaround for this site-plan review after completeness. If corrections are required, a corrected resubmission is needed.
The FAQ lists the ADU site-plan review charges as $61.44 for Planning, $122.88 for Building review, and $35.89 for Engineering. The page does not state an effective date for these amounts, so verify them in the current City fee materials before filing. The stated review period is not a building-permit issuance or construction estimate.
Plan for the remaining costs and steps
After site-plan approval, submit the permit application. Permit and impact fees remain the owner’s responsibility, even when a free plan is used. The City issues approved construction plans after the required later fees are paid. Follow the current inspection steps during construction and obtain the Certificate of Occupancy at completion.
The standard design does not decide site suitability. Confirm the parcel’s zoning and development standards, exact application checklist, current charges, and any additional agency review with Glendale. For broader cost questions, see ordinary permit and inspection fees and compare this stage with other local measures in the permit timeline table.