GLADUR Pre-Reviewed Plans

The City of Foster City has partnered with the Housing Endowment and Regional Trust (HEART) to encourage the construction of detached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) by offering a selection of pre-reviewed building plans for use on properties with single-family or multi-family or school or religious institutions.

These detached ADU designs that can be downloaded by the public at no cost. The City of Foster City has reviewed these pre-reviewed plans in an effort to provide for quicker turnarounds, avoid high costs of hiring an architect/designer (for the designing process), implement the City's Housing Element, and comply with state law.

Property owners have the option to choose from any of the four (4) designs by simply inputting some basic, personal information and downloading the plans, which include roof plans, floor plans, building elevations, sections, lighting/electrical, mechanical/plumbing, doors and window schedule, and various structural details and choices of exterior finishes. By offering four (4) different floor plans, the plans provide choices and diversity to accommodate a variety of household sizes and types. The two (2) smaller designs are compact and can fit on a variety of residential lot shapes and sizes within Foster City. HEART intends to provide additional design options in the future based on demand and funding opportunities.

Applicants are still subject to zoning and site-specific conditions review. A full list of Foster City’s submittal requirements can be found on this page.

How to Apply

To move forward with your project and apply for a Building Permit:

View the Pre-Reviewed ADU Plans and select the option that best suits you.
Compile all of the required forms and documents listed in the Pre-Reviewed ADU Submittal Checklist for your Building permit submittal.
Apply for a Building Permit via Foster City's online e-Trakit portal.

Please make sure to upload the checklist as a part of your application submittal.

Using the GLADUR ADU plans is at the risk of the property owner/applicant. The City makes no promise and gives no guaranty or warranty regarding the accuracy, completeness, reliability, or functionality of the ADU Plans, or of the ADU identified within the plans. The City does not assume responsibility for any impact that the use of the ADU Plans, or that construction of an ADU pursuant to the ADU Plans may have on your or any third party’s site, existing buildings, or personal safety. The City does not promise that the ADU Plans are free from defects, whether in design or construction. The ADU Plans and any associated documentation are made available “As Is,” without any warranty of any kind, whether express or implied.

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