A Smarter Path to Building an ADU in 12 Southern California Cities
If you’re a homeowner in Southern California considering an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), you’ve probably heard terms like permit-ready, pre-approved, or pre-designed thrown around. But what does a permit-ready ADU really mean — and how can it save you thousands in design fees and months of frustration?
At PAS Architects, we specialize in permit-ready ADU packages designed for real-life lots in 12 targeted cities, giving homeowners a clear, affordable, and fast alternative to full custom design or high-overhead design-build firms.
What Is a Permit-Ready ADU?
A permit-ready ADU is a pre-designed architectural plan that:
- Is code-compliant with California ADU laws and local zoning
- Can be quickly adapted to fit your property
- Includes all documents needed for permit submittal
- Is faster and lower-cost than a custom design
Unlike generic plan books or one-size-fits-all templates, our permit-ready plans are:
- Tailored for real Southern California lots
- Built to meet actual zoning standards
- Designed for quick customization and fast permitting
Why It Matters: The Problem with “Starting from Scratch”
Homeowners often face:
- Weeks or months of design back-and-forth
- Uncertain budgets with custom architects
- Risk of being ripped off by handymen or flaky drafters
- Permitting delays due to non-compliant designs
Our permit-ready service eliminates all of that by giving you a done-for-you path from start to permit — with real architect oversight.
Our 12 Focus Cities — and What Fits on Each Lot
Each city has slightly different lot sizes, layouts, and development conditions. Below are examples of what permit-ready ADUs can realistically be built in each, based on real data:
| City | Typical Lot Size | Recommended ADU Type |
|---|
| Cerritos | 6,000–7,000 SF | 800 SF 2BR Detached ADU |
| Artesia | 5,000–6,500 SF | 500–600 SF 1BR Detached ADU |
| Bellflower | 6,000–8,000 SF | Full-size 800 SF Detached ADU |
| Buena Park | 5,500–7,500 SF | 600–750 SF 1–2BR Detached ADU |
| Cypress | 6,000–7,000 SF | MaxFlex 2BR or 1BR + Office |
| Downey | 6,000–8,500 SF | Detached ADU + potential JADU |
| La Mirada | 6,000–7,500 SF | 600 SF Detached or Garage Conv. |
| La Palma | 5,000–6,000 SF | 1BR 500 SF Detached or Garage |
| Lakewood | 5,000–6,500 SF | Compact Studio or 1BR ADU |
| Long Beach | 4,800–7,200 SF | 400–800 SF depending on lot area |
| Norwalk | 5,500–7,500 SF | 2BR Detached or Garage Conv. |
| Whittier | 6,000–9,000 SF | 800 SF 2BR + Optional JADU |
These are not guesses — we’ve reviewed zoning maps, built models, and submitted plans in these jurisdictions.
What Comes in a PAS Permit-Ready ADU Package?
We’ve structured our service to give homeowners a complete, fast, and cost-transparent solution.
Permit-Ready ADU Package Includes:
- Pre-designed architectural plan (studio, 1BR, or 2BR)
- Zoning and setback review for your property
- Site-adapted layout placement
- Title 24 energy calculations
- Structural coordination
- Plan set ready for city submittal
Optional Add-Ons:
- Site survey coordination
- Full permit submittal & correction response
- Contractor referral with bid package
- JADU or garage conversion design combo
A Sample Process — How It Works in Cerritos or Downey
Let’s say you’re a homeowner in Downey with a 7,000 SF lot and a detached garage. You reach out to PAS Architects.
Here’s what happens:
- Free Intake Call
We review your address, lot size, and goals.
→ You say: “I want a 2-bedroom unit in the back.”
- We Recommend a Ready Plan
Based on your lot, we suggest a 800 SF 2BR MaxFlex layout that’s been used in similar cities.
- We Fit It on Your Lot
Our team overlays your parcel and adapts the plan to fit access, setbacks, orientation, etc.
- You Receive a Permit-Ready Set
We deliver PDF + CAD drawings, ready for city submittal — no long design meetings or back-and-forth revisions.
- Optional: We Help You Submit
We can either walk you through the process or manage it for you — including corrections, if needed.
- You Build with Confidence
You can now hand the plans to a trusted GC, or use our referral network — with clear scope and pricing expectations.
Total design turnaround: 1–2 weeks
Design fee: Flat rate, no surprises
What Makes This Different?
Most homeowners either:
- Overpay for custom architecture they don’t need
- Struggle with drafters who don’t understand code or coordination
- Get stalled in permits or construction chaos
With PAS Architects, you get:
- Real architectural oversight (not just drawings)
- City-specific ADU experience
- A fast, functional plan that works
Final Thoughts: If You Don’t Need Custom, Don’t Pay for It
Not every ADU needs to be a work of art. If your goal is income, flexibility, or family housing — and you just want something fast, code-compliant, and ready to go — then our permit-ready ADU designs are built exactly for that.
Whether you’re in Cerritos, Downey, Norwalk, or Long Beach, our ready plans are already solving problems for homeowners just like you.
Ready to Get Started?
Visit our ADU page to:
- View sample plans
- Use our ADU Estimator Tool
- Schedule a free consult to match a plan to your lot
Explore ADU Services
Use the ADU Estimator
Contact PAS Architects
Looking for a permit-ready ADU solution in Southern California? At PAS Architects, we offer permit-ready ADU plans in Southern California tailored to fit your property — whether you need a permit-ready ADU design for a 6000 SF lot or a garage conversion ADU in La Palma. Our flat-fee permit-ready ADU design services near you include Title 24 and engineering, ensuring fast approval. Homeowners in Cerritos, Bellflower, and Downey rely on us for site-specific permit-ready ADU placement and smart layouts like 800 SF detached units or the best permit-ready ADU for a small backyard. If you’re ready to fast-track a permit-ready ADU with confidence, we’re here to help.
To explore more of the design thinking, construction progress, and project execution behind our work, visit the PAS Architects Facebook page or view project videos on our YouTube channel. PAS Architects is a licensed architecture firm based in Cerritos, California, specializing in Passive, Adaptive, and Sustainable design. We serve clients across Southern California — including Los Angeles County, Orange County, and Riverside County — with a service-driven approach rooted in technical clarity and long-term impact
