HAYWARD, Alameda County — October 23, 2026. Hayward homeowners looking at detached accessory dwelling units now have a preapproval process to explore. The city’s Pre Approval of ADU Plans page, updated July 24, 2026, says architects and designers may submit designs to a municipal plan-review process, and approved plans can then be viewed through the Hayward ADU Plans Gallery. But homeowners may not simply download an attractive rendering and begin building.
What does preapproved actually mean?
According to Hayward, designers submit complete drawings for detached ADUs for review against applicable building codes. The plan package includes architecture, engineering, plumbing, mechanical, electrical work, energy documentation and structural calculations. An approved plan may reduce repetitive review, but its prior review does not establish that a homeowner’s lot can support the project without modifications or an additional site-specific review.
Who owns the drawing?
The city’s June 2026 ADU Permit Guide tells residents to purchase the specific preapproved plan from the designer listed in the gallery. The city has a separate designer-release form when another professional is authorized to prepare site-specific documents. This prevents a common mistake: treating a city publication as permission to reproduce copyrighted architectural plans without a license.
What is still required before a permit?
Homeowners using the preapproval pathway must include their site plan and site-specific foundation details, a completed ADU checklist and other applicable records through Hayward’s e-Permit Portal. The city requires owner authorization when a non-owner files the application. Different checklist rules apply to single-family and multifamily property types. The permit guide separately identifies junior ADUs, which are not necessarily the same as a detached ADU in the gallery.
How are fees handled?
Hayward states that its plan-review fee is due before project review, with remaining permit fees due when the permit is ready to be issued. Its published cost estimator helps estimate fees, but actual work can involve engineering, utilities, energy-code compliance, grading and construction that do not disappear when the underlying drawing has already been reviewed.
Where to ask?
Planning staff can be reached at 510-583-4216 or planning.division@hayward-ca.gov. The city’s municipal building is at 777 B Street. Request the present ADU gallery listings and check whether your proposed design is accepted under the currently adopted building standards before paying a seller.
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Primary sources: City of Hayward Pre Approval of ADU Plans updated July 24, 2026; Accessory and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit permit guide updated June 9, 2026.
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