Beverly Hills homeowners looking to add a backyard unit can now choose from seven city-vetted designs that streamline the permit process, ranging from a 250-square-foot studio to a two-story, two-bedroom home.
The city's Designer-Owned Preapproved ADU Program, launched in March 2025, has grown from five plans to seven as of Monday, July 6, 2026. Each plan is approximately 70 percent complete for permitting, according to the city, meaning the architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings have already passed city review. Property owners contract directly with the designer, add site-specific details like setbacks and foundation specs, then apply for a building permit.
"Instead of starting from scratch, property owners can select one of several ADU designs that have already completed much of the review process," Michael Forbes, Beverly Hills' director of community development, said in March 2025 when the program launched.
The seven firms and their plans:
- Lauri Morrison Studio — 1-story, 1-bedroom, 438 sq. ft.
- Inchoate Architecture — 1-story, 1-bedroom, 773 sq. ft.
- nonzero\architecture — 1-story, 1 or 2 bedrooms, 702 sq. ft.
- ERW Design — 1-story, studio, 250 sq. ft.
- YD Group — 1-story, 1-bedroom, 497 sq. ft.
- Sadr LA Architecture Group/S.L.A.G. — 1-story, 1-bedroom, 500 sq. ft.
- Lumignus Development "Villa Lumignus" — 2-story, 2-bedroom, 1,200 sq. ft.
YD Group and Lumignus Development are the newest additions, joining the catalog since October 2025.
Why it matters now
The program takes on new relevance after the Beverly Hills Planning Commission voted unanimously on Thursday, June 11, 2026, to expand the city's ADU regulations. That vote brought Beverly Hills into compliance with SB 543, which increased the number of detached ADUs allowed on multifamily properties from two to eight, and AB 1154, which removed the owner-occupancy requirement for junior ADUs with independent sanitation. Both bills were signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in October 2025 and took effect in January 2026.
Under the updated rules, single-family property owners may build up to two ADUs plus a junior ADU under state law, plus one additional unit under local regulations. Owners of lots 13,000 square feet or larger may qualify for a fourth unit through the city's Incentive ADU program, provided at least one unit is deed-restricted for rental with a minimum 12-month lease.
The amended ordinance still needs City Council approval. No Council meeting date for that vote has been announced; residents can check beverlyhills.org for the schedule.
One caveat for buyers
The city reviewed all seven preapproved plans against the 2022 California Building Code. Since the 2025 code took effect on Thursday, January 1, 2026, every plan will need updates to current standards at the time of permit application. The city notes that preapproval does not constitute an endorsement of any designer or contractor.
Beverly Hills has issued 201 ADU-related building permits so far in the 2021–29 planning cycle, according to the June 11 Planning Commission meeting. The city's state-certified Housing Element requires approximately 3,100 new housing units by 2029.
Residents interested in the program can call 310-285-1000 and ask to speak with a planner about zoning or site eligibility.
