ADU Engineering and Plan Design Services by Jackson & Sands Engineering
Jackson & Sands Engineering, Inc. provides plan designs, engineering services, and planning consultations for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) throughout California. Whether referred to as granny flats, mother-in-law quarters, tiny homes, or backyard cottages, ADUs fall under the same general category and Jackson & Sands Engineering has developed resources and plans to support property owners looking to build one.
The firm offers two main paths for clients: a custom design tailored to a specific property and set of needs, or a selection from their library of prepackaged plans. The prepackaged option is intended to reduce the time and cost involved in getting a project underway, which can also mean generating rental income sooner.
ADUs can serve a range of purposes. They are commonly used to house aging family members while maintaining a degree of privacy, or to generate long-term rental income on property already owned. In many California jurisdictions, short-term rentals are also permitted. ADUs can offer living space comparable to apartments or condominiums and are considered suitable for a wide range of occupants, from young adults to seniors. They have also become a practical option for empty nesters who want to downsize without leaving their current property or neighborhood.
Plan Options and Permit Ready Programs
Jackson & Sands Engineering has developed a library of ADU plans with multiple options, including varying sizes, roof styles, architectural features, and Universal Design layouts. These plans can be adapted to meet local jurisdictional requirements, which is a practical consideration given how much those requirements can vary across California.
The firm is also a trusted designer within several permit ready ADU programs established by local jurisdictions. Having completed permit ready ADU and small home designs for a number of cities and counties, Jackson & Sands Engineering has established working relationships with the following jurisdictions:
- City of Chico
- City of Citrus Heights
- City of Grass Valley
- City of Lathrop
- City of Nevada City
- City of Orland
- City of Winters
- Happy Camp (Siskiyou County)
- Nevada County
- Placer County
- Sierra County
- Town of Paradise
- Town of Truckee
- Yuba County
Being part of these permit ready programs means that plans developed by Jackson & Sands Engineering are already aligned with local requirements, which can streamline the approval process for property owners in those areas.
Resources and Guidance for ADU Projects
Beyond plan design and engineering, Jackson & Sands Engineering has put together a range of informational resources for those exploring ADU construction. These include guidance on what size accessory dwelling unit may be permitted on a given property, frequently asked questions covering topics such as solar requirements and size limitations, and advice for those new to contracting and landlording.
The firm has also addressed how California legislation that took effect in 2020 expanded ADU allowances, meaning some property owners who were previously told they could not add a backyard cottage or in-law suite may now be eligible to do so. Additional resources cover ADU terminology, energy code requirements, and the potential impact an accessory dwelling unit can have on overall property value.
For those interested in exploring their options, Jackson & Sands Engineering offers a no-obligation consultation to discuss specific project needs, whether that involves selecting from existing plans or developing a custom accessory dwelling unit design from the ground up.