About CityPaks: Affordable ADU Construction in the San Francisco Bay Area
CityPaks is a minority and woman-owned company based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Their focus is on promoting affordable, quickly constructed accessory dwelling units that support families and communities. As an ADU builder, CityPaks takes a distinct approach compared to traditional residential construction, offering a process that is faster, more efficient, and designed with sustainability in mind.
CityPaks specializes in backyard cottage and detached ADU construction using flat-pack Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs). These units are designed to be high quality, modern, and sustainable. One notable aspect of their offering is the range of service levels available — from fully turn-key installations to DIY kit options — giving clients flexibility in how much support they want throughout the process.
What Sets CityPaks Apart
Unlike many prefab or modular construction approaches, CityPaks units can be assembled on tight lots regardless of site access. Their system does not require a crane, meaning they can work through narrow backyard gates that would otherwise limit other ADU contractors. This makes them a practical option for urban infill projects where site access is often a significant challenge.
CityPaks is currently pre-approved in the City of San Jose, with approvals pending in the City of Cupertino and the City of Fremont. They also do not charge sales tax, which can represent a meaningful cost difference compared to other providers.
Their designs comply with California State Energy Code and State ADU Regulations. The units are optimized for:
- Low to no construction waste
- Standard panel sizing for efficiency
- Exceeding structural requirements
- Minimizing the number of parts and material costs
CityPaks places emphasis on housing equity and the environmental impact of the building industry, including concerns around building toxicity. Their granny flat and accessory dwelling unit designs are intended to be an affordable path toward sustainable homeownership without sacrificing quality or design.
The units feature strategic window and door openings that are interchangeable and optional, allowing configurations to respond to specific site needs. This gives each build a degree of customization while still benefiting from a standardized, cost-controlled system.
The CityPaks Process
CityPaks follows a straightforward process for clients interested in adding a backyard cottage, in-law suite, or Casita to their property:
- Schedule a call to arrange a visit to the backyard. CityPaks offers a complimentary feasibility study at this stage.
- Finalize customization of window and door openings, and determine the desired level of support — whether turn-key or a DIY kit approach. A proposal is reviewed at this point.
- Once the proposal is signed, CityPaks begins work on permit documentation and scheduling the ADU build.
CityPaks positions itself as a solution for urban infill housing challenges, offering a standardized yet adaptable system that addresses common bottlenecks like supply chain delays and limited local labor. Their ADU builder services are aimed at homeowners across the San Francisco Bay Area looking for a practical and relatively affordable way to add living space to their property.