CLOVIS, Fresno County — October 23, 2026. Homeowners considering an accessory dwelling unit may see drawings labeled “preapproved” on a city website, but that does not grant permission to reproduce someone else’s plans. The City of Clovis’s Pre-Approved ADU Program Application specifically says the customer must contact the architect, engineer or draftsperson to obtain permission to use a preapproved drawing set.
How does the authorization work?
According to the city’s application, a homeowner selects a numbered standard plan and identifies the design options. The design professional then emails Building Division staff identifying the customer and the particular plan. The homeowner separately submits a completed site or plot plan and an application to the Building Division. When the building permit is issued, the city allows the customer to access the construction plans within the program framework. A screenshot or architectural preview alone is not the licensed plan set.
What changes are allowed?
Clovis’s instructions limit changes to four options per preapproved ADU plan set. If a homeowner modifies the project beyond those specified choices, the design can require the normal plan-review process. Changes to dimensions, foundations, structural layout and fire-protection measures may have significant building-code consequences; they should not be undertaken solely because a contractor says a kit is “flexible.”
Fire sprinklers and current code
The application says an ADU plan must comply with current California building codes. It also requires the plan cover to identify the fire-sprinkler option; if sprinklers are required or proposed, a separate sprinkler plan must be submitted for Fire Department review and approval. New applications in 2026 need to account for the California building-code cycle effective this year, not merely the publication date of the city’s sample handout.
What the homeowner still needs
Owners must submit a complete project plan with supporting documents and may be asked for additional plans during review. The actual site may create other needs involving utility connections, drainage, lot geometry, electrical work, energy compliance or planning review. Obtain cost estimates based on the current permit requirements, including who is responsible for design revisions and the professional’s licensing terms.
Where to ask or apply
The Clovis Building Division is at 1033 Fifth Street, phone 559-324-2390, email building@cityofclovis.com. The city also links to its online building permit portal. Contact staff before purchasing an architectural drawing that may not comply with the current code.
Follow Clovis News and Fresno News. Send original documents and corrections to California58. Support local journalism.
Primary source: City of Clovis Building Division, Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling Unit Program Application, revised January 25, 2024; application process must be checked against the latest city code and accepted designs.
Help this community newspaper grow
Your support helps build coverage for the people and places this local newspaper serves.
Donate once by card ↗Support Clovis News
Choose how to support Clovis News:
Credit / Debit Card via StripeChoose an amount from $1. One-time support through the publisher's LINKERNO Stripe account.
Continue with PayPal Continue with ZelleZelle payments go to Vitaly Ataev Troshin. Please verify the recipient in your bank before sending. Availability depends on your bank.
Optional reader support. When possible, add “Clovis News” to the payment note. Contributions are not advertised as tax-deductible. Support does not influence editorial decisions.More from Clovis News
- Clovis Street Sweeping by Neighborhood: The City’s Public GIS Map Shows Route Areas and Recurrence →
COMMUNITY
Comments
Join the California58 conversation. You must be signed in to comment.
Create a free California58 account or sign in with an available social provider.