Pre-Approval In Progress
A backyard home,
pre-approved by NYC.
A pre-approved backyard ADU plan, submitted to NYC's DOB Plan Library.
Skip months of design review.
WHAT IS A PRE-APPROVED ADU?
A pre-approved ADU plan is an architectural design for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) that has been reviewed and approved by the NYC Department of Buildings before a homeowner selects it. Unlike a custom design that goes through full DOB review, a pre-approved plan has already been cleared for general compliance with NYC's Building Code and zoning regulations under City of Yes for Housing Opportunity.
Homeowners work with the plan's Registered Design Professional (RDP) to adapt the site plan to their specific lot, then file for permits through DOB NOW: Build with a shorter review timeline. NYC launched its Pre-Approved Plan Library in March 2026 as part of the ADU for You program.
THE DESIGN
A detached backyard ADU, designed for NYC lots.
Our pre-approved plan is a detached backyard accessory dwelling unit designed specifically for New York City's zoning and building code requirements under City of Yes for Housing Opportunity. Every detail, from foundation to roofline, has been drawn to meet DOB standards so your project moves through review faster.
350
Square Feet
Studio
Unit
1
Full Bath
15'
Max Height
STUDIO LAYOUT
The built-in Murphy bed folds up into a wall cabinet, giving you the full floor area back during the day. Pull it down at night and you have a real bed, not a sofa cushion. Zero compromise.
Bed folds flat into a built-in wall cabinet with shelving
Full living and dining area when the bed is stored
No ceiling height lost to a loft or mezzanine
Works for full-time living, rental units, or guest stays
MAKE IT YOURS
One plan, endless ways to make it yours.
The pre-approved plan locks in the structure, engineering, and code compliance.
How it looks and feels is entirely up to you. Here are a few directions it could go.
You're not picking from a catalog.
These renderings show a few ways the same structure can look and feel. During Haven's design process, you choose the exterior cladding, roofing, window frames, entry door, interior flooring, cabinetry, countertops, fixtures, and colors. The pre-approved plan is the bones. The rest is yours.
INCLUDED IN THE DESIGN
Everything you need, nothing you don't.
13.5-foot vaulted ceiling
A pitched roofline creates a 13.5-foot ceiling with high clerestory windows that flood the interior with natural light. The space feels open and airy, not like a small building.
Full kitchen
Compact, code-compliant kitchen with sink, range, and refrigerator space. Designed for efficient daily use.
Full bathroom
Full bathroom with shower, toilet, vanity, and space for a stackable washer/dryer. Meets all NYC plumbing and ventilation requirements.
Private entrance
Dedicated entry separate from the main house. Required by code and designed for privacy.
Mechanical systems
Independent HVAC, electrical panel, and plumbing connections. Fully self-contained from the primary dwelling.
Code-compliant structure
Engineered for NYC Building Code including structural, fire safety, egress, and accessibility standards.
HOW IT WORKS
From backyard to ADU, simplified.
01
Check eligibility
Enter your address. We analyze your lot against NYC zoning, setbacks, rear yard, and flood maps.
02
Choose the plan
Review Haven's pre-approved ADU design from the DOB Pre-Approved Plan Library. We adapt the site plan to your specific lot conditions.
03
Permit and approve
Haven files with DOB using the pre-approved plan. Faster review, fewer objections.
04
Build and move in
Your backyard cottage is built and installed. Haven manages construction through certificate of occupancy.
NYC Pre-Approved ADU Plans: Common Questions
What is a pre-approved ADU plan in NYC?
A pre-approved ADU plan is an architectural design for an accessory dwelling unit that has been reviewed and approved by the NYC Department of Buildings for general code and zoning compliance before a homeowner selects it. Unlike a custom design that goes through full DOB review, a pre-approved plan has already been cleared, so the permit filing focuses on site-specific conditions. NYC launched its Pre-Approved Plan Library in March 2026 as part of the ADU for You program.
How do I know if my property is eligible for a backyard ADU in NYC?
Most owners of one- and two-family homes in NYC residential zoning districts are eligible under City of Yes for Housing Opportunity, adopted December 2024. Eligibility depends on your zoning district, lot size, rear yard dimensions, and flood zone status. Detached backyard ADUs are not permitted in historic districts, certain contextual zones (R1-2A, R2A, R3A outside the Greater Transit Zone), or the DEP's interim flood risk area. Haven's eligibility tool checks all of these factors when you enter your address.
Can I customize a pre-approved ADU design?
Yes. The pre-approved plan covers the structural and architectural design, which is what DOB reviews for code compliance. Exterior cladding, roofing material, window frames, entry door, interior flooring, cabinetry, countertops, fixtures, and paint colors are all chosen during Haven's design process with you. The structure is fixed for fast approval. Everything you see and touch is yours to decide.
Do I still need a building permit with a pre-approved ADU plan?
Yes. A pre-approved plan does not waive the permit requirement. You still need a full building permit filed through DOB NOW: Build. However, because the design has already been reviewed for code compliance, the DOB review focuses on site-specific conditions like lot setbacks, rear yard area, and utility connections rather than the full architectural plan.
How long does it take to build an ADU in NYC with a pre-approved plan?
Most backyard ADU projects in NYC take 12 to 18 months from contract to move-in, including design, permitting, and construction. A pre-approved plan can shorten this timeline by reducing the DOB design review phase, since the architecture and engineering have already been cleared for code compliance. The filing focuses on site-specific conditions rather than a full plan review.
How much does it cost to build a backyard ADU in NYC?
Pre-approved ADU plans in the city's ADU for You library range from $85,000 to $650,000 depending on size and design. Contact Haven for specific pricing on our pre-approved plan, which includes design adaptation, full permitting, and construction. NYC's Plus One ADU Program also offers up to $395,000 in grants and low-interest loans for eligible homeowners who agree to rent their ADU at affordable rates.