10 Pre-Approved ADU Plans You Can Build in NYC Right Now

one of the smartest things NYC did when it legalized ADUs was create a library of pre-approved designs. instead of starting from scratch with an architect and going through the full DOB review process, you can pick from a set of plans that have already been vetted and approved.

the result: faster permits, lower design costs, and proven plans that you know will pass DOB review.

as of early 2026, HPD and DOB have approved 10 designs through the ADU for You program, with more being added on a rolling basis. here is a detailed look at every single one, organized from most affordable to most expensive.

Why Pre-Approved Plans Matter

before we dive into the individual designs, let us talk about why using a pre-approved plan is a genuinely good idea:

• faster DOB review: pre-approved plans have already passed DOB's design review. your site-specific application will move through the system faster than a fully custom design.
• lower architectural costs: you will still need an architect to adapt the plan to your specific lot, but the core design work is done. this can save you $5,000-$15,000 in design fees.
• proven designs: these plans were created by licensed architects and have been reviewed for code compliance, structural integrity, and livability. you are not experimenting with an unproven design.
• Plus One compatibility: if you are applying for Plus One ADU financing, using a pre-approved plan can strengthen your application and simplify the process.

The 10 Pre-Approved Plans

1. Xanadu -- $85,000 to $100,000

Designer	BEAM Architects (Jacob Goldman)
Size	300 sq ft
Layout	Studio, 1 bathroom
Type	Detached backyard cottage

the most affordable option in the library. the Xanadu is a contemporary studio with a neutral facade designed to complement a wide range of existing homes. at 300 square feet, it is compact but functional -- think of it as a well-designed studio apartment in your backyard.

best for: homeowners on a tight budget who want rental income or a small space for a family member. the low price point means faster payback on your investment.

2. SMART LOFT -- $100,000 to $120,000

Designer	ANE Design LLC
Size	343 sq ft
Layout	Studio, 1 bathroom
Type	Detached backyard cottage

a compact loft-style design that maximizes vertical space. the SMART LOFT uses clever storage solutions and an efficient layout to make 343 square feet feel larger than it is. the loft concept adds visual interest and usable area without increasing the footprint.

best for: homeowners who want a step up from the minimum size without a big jump in cost. the loft element makes it feel more like a home and less like a box.

3. Still Point -- $100,000 to $140,000

Designer	EEREE (Boram Lee Jung)
Size	472.5 sq ft
Layout	1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Type	Detached backyard cottage

the Still Point is a standout in the library for its commitment to sustainability. it features sustainable materials and a greywater reuse system, making it one of the most environmentally responsible options. at nearly 475 square feet with a full bedroom, it offers genuine livability.

best for: environmentally conscious homeowners who want a one-bedroom unit at an accessible price point. the sustainability features can also reduce long-term operating costs.

4. Grand ADU -- $160,000 to $230,000

Designer	ANE Design LLC (Robert H Lin)
Size	785 sq ft
Layout	2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom
Type	Detached with one-car garage

the Grand ADU is the largest plan in the library at 785 square feet -- nearly the maximum 800 sqft allowed. it includes two bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a one-car garage. this is a genuine family-sized unit that could comfortably house two adults or a small family.

best for: homeowners who want maximum living space and do not want to sacrifice their parking. the two-bedroom layout commands higher rents and provides more flexibility for family use. the price-to-size ratio is among the best in the library.

5. Studio ADU NYC -- $185,000 to $265,000

Designer	VL Architects (Haein Vieira Lisboa)
Size	439 sq ft
Layout	Studio, 1 bathroom
Type	Detached backyard cottage

a sustainability-forward studio designed with accessibility in mind. the Studio ADU NYC features high-efficiency appliances, a heat pump for heating and cooling, and is solar-ready with provisions for rooftop panels and battery backup. the accessible design means it meets ADA-friendly standards out of the box.

best for: homeowners who want a future-proofed, energy-efficient unit. the solar-ready design can significantly reduce utility costs for the tenant (or you, if you are housing family). the accessibility features make it ideal for aging parents.

6. SITU ADU -- $220,000 to $280,000

Designer	SITU (Michael Jerome Brotherton)
Size	280 sq ft
Layout	Studio, 1 bathroom
Type	Detached backyard cottage (prefabricated)

the SITU ADU takes a different approach: prefabricated modular construction. the unit is manufactured off-site and assembled on your property, which can dramatically reduce construction time and site disruption. it includes a storage loft to maximize the compact 280 sqft footprint.

best for: homeowners who want to minimize construction disruption and timeline. the prefab approach means less noise, less mess, and faster completion. the higher price relative to its size reflects the prefab manufacturing process.

7. CDA Studio -- $250,000 to $310,000

Designer	Unit Two Development
Size	336 sq ft
Layout	Studio, 1 bathroom
Type	Detached backyard cottage

the CDA Studio prioritizes accessibility above all else. the design includes grab bars, wheelchair-accessible spaces, and thoughtful layout choices that make the unit genuinely livable for people with mobility challenges. this is not retrofitted accessibility -- it is baked into the design from the ground up.

best for: homeowners building for aging parents, family members with disabilities, or anyone who wants a unit designed for universal access. the accessible features also make it more attractive to a wider range of potential tenants.

8. CDA One Bed -- $360,000 to $430,000

Designer	Unit Two Development
Size	600 sq ft
Layout	1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Type	Detached backyard cottage

the bigger sibling to the CDA Studio, offering 600 square feet with a full bedroom. like its studio counterpart, it emphasizes accessible design with energy-efficient systems. features include sliding doors, a one-wall closet system, and expansive windows that flood the space with natural light.

best for: homeowners who want an accessible one-bedroom with room to breathe. the 600 sqft layout is spacious enough for comfortable long-term living, making it suitable for both rental and family use.

9. Far Nordic ADU -- $390,000 to $450,000

Designer	FAR Architecture (Daniel Ferguson)
Size	600 sq ft
Layout	1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Type	Detached (above garage)

a contemporary Nordic-inspired design that sits above a garage, giving you the best of both worlds: a clean, modern living retreat on top and parking or storage below. the Scandinavian aesthetic features clean lines, natural materials, and an emphasis on light and openness.

best for: homeowners who want to keep their garage while adding living space above it. the Nordic design aesthetic is distinctive and would be particularly attractive as a rental in neighborhoods where modern design is valued.

10. Maisel House -- $550,000 to $650,000

Designer	Reform Architecture PLLC (Karim Ahmed)
Size	400 sq ft
Layout	Studio/1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Type	Detached backyard cottage

the most expensive plan in the library, and it shows. the Maisel House features a distinctive gable roof, standing seam metal roofing, and wood siding that gives it a high-end architectural presence. this is a statement piece -- a beautifully crafted small home that would look at home in an architecture magazine.

best for: homeowners who prioritize design quality and curb appeal above cost efficiency. the premium price reflects premium materials and architectural detailing. if you are in a neighborhood where aesthetics matter (and property values support it), the Maisel House could justify its cost through higher rental rates and property value enhancement.

Comparison Table

Plan	Size	Beds	Cost Range	Cost/SqFt
Xanadu	300 sqft	Studio	$85K-$100K	$283-$333
SMART LOFT	343 sqft	Studio	$100K-$120K	$292-$350
Still Point	472 sqft	1 BR	$100K-$140K	$212-$296
Grand ADU	785 sqft	2 BR	$160K-$230K	$204-$293
Studio ADU NYC	439 sqft	Studio	$185K-$265K	$421-$604
SITU ADU	280 sqft	Studio	$220K-$280K	$786-$1,000
CDA Studio	336 sqft	Studio	$250K-$310K	$744-$923
CDA One Bed	600 sqft	1 BR	$360K-$430K	$600-$717
Far Nordic ADU	600 sqft	1 BR	$390K-$450K	$650-$750
Maisel House	400 sqft	Studio/1	$550K-$650K	$1,375-$1,625

How to Choose the Right Plan

with 10 options, how do you pick? here are the key decision factors:

if budget is your top priority

go with the Xanadu ($85K-$100K) or SMART LOFT ($100K-$120K). these are the most affordable options and offer the fastest payback through rental income. the Still Point is also excellent value -- nearly 475 sqft with a bedroom for $100K-$140K.

if you need maximum space

the Grand ADU is the clear winner at 785 sqft with two bedrooms and a garage. it also has one of the best cost-per-square-foot ratios in the library.

if accessibility matters

the CDA Studio and CDA One Bed are purpose-built for accessible living. the Studio ADU NYC also includes accessible design features.

if you want to minimize construction disruption

the SITU ADU is prefabricated off-site and assembled on your property, meaning less noise, less mess, and a shorter on-site construction timeline.

if you want to keep your garage

the Far Nordic ADU sits above an existing garage, giving you both living space and parking. the Grand ADU also integrates a one-car garage.

if design quality is everything

the Maisel House is architecturally the most distinctive plan in the library. if you want something that looks like it belongs in Dwell magazine, this is it.

What Happens After You Choose a Plan

1. confirm your eligibility -- make sure your property qualifies for the ADU type in the plan you want. check here.
2. hire an architect -- you will need a licensed architect to adapt the pre-approved plan to your specific site conditions (setbacks, utilities, grading).
3. file with DOB -- submit your application through DOB NOW: Build. pre-approved plans get a streamlined review.
4. secure financing -- if needed, apply for the Plus One ADU program (up to $395K in grants and loans).
5. hire a contractor -- find a licensed, insured contractor experienced with ADU construction. browse our vetted contractor directory.

Browse All Plans

ready to see these designs in detail? browse all pre-approved ADU plans at nycadu.com/plans, where you can filter by size, bedroom count, and budget to find the right fit for your property and your goals.