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Choose a Free Plan

The City of Ashland offers seven free pre-approved ADU plan sets — reviewed for building code compliance and available at no cost after a free 30-minute consultation with City Planning. Here's what's available and how to get them.

City of Ashland free pre-approved plans

A complete set of plans is made available to Ashland property owners after a free 30-minute consultation with the Ashland Planning Division. During this meeting, a city planner reviews your site and provides guidance on the permit process.

How to get them: Contact the Community Development Department to schedule your free consultation: call 541-488-5305 or email [email protected].

  • The Barn

    528sq ft

    1 bed · 1 bath

    25% SDC discount

  • The Sherrell

    812sq ft

    2 bed · 2 bath

    Full SDCs

  • The Joel

    576sq ft

    1 bed · 1 bath

    Available with gable or shed roof

    25% SDC discount

  • The Dogwood

    364sq ft

    1 bed · 1 bath

    Studio layout

    50% SDC discount

  • The Magnolia

    660sq ft

    1 bed · 1 bath

    ADA accessible unit

    25% SDC discount

  • The Beech

    660sq ft

    1 bed · 1 bath

    25% SDC discount

  • The Myrtle

    364sq ft

    1 bed · 1 bath

    ADU above a single car garage

    50% SDC discount

SDC discount by plan size

Ashland's System Development Charges (SDCs) are tiered to incentivize smaller ADUs. Units under 500 sq ft receive a 50% SDC discount. Units 500–800 sq ft receive a 25% discount. Units over 800 sq ft pay full SDCs. This makes The Barn, The Dogwood, and The Myrtle the most cost-effective choices from an SDC standpoint.

See full SDC details on the Estimate Costs page →

Two ways to apply

Option 1 — Use a pre-approved plan

  1. 1Schedule your free 30-minute consultation with City Planning (541-488-5305)
  2. 2Select a plan from the seven available designs
  3. 3Prepare a site plan showing building locations, property lines, lot coverage, and utility locations
  4. 4Complete the Residential Building Permit Submittal Package and New Address Application Form
  5. 5Submit via email or apply online through Citizen Self Service

Option 2 — Custom design

  1. 1Work with a licensed architect or designer familiar with Ashland zoning and Oregon building codes
  2. 2Obtain construction drawings detailing all aspects of the ADU
  3. 3Prepare a detailed site plan including building locations, property lines, lot coverage, and utility locations
  4. 4Include energy-efficient and accessibility features if proposed
  5. 5Complete the Residential Building Permit Submittal Package and New Address Application Form
  6. 6Submit via email or apply online through Citizen Self Service

If you intend to modify a pre-approved plan, coordinate with the original architect or designer before submitting.

Key design considerations for Ashland lots

  • Size and footprintYour plan must fit within your lot's setbacks and coverage limits. Bring your lot dimensions to any design conversation.
  • Utility connectionsPlan for water, sewer, and electrical from day one. Utility routing affects cost and placement.
  • AccessibilityConsider no-step entries, wider doorways, and single-floor layouts if you plan to house older adults. The Magnolia plan is ADA-designed.
  • Energy efficiencyAshland has adopted Oregon's energy code. High-performance construction reduces long-term operating costs.
  • Historic compatibilityIf your property is in or near a historic district, design review may apply. Check with Planning.
  • ParkingOregon law limits parking requirements for ADUs near transit. Confirm current rules with City Planning.

Additional design resources

The following resources supplement the City's own plan library.

  • National Resource

    Accessory Dwelling Strategies (ADS)

    ADS maintains a library of ADU design resources, case studies, and plan examples from programs across the country. Useful for understanding what's possible before hiring a designer.

    Visit accessorydwellings.org →
  • Local Manufacturer · Medford, OR

    Pacific Wall Systems — PacWall Mini ADU Kits

    Pacific Wall Systems (Medford) offers three pre-designed ADU kits — a 364 sf studio, a 660 sf one-bedroom, and an 896 sf two-bedroom — built as flat-stacked kits of pre-assembled wood panels. Their sizes align closely with several City pre-approved plans. Kits include a construction document set ready for your plot map. A collaborative design with architect Carlos Delgado.

    View PacWall Mini ADU plans →

    Call 541-664-1214 or visit pacificwallsystems.com. Ships to Oregon, Washington, California, and other western states.

  • Local Option

    Hire a Local Designer

    Many Ashland and Medford architects and designers specialize in ADUs. A custom design gives you the most flexibility for your specific lot. Expect $5,000–$15,000+ for design services.

    RogueADU does not currently maintain a vetted contractor or designer list. Ask City Planning for referrals.

Ready to get your free plans?

Call or email City Planning to schedule your free 30-minute consultation. They'll review your site and hand you the plan set.

541-488-5305 [email protected]
Go to Permit →