Compare the two checklists
The City publishes one for each building type. Use the one that describes the proposal you actually intend to submit.
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Morgan Hill ADU Services
Morgan Hill has separate checklists for attached and detached homes. Before browsing its plans gallery, compare a backyard building with an addition on the same drawing and identify any special site conditions.
Plan for your property ↓
Planning an ADU in Morgan Hill
Check special site conditions
Morgan Hill asks owners of hillside, historic, flood or high-fire-area properties to consult Planning. Share the parcel location before buying plans.
Test the gallery plan on the lot
The gallery contains detached designs. Draw the foundation area and emergency access on your property sketch before shortlisting one.
02 / On the property
Keep a useful piece of yard
Mark the space currently used for a table, play or gardening. Draw the detached footprint around that area, then test an attached alternative. Compare the remaining outdoor space you can actually reach from each home.
Detached ADUs ↗Official resources
Morgan Hill ADU guidance and gallery City detached ADU checklistMorgan Hill ADU questions
Which Morgan Hill checklist should I read?
Use the detached checklist for a separate home and the attached checklist for an addition to the main home.
Does the gallery include attached additions?
Morgan Hill describes the gallery designs as detached units. Use the attached checklist for an addition.
What if my lot is in a special zone?
Contact Planning with the address and proposal before buying a design. The City identifies hillside, fire, flood and historic conditions as reasons to check early.
Who provides the plans after I choose a design?
The gallery identifies individual providers. Ask the provider about purchase terms and what site work its package includes.
What is still specific to the property?
The City highlights site placement, emergency access and foundation plans. Discuss these with the team doing the site design.
How do I compare plans beyond bedroom count?
Place your actual table, bed and storage on each plan and trace the route from entrance to kitchen.
What should a gallery shortlist contain?
Keep each plan ID, footprint dimensions and the particular reason it suits the household.
Can I use the same sketch to compare a conversion?
Yes. Add the existing structure outline and distinguish work inside the shell from new construction.
How much outdoor space should I keep?
Start with the activities you want to preserve. Draw the table, planting beds or clear play area at scale rather than choosing an arbitrary leftover strip.
What belongs in my first message to Planning?
Send the parcel location and whether the option is attached or detached. Identify any mapped special condition you want staff to confirm.