San Gabriel Valley
Building Design &
ADU Plans in Sierra Madre
Sierra Madre sits at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, which means many properties here involve hillside conditions, slope considerations, and grading requirements that add complexity to any building project. We’ve designed and permitted projects in Sierra Madre that other firms declined because of the topographical challenges. We understand hillside development standards, retaining wall setback requirements, and how to demonstrate code compliance on sloped lots.
Why Sierra Madre Clients Work With Us
Sierra Madre’s small-town planning department means you’re often working directly with senior staff, which is an advantage if your plans are thorough and a problem if they’re not. We prepare complete submittals that respect both the city’s development standards and the practical realities of building on hillside properties.
With 1,500+ projects completed across Los Angeles County since 2015, we bring a depth of experience that most firms can’t match. We don’t just know the California building code: we know how Sierra Madre’s building department applies it.
Many Sierra Madre properties involve hillside conditions that require grading analysis, geological review, and slope setback compliance.
Our Work in Sierra Madre
Sierra Madre is where floor area is counted most carefully. An addition and ADU on a hillside lot drew findings under Municipal Code section 17.20.027.C.3 for the larger floor area, plus grade, drainage and low-impact-development information and a separate grading submittal; it is in resubmittal as of October 2026. An earlier addition with an ADU turned on the basement definition in section 17.20.015 and the floor-area rules in 17.20.125.B, with administrative design review under Chapter 17.60. A garage conversion with a canopy went through historic review, with the City requiring an engineer’s verification of the non-load-bearing walls and separate mechanical, electrical and plumbing permits.
How review works in Sierra Madre
Planning and Community Preservation handles zoning, design review and hillside cases, with Planning Commission review ahead of building submission where it applies; Building handles construction review.
What comes up most: gross floor area accounting, basement exclusions and the design-review thresholds that go with them.
Our Services in Sierra Madre
ADU Design
Detached ADUs, garage conversions, junior ADUs, and two-story units. Permit-ready plans prepared for Sierra Madre’s specific requirements.
Custom Home Design
Ground-up residential design from modern to traditional. Complete plan sets prepared for permitting.
Additions & Remodels
Room additions, second stories, kitchen and bath redesigns, whole-home renovations. Seamless integration with existing structures.
Plan Check Corrections
Plans stuck in review? We take over stalled projects, resolve code issues, and get permits approved.
Legalize Unpermitted Work
As-built documentation, code compliance analysis, and permit legalization for existing unpermitted additions and conversions.
Duplexes, Triplexes & Fourplexes
Duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes, up to four units and two stories. Density analysis and code-compliant design.
Start Your Sierra Madre Project
Free consultation. We’ll review your project and the permit path, then quote a flat fee in writing. No pressure, no obligation.