AB 1206 – Pre-Approved Plans, Ready to Build
Lower costs, faster timelines, and fewer surprisesAB 1206 requires California cities to offer pre-approved building plans for homes and small apartment buildings with up to 10 units. This is a major win for homeowners, small developers, and nonprofits looking to build affordably and efficiently.
By reducing delays and removing design guesswork, AB 1206 makes it easier to say yes to small, incremental housing projects—especially in neighborhoods that need more housing options but can't support large-scale development.
What This Means for You
If you're looking to:
Build a custom home or duplex,
Develop a small multifamily building (up to 10 units),
Or add missing-middle housing to your neighborhood,
AB 1206 can significantly lower both time and design costs—a huge benefit in today’s high-cost building environment.
Benefits include:
Access to city-approved building plans, which can bypass some design review,
Faster permitting timelines, as the plans are already vetted,
Lower risk of delays or redesigns due to local feedback or compliance issues,
A more accessible path to development for first-time builders and community-minded projects.
However, not all pre-approved plans will suit your site, goals, or budget—and you may still need to adapt them to your specific lot and local rules.
How New Avenue Homes Can Help
At New Avenue, we’re already building projects aligned with what AB 1206 supports: affordable, sensible, and streamlined infill housing. Our team has the tools and experience to help you make the most of this new law.
Here’s what we offer:
Local expertise: We’ll find out whether your city has pre-approved plans available, and which ones may apply to your project.
Customization: We’ll help you choose and tailor a plan that fits your lot, your goals, and your community’s character—so you’re not stuck with a one-size-fits-all design.
Full-service support: From zoning research to construction management, we guide your project from idea to move-in with clarity, care, and expert coordination.
Whether you're a homeowner hoping to build a rental unit or a nonprofit looking to develop housing with real impact, we can help you do it faster—and smarter—with AB 1206.
Ready to Build Without the Guesswork?
Schedule your free consultation today and learn how AB 1206 and New Avenue’s expert guidance can help you build more—faster, better, and with fewer roadblocks.
