The Nevada County Building Department released the fourth and final pre-approved housing master plan, a one-bedroom/one-bath unit. This design will join the three already approved master plans that offer property owners a more affordable and quick option for building a home. Plans can be used as a primary or secondary home, such as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) also known as a granny flat, cottage, or in-law quarters.
“This final design is the result of several years of focused effort,” said Nicholas McBurney, Nevada County Building Department’s Plans Examiner. “As a collective, we recognize the need for more housing. Working together we hope to reduce the cost of creating their own plans and expedite the plan review process.”
The final master plan design features one bedroom and one bathroom and offers an efficient and compact living space. The home allows for a modern, open floor plan that merges the living, dining, and kitchen areas into a cohesive, flexible space. The bedroom offers additional privacy from the rest of the living space.
There are three additional design options to choose from:
- One-bedroom 661sf unit with a garage (below the unit),
- Two-bedroom 746sf unit with or without a garage
- Three-bedroom 1,194sf unit with or without a garage
Over the past year, 26 permits have been issued using the Master Plan Designs. “This final design is the result of collaboration with our regional partners,” said Building Department Director George Schureck. “We are proud to offer these to the community to help streamline the building review process and increase our housing stock.”
About the Housing Master Plans
In the Fall of 2020, Nevada County championed this cross-jurisdictional effort in collaboration with Sierra County, Placer County, the Town of Truckee, the City of Grass Valley, and the City of Nevada City. Each jurisdiction partnered with Jackson & Sands Engineering, Inc. and Russell Davidson Architect to develop, review, and approve the plan sets. The first three designs were released in March of 2023.
Each plan set is available to purchase from the architect for $1,200 per plan, and they provide numerous options for added flexibility at a low cost compared to typical plans that run around $15,000 or more. Residents can review the plans online before purchasing. If you have questions, please call (530) 265-1222 extension 1 or email buildingdept@nevadacountyca.gov.
