How Do I Find an ADU Plan That Works for My Lot?
Note: Thumbnail image courtesy of houseplans.com.
When considering an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), we often hear Omaha homeowners ask, “How do I find a plan that fits my lot?” Whether you have a specific footprint in mind or you are just exploring your options, the right plan is about more than just dimensions. It starts with knowing what your property can actually accommodate and ends with choosing or designing a layout that supports how you want to use the space.
Step One: Start With a Site Plan
Before you browse floor plans or begin a design process, we recommend to get a site plan. A site plan maps your property, existing structures, setbacks, utilities, and easements to show exactly where an ADU could sit and how large it can be.
Why this step matters:
Omaha zoning and setback requirements often reduce the available footprint compared to what you imagine
A site plan keeps you from wasting time on plans that won’t fit
It helps with access, parking, and utility tie-ins so the ADU works with your existing property.
The site plan sets the stage for future design decisions and ensures you are designing within Omaha’s local requirements.
Finding the Right ADU Plan
Once you know the buildable area, you can focus on the plan itself. We see homeowners typically take one of two paths:
Option 1: Work with a Local Drafter or Designer
A local ADU-minded designer, like Straightline Design here in Omaha, can create a custom plan tailored to your property and your needs. This route is ideal if:
You have a specific vision or use case (aging parents or rental unit)
You want the ADU to complement your existing home’s architecture
You need to maximize every inch of a smaller footprint
Custom plans typically cost more upfront ($3k - $8k+, depending on complexity) but give you a one-of-a-kind layout and a smoother permitting process since the plans are designed to meet Omaha’s building codes.
Straightline also offers a series of stock ADU plans called the Pingora, the Moran, and the Whitney. These are available through ADU Omaha and are designed to build on each other as your needs change:
Pingora: 400 sq. ft., studio, 1 bath. A compact, efficient plan perfect for a guest suite, rental studio, or starter ADU.
Moran: 602 sq. ft., 1 bed, 1 bath. Adds a separate bedroom to the Pingora’s core layout for more privacy and livability.
Whitney: 748 sq. ft., 1-2 bedrooms, 1 bath. Expands further to allow a second bedroom or flex space while maintaining the same foundational layout.
What makes these plans unique is their future proofing. You can start with the Pingora for a cost-effective, smaller ADU and add on later to convert it into a Moran or Whitney as your family’s needs or rental goals evolve, all while staying within plans designed for Omaha lots and codes.
Option 2: Purchase a Stock Plan Online
House plan websites like houseplans.com offer shovel-ready plans and construction documents. You can often filter by size, bedroom and bathroom count, and style. For ADUs, you may need to search under “tiny homes.”
Benefits of stock plans:
Lower upfront costs ($1k - $3k)
Faster turnaround compared to custom design
A wide variety of layouts to choose from
Things to keep in mind:
Many stock plans require a structural engineer’s stamp to meet Omaha and Nebraska building codes
Out-of-state plans often need slight adjustments to align with local permitting and design standards
Focus on the interior layout first; the exterior can be tweaked later to match your home
Understand Footprint vs. Livable Space
An ADU’s footprint is not the same as its livable square footage. For example, a plan with a 24’ x 36’ footprint equals about 864 sq. ft. on paper, but after account for walls and mechanical chases, the interior often nets closer to ~700 sq. ft.
This is not a problem, but instead simply good planning. A well-design layout makes that space feel open and functional, which is why choosing the right plan matters more than just hitting a target dimension.
Match the Plan to the Purpose
Before you fall in love with a floor plan, get clear on the “why” behind your ADU:
Rental Income? Prioritize a functional kitchen, a separate bedroom, and durable finishes
Family or Aging Parents? Look for single-level layouts, wider doorways, and accessibility features
Guest House or Home Office? Flexible, open layouts may work best
Your use case drives everything from the size of the bathroom to window placement.
Your 3-Step Path to an ADU That Fits
We try to make the process clear and stress-free for Omaha area homeowners:
Schedule Your Free Consultation - we will discuss your goals and talk steps for the site plan
Get a Site Plan and Clear Proposal - understand exactly what your property can accommodate
Build an ADU that Fits Your Lot and Your Life - from design to construction, we can guide you every step
Final Thoughts
Finding the right ADU plan is not just about picking a pretty layout. It is about starting with your lot, understanding Omaha’s zoning and setbacks, and matching a design to how you want to use the space. Whether you go with a custom design or a stock plan like the Pingora, Moran, or Whitney, they key is a strong foundation: a site plan, a clear use case, and expert guidance to make the process smooth.
FAQ: ADU Plans in Omaha
How do I know what size ADU I can build in Omaha?
The size is determined by your lot size, zoning district, primary dwelling coverage, and setback requirements. A site plan is the first step to see exactly what your property can accommodate.
Do I need a site plan before picking an ADU plan?
Yes. A site plan ensures the plan you select will fit your lot and meet Omaha’s permitting requirements, saving you time and money in the design phase.
Are there pre-approved ADU plans for Omaha?
Yes. ADU Omaha offers several pre-reviewed plans, including the Pingora, Moran, and Whitney from Straightline Design. These plans are designed to meet local codes and can streamline the permitting process.
Have more questions?
Check out our complete ADU Guide, answering everything from zoning to costs. You can download it here: Complete Omaha ADU Guide.
