And speaking of plans, who did the plans, an Architect or Draftperson...?

Fully acknowledged that I'm not an architect/contractor with the credibility to make that judgement, but I consulted in person with several architects and contractors who all agreed that the addition looks at surface level well-built. 

Most of the demo work has been done in the home and the architect has the drawings for expanding the home.

About 60% are brokers with engineering license or architect background.

I have the funds to perform the urban lot split and pay an architect for plans . 

I paid this same architect $3500 for plans for an addition, another $4k in the survey and concrete certs.

@Jennifer Kim I can recommend a few SB9 architects and contractors in Los Angeles...please DM me. 

A designer or architect can help you work through a design that abides by these rules.For ADUs, these R1R3-specific rules cannot stop you from building an 800 sq ft unit, because the state forces every city to let you build at least an 800 sq ft unit.

W If you are stuck, you can also try to find an architect that may take on smaller projects (with all the building going on, it is hard to find good jersey city architects for smaller projects as they are all on bigger projects).