ADU Regulations in Inglewood, California
Los Angeles County · CA · Pop. 110,000
Inglewood's ADU rules are in Article 35 of the zoning code, and the city publishes a 2024 ADU Development Standards sheet. HCD reviewed the ordinance in May 2025, and where local limits such as one-story detached ADUs conflict with state law, state law controls. Parcels near LAX may carry noise overlays or avigation easement requirements.
Max ADU Size
1,000
sq ft detached
Rear Setback
4 ft
Permit Timeline
60 days
Build Cost
$160,000 – $330,000
Local Rules
What's Different in Inglewood
- ›ADUs and JADUs may not be rented for less than 30 days
- ›Local code limits detached ADUs to one story and 16 ft; state law allows more near transit
- ›HCD issued findings on the city's ADU ordinance in May 2025
- ›Parcels near LAX may need avigation easements or sound insulation
Zoning
Allowed ADU Types
State law requires cities to allow, on a single-family lot, one ADU converted from existing space, one JADU, and one new detached ADU of up to 800 sq ft. Multifamily lots can add up to 8 detached ADUs (not more than the number of existing units) plus conversions of non-livable space for up to 25% of existing units.
State law preempts local owner-occupancy requirements. Inglewood is experiencing one of the fastest appreciation rates in Los Angeles County, driven by SoFi Stadium, Intuit Dome, and LAX proximity. Entertainment and sports industry workers create strong professional rental demand.
Source: City of Inglewood: Planning Division / Accessory Dwelling Units · Inglewood Municipal Code Title 12 (Zoning), Article 35
Dimensions
Size & Setback Requirements
Detached
1,000
sq ft max
JADU
500
sq ft max
Attached
850 sq ft or 50% of primary home, whichever is less (state law still guarantees at least 800 sq ft)
Setbacks
front
Same as primary dwelling
side
4 ft (local multifamily rule of 10% of lot width, 3 to 5 ft, cannot exceed the 4 ft state cap)
rear
4 ft
Max height: One story and 16 ft (detached); up to the primary home's allowed height if attached
State law floor for detached ADUs: 16 ft; 18 ft within half a mile of major transit (plus 2 ft to match the main roof pitch) or on a lot with a multistory multifamily building.
Lot coverage: Per underlying zone; R-1 zones typically permit up to 45% coverage
Inglewood's dense urban lots benefit from state ADU protections that prevent cities from denying ADUs based solely on lot coverage when state minimums are met. Local code caps detached ADUs at 1,000 sq ft or the size of the primary home, whichever is less; state law still allows at least an 800 sq ft ADU.
Permitting
Permit Process
Department
City of Inglewood Community Development Department: Planning Division
Review Timeline
60 days
Permit Fees
$8,000 – $16,000
Impact Fees
Impact fees waived for ADUs under 750 sq ft; proportional fees apply above that threshold
Required Documents
- ›Site plan (to scale)
- ›Floor plans
- ›Elevations
- ›Title 24 energy compliance (CalGreen)
- ›Structural drawings
- ›Geotechnical report (if in designated liquefaction zone)
Inglewood has streamlined its ADU process in response to rapid growth. Proximity to LAX means some parcels may have noise impact overlays; check with Planning for avigation easement requirements. LA County school fees assessed separately.
Infrastructure
Utilities & Requirements
Solar
Required
Parking
Usually none
Separate Meter
Optional
Fire Sprinklers
Only if main home has them
Financials
ADU Costs in Inglewood
Typical Build Cost
$160,000 – $330,000
Cost per Sq Ft
$225 – $295
Monthly Rental
$1,700 – $2,800/mo/mo
Property Value Added
Adds $220,000 – $400,000 to rapidly appreciating property value
Grants & Programs to Check
- ★CalHFA ADU Grant Program (closed since December 2023; watch calhfa.ca.gov for any new funding round)
- ★LA County Community Development Authority programs
- ★City of Inglewood may offer local housing incentive programs
One of the hottest ADU investment markets in LA County. SoFi Stadium events and sports tourism create short-term rental opportunities (verify local STR rules). Entertainment industry contractors, flight crews, and event staff sustain strong long-term rental demand.
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State Law
California Rules That Apply in Inglewood
Inglewood can be more generous than state law but not stricter. These statewide minimums were last reviewed September 30, 2026.
- Units per lot
- Single-family lots can have one ADU converted from existing space, one JADU, and one new detached ADU (up to 800 sq ft). Multifamily lots can add up to 8 detached ADUs (never more than the number of existing units) plus conversions for up to 25% of existing units. Gov. Code §66323; SB 1211 (2024)
- Size
- Cities must allow at least an 800 sq ft ADU with 4 ft side and rear setbacks. Local maximums can be no lower than 850 sq ft (studio or one bedroom) or 1,000 sq ft (two or more bedrooms). JADUs are capped at 500 sq ft of interior livable space. Gov. Code §§66321, 66333
- Height
- Detached ADUs: at least 16 ft; 18 ft within half a mile of major transit (plus 2 ft to match the roof pitch of the main home) or on a lot with a multistory multifamily building. Attached ADUs: 25 ft or the zone height limit, whichever is lower. Gov. Code §66321(b)(4); AB 2221 and SB 897 (2022)
- Setbacks
- Side and rear setbacks for new ADUs can be no more than 4 ft. Conversions of existing legal structures need no extra setback. Front setbacks cannot block an 800 sq ft ADU. Gov. Code §66314(d)(7); AB 2221 (2022)
- Permit timeline
- The city has 15 business days to say whether an application is complete, or it is deemed complete. It must then approve or deny a complete application within 60 days, with no public hearing. Gov. Code §66317; SB 543 (2025)
- Impact fees
- No impact fees on ADUs under 750 sq ft; larger units pay fees proportional to the main home. ADUs and JADUs of 500 sq ft or less are exempt from school impact fees. Gov. Code §66324; SB 543 (2025)
- Owner-occupancy
- Cities cannot require the owner to live on site for an ADU. For a JADU, owner-occupancy can be required only if the JADU shares a bathroom with the main home. JADUs cannot be short-term rentals. AB 976 (2023); AB 1154 (2025)
- Parking
- No parking is required for an ADU within half a mile walk of public transit, in a historic district, or for a conversion, and garage parking lost to an ADU does not have to be replaced. Gov. Code §66322
- Fire sprinklers
- Sprinklers cannot be required in an ADU unless the main home is required to have them. Gov. Code §66314(d)(12)
- Pre-approved plans
- Every city must offer a program for pre-approved detached ADU plans, and plans matching a pre-approved design must be approved or denied within 30 days. AB 1332 (2023); Gov. Code §65852.27
- Selling an ADU
- Cities may choose to let owners sell an ADU separately as a condominium. It is a local opt-in, so check whether your city has adopted it. AB 1033 (2023)
- Unpermitted ADUs
- ADUs built without permits before 2020 can be legalized. Cities cannot deny them for code violations unless the unit is a health and safety hazard, and fees are limited. AB 2533 (2024)
Sources
- City of Inglewood: Planning Division / Accessory Dwelling Units (Inglewood Municipal Code Title 12 (Zoning), Article 35)
- City of Inglewood: ADU Development Standards (2024)
- Inglewood Municipal Code Article 35: Accessory Dwelling Units
- HCD: Inglewood ADU Ordinance Findings (May 2025)
- California HCD Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook
Compiled by the ADUByCity Team. How we verify city data.
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Inglewood Quick Facts
- Max size1,000 sq ft
- Rear setback4 ft
- Permit timeline60 days
- Build cost$160,000 – $330,000
- Rental income$1,700 – $2,800/mo/mo
- Owner occupancyNot required
Official Source
City of Inglewood: Planning Division / Accessory Dwelling UnitsInglewood Municipal Code Title 12 (Zoning), Article 35
Last verified: October 4, 2026
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