ADUByCity
Verified March 14, 2026

ADU Regulations in Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles County · CA · Pop. 3,900,000

Max ADU Size

1,200

sq ft detached

Rear Setback

4 ft

Permit Timeline

60 days for ministerial review

Build Cost

$150,000 – $450,000

Zoning

Allowed ADU Types

✓Detached ADU
✓Attached ADU
✓JADU (Junior ADU)
✓Garage Conversion
Max per lot: 2 ADUs✓ No owner-occupancy required

SB 9 allows additional units in some zones

Source: City of Los Angeles — ADU Ordinance · LAMC Section 12.22 A.33

Dimensions

Size & Setback Requirements

Detached

1,200

sq ft max

JADU

500

sq ft max

Attached

50% of primary home, max 1,200 sq ft

Setbacks

front

Same as primary dwelling

side

4 ft

rear

4 ft

Max height: 16 ft (detached); 25 ft if attached to primary

Lot coverage: No separate lot coverage limit for ADUs

ADUs within existing structures may have reduced setbacks

Permitting

Permit Process

Department

LA Department of Building and Safety (LADBS)

Review Timeline

60 days for ministerial review; Express ADU program: 30 days

Permit Fees

$5,000 – $25,000

Impact Fees

Impact fees waived for ADUs under 750 sq ft

Required Documents

  • ›Site plan (to scale)
  • ›Floor plans showing new and existing construction
  • ›Elevation drawings
  • ›Structural drawings (if new construction)
  • ›Energy compliance documentation (Title 24)
  • ›Soils report (if applicable)

Standard Plan Program allows faster approval for pre-approved designs

Visit LA Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) →

Infrastructure

Utilities & Requirements

Solar

Required

Parking

Not required

Separate Meter

Optional

Fire Sprinklers

See note

Sewer: Connect to existing sewer; no separate connection required for conversions
Fire Sprinklers: Not required unless primary dwelling has them
Parking: No parking required within 0.5 miles of transit or in historic districts

Electrical panel upgrade may be required depending on existing service

Financials

ADU Costs in Los Angeles

Typical Build Cost

$150,000 – $450,000

Cost per Sq Ft

$250 – $400

Monthly Rental

$1,800 – $4,500/mo

Property Value Added

Adds $200,000 – $400,000 to property value

Available Grants & Programs

  • ★CalHFA ADU Grant Program (up to $40,000 for low-income owners)
  • ★LA County PACE financing available

Garage conversions typically cost less: $80,000 – $150,000

Use the free ADU Cost Calculator →

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Disclaimer: Information is compiled from publicly available municipal codes for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, zoning, or construction advice. Regulations change frequently. Always verify with your local planning department. Last verified: March 14, 2026. Verify with LA Department of Building and Safety (LADBS)

Explore More

Nearby Cities in Los Angeles County

Long Beach

Max 1,200 sq ft · $150,000 – $420,000

Santa Clarita

Max 1,200 sq ft · $150,000 – $320,000

Glendale

Max 1,200 sq ft · $160,000 – $370,000

Palmdale

Max 1,200 sq ft · $130,000 – $270,000

Lancaster

Max 1,200 sq ft · $120,000 – $250,000

Pomona

Max 1,200 sq ft · $140,000 – $290,000

Los Angeles Quick Facts

  • Max size1,200 sq ft
  • Rear setback4 ft
  • Permit timeline60 days for ministerial review
  • Build cost$150,000 – $450,000
  • Rental income$1,800 – $4,500/mo
  • Owner occupancyNot required

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Official Source

City of Los Angeles — ADU Ordinance

LAMC Section 12.22 A.33

Last verified: March 14, 2026

Free Tools

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ADU rules change often.

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