Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

An Accessory Dwelling Unit, is a small, separate living space on the same property as a single-family home. It can be attached to the main house, or it can be a separate structure, like a converted garage or backyard cottage.

Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance (Ord 186481)

Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance (Ord 186481)

Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance (Ord 186481)
Implementation of 2019 Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance and State ADU Law

Implementation of 2019 Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance and State ADU Law

Implementation of 2019 Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance and State ADU Law
Implementation of State Law SB 897 & AB 2221 Regarding ADUs and JADUs

Implementation of State Law SB 897 & AB 2221 Regarding ADUs and JADUs

Implementation of State Law SB 897 & AB 2221 Regarding ADUs and JADUs

The ADU Ordinance

On December 11, 2019, the City of Los Angeles adopted the Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance (Ordinance 186,481) which went into effect on December 19, 2019. This ordinance added a new section, Los Angeles Municipal Code (LAMC) Section 12.22A.33, which includes local development standards and requirements for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs), and Movable Tiny Houses (MTHs) as outlined in Government Code (GC) Sections 65852.2 and 65852.22.

Types of ADU

According to the Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance (Ordinance 186,481) three types of ADU’s have been defined to include: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs), and Movable Tiny Houses (MTHs).

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a small, separate living space on the same property as a single-family home. It can be attached to the main house or be a separate structure such as a converted garage or backyard cottage. These units provide independent living facilities such as a place to sleep, eat, cook and have personal hygiene. ADU's are located in the same lot as the main house, and it is a great way to increase living space options for family members, renters, or as a source of income for homeowners.

Movable Tiny House (MTH)

Movable Tiny House (MTH)

Movable Tiny House (MTH)

A Moveable Tiny House (MTH) is a small, portable living space that meets certain requirements set by the state of California. To be considered a MTH, the space must meet all the following requirements:

  • Is licensed and registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
  • Meets the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) 119.5 requirements or the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1192 standards, and is certified for ANSI or NFPA compliance. A 3rd party inspection agency (Design Approval Agency/Quality Assurance Agency) shall certify the MTH meets this requirement (List of approved 3rd party Design Approval Agencies (DAA) and Quality Assurance Agencies (QAA)).
  • Cannot move under its own power.
  • Is no larger than allowed by California State Law for movement on public highways
  • Is no smaller than 150 and larger than 430 square feet as measured within the exterior faces of the exterior walls.

Development Standards and Requirements

ADUs, Junior ADUs, and Manufactured Tied Homes can be built in any area that allows residential use. Parking isn't required for new ADUs if they are within a half-mile walk of public transit. If you remove covered parking to build an ADU, you don't need to replace it.

ADUs must follow all zoning, building, and residential codes. Fire sprinklers aren't required if they're not necessary for the main house. Detached ADUs built from scratch must have solar panels.

ADU Approved
Standard Plans
Program

The Standard Plan Program makes it easier for LADBS customers to get permits for building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) built repeatedly. Using standard plans shortens the time needed to review the plans through plan check, and corresponding permits are issued more quickly.

Under The Standard Plan Program private licensed architects and engineers create plans suitable for different types of sites. LADBS pre-approves these plans to make sure they meet building, residential, and green codes. If you choose an approved plan, LADBS will review it to make sure it fits your property, following zoning codes and foundation needs.

 

 

View Approved Standard Plans

Additional Resources

Find ADU-related PDFs and forms here. For more options, visit our Forms and Publications page.

  • Forms & Publications
  • FAQ

Filtered categories:

2014 L.A. Amendment to CA Building Code
Ord. No.182850
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2014 L.A. Amendment to CA Electrical Code
Ord. No.182851
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2014 L.A. Amendment to CA Elevator Code
Ord. No.182846
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2014 L.A. Amendment to CA Green Building Code
Ord. No.182849
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2014 L.A. Amendment to CA Mechanical Code
Ord. No.182845
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2014 L.A. Amendment to CA Plumbing Code
Ord. No.182847
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2014 L.A. Amendment to CA Residential Code
Ord. No.182845
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2016 California Green Building Standards Code
- Effective
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2016 EBEWE Annual Report
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2017 L.A. Amendment to CA Building Code
Ord. No.184691
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FAQ Search Results

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A contractor may sign for their own design as permitted by the State Law and section 93.0206(a).

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Yes, if the house is one story and will be built from plans based on the Department standard "Wood Frame Prescriptive Provisions One Story Residential Construction Only."

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Yes. From time to time, a testing agency may list an electrical product that may be in violation of the electrical code, and sometimes in violation of the safety test standard that the equipment supposed to be in compliance with, or evaluated to the incorrect safety test standard. In these cases, when such a product is discovered, the testing agency is notified to take immediate corrective action. If in the opinion of the Department, the equipment is considered to be of eminent hazard to the public or the property, or if the testing agency is nonresponsive to the Department request to resolve the problem, the equipment is not permitted to be installed or energized until the matter can be resolved.

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No, the City of Los Angeles Municipal Code Section 93.0402 requires that the testing agencies and the product standards used by these agencies to be approved by the Department. For a list of approved laboratories, and list of their recognized standards, please visit our website at LADBS.org.

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You have the right to appeal any project. There will be a fee for an appeal.

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Yes, you can appeal if the project you are appealing was submitted to LADBS for plan check. LADBS will provide a response to the appeal in writing, and then you may appeal to City Planning if you do not agree with LADBS' responses. See Information Bulletin P/ZC 2017-019, available on LADBS.org, for more information.

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Yes. You can apply for the permits which do not require plan check. Please visit ePermit to apply.

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No, a permit is valid for two years from the time the permit fees are paid. You will need to obtain a new permit for the remaining work not completed under the expired permit.

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Yes, you can ask the inspector for your project about a permit extension.

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A request for Plan Check extension can be granted in most cases. See Information Bulletin P/BC 2020-120 information.

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