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:

Building Permit Valuation Table (Effective 8/17/2015)
- Effective
View Download Mark as Favorite
Building Plan Check Submittal Screening - Determination of Completeness
PC/STR/SubScreen01-2023
View Download Mark as Favorite
Building Process Flowchart
View Download Mark as Favorite
Building Separation A
PC/STR/Mod037A-2020
View Download Mark as Favorite
Building Separation A (for 2011 Codes)
PC/STR/Mod37A-2013
View Download Mark as Favorite
Building Separation B
PC/STR/Mod037B-2020
View Download Mark as Favorite
Building Separation B (for 2011 Codes)
PC/STR/Mod37B-2013
View Download Mark as Favorite
Building Sewer to Cross Lot Lines
PC/MECH/Mod031-2016
View Download Mark as Favorite
Building Sewer to Cross Lot Lines (for 2011 Codes)
PC/MECH/Mod31-2013
View Download Mark as Favorite
BUILDING STANDARDS FOR IMMEDIATE ENFORCEMENT EXTERIOR ELEVATED ELEMENTS (EEE)
IB/P/BC 2023-144 - Effective
View Download Mark as Favorite

Results: 3 6 10 25

FAQ Search Results

Filtered categories:

All

Any accessory building shall observe 10 feet separation from the main dwelling unit or any Accessory Living Quarters on the property.

Was this helpful?

A height of a building is limited per the zoning designation of the property. Visit a LADBS office Zoning counter for more information. A building code also limits the height of a building based on the type of construction and the occupancy of the building. Your building will need to comply with the lost restrictive height of the zoning and the building codes.

Was this helpful?

A fence within the required front yard setback for a property is limited to 3.5 feet above the natural grade. The fence height within the required setbacks other than the front yard setbacks could be limited to 6 feet or 8 feet based on the location of the property. A fence in the Special Grading Area of the City is limited to 6 feet above the natural grade within the required side or the rear yard. Check the zoning for your property to see if it is located within the Special Grading Area.

Was this helpful?

The total floor areas of all the accessory buildings on a property can not be larger than the floor area of the main dwelling unit.

Was this helpful?

You can schedule an inspection for the next day, so long as you do so before 4:00 PM.

Was this helpful?

Each permit extension is good for 6 months.

Was this helpful?

A permit is good for two years from the time the permit fees are paid. You will need to call for inspection at least once every 6 months, otherwise the permit expires.

Was this helpful?

Each Plan Check extension is good for 6 months. See the Information Bulletin P/BC 2014-120 for more information.

P/BC 2014-120

Was this helpful?

A Plan Check is good for 18 months from the time the plan check fees are paid.

Was this helpful?

Depending upon the labs backlog, it would take about 10 to 15 days for a lab application, and 15 to 20 days for a General Approval (Research Report) to be assigned. After assignment, it would generally take about one to two weeks to get a response. The overall completion of the evaluation and approval depends on the applicant. If the applicant is able to provide a test sample for initial and subsequent reevaluation, submit all the required information and documentations through the evaluation process, the complete process including the test lab evaluation and testing would generally be between 1 to 5 months to get an approval.

Was this helpful?

Results: 3 6 10 25