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

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AB 3002 Notice in Spanish
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AB 3002 Notice in Tagalog
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AB 3002 Notice in Traditional Chinese
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AB 3002 Notice in Vietnamese
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Acceptable Design and Analysis Methods for Use of Slabs-On-Grade As Foundations
IB/P/BC 2020-100 - Effective
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Acceptable Design and Analysis Methods for Use of Slabs-On-Grade As Foundations
IB/P/BC 2017-100 - Effective
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Accessibility Details for Curbs, Blended Transitions, Islands and Detectable Warnings
IB/P/BC 2020-090 - Effective
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Accessibility Details for Doors, Maneuvering Spaces and Routes
IB/P/BC 2020-086 - Effective
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Accessibility Details for Doors, Maneuvering Spaces and Routes
IB/P/BC 2020-086 - Effective
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Accessibility Details for Obstructions, Reach Ranges, Telephones and Baby Changing Stations
IB/P/BC 2020-089 - Effective
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FAQ Search Results

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A duplicate of Building Inspection Card can be obtained from LADBS cashier free of charge, but you must bring a copy of the permit.

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GPI waivers may be granted by the district grading inspector on a case by case basis. Waivers are generally not granted for deepened foundations, slopes 3:1 (H:V) or steeper, swimming pool, or retaining walls over 6 feet in height.

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The "Express Permits" can be issued on the same day. See the Information Bulletin P/GI 2014-003 for the list of the Express Permits. For the Permits other than the Express permits which can be checked as Over the Counter, see the Information Bulletin P/GI 2014-011, -12 & -13, available at LADBS.org.

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No. Low pressure gas systems (2 psi or less) with more than 10 gas outlets require plan check. Medium and high pressure gas systems (more than 2 psi) require plan check regardless of the number of gas outlets.

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Kitchen exhaust with intake from the kitchen ceiling register and bathroom exhaust can be combined using the same exhaust duct. Kitchen exhaust from a kitchen hood shall be combined with bathroom exhaust.

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No. To have a special event, the building must have a Certificate of Occupancy.

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A master PRV is allowed to be installed downstream of a fire pump when a second master PRV is installed to provide redundancy, so that failure of one PRV does not affect the operation of the fire protection system.

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Yes, but with conditions. Residential hoods may be installed in employee kitchen areas, community centers in residential buildings, churches and similar areas that are not designed for the selling of food to the public. The cooking equipment shall be of residential grade, and a modification shall be approved by Mechanical Plan Check before installation.

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In general, infiltration is not allowed within a Hillside Grading Area. However, consideration can be given for properties where slopes won't be impacted.

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In general, infiltration is not allowed within a potentially liquefiable hazard zone. However, sites within a potentially liquefiable zone can be considered for infiltration if a soils report demonstrates that the site is not subject to liquefaction.

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