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.
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)
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)
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.
Additional Resources
Find ADU-related PDFs and forms here. For more options, visit our Forms and Publications page.
- Forms & Publications
- FAQ
Filtered categories:
FAQ Search Results
Filtered categories:
All
Refer to Information Bulletin P/GI 2014-012 on our website to confirm when plans are required to go through regular plan check (back room) review.
Was this helpful?
However, some exceptions apply, such as projects only consisting of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, or cosmetic works like painting, wallpapering, etc. There are also general exceptions that exempt DA compliance, such as construction sites, raised areas, and machinery spaces, per 11B-203 of the LABC.
Was this helpful?
An import/export approval is valid for twelve months from the date of the Board’s action. The BBSC does not grant extensions on import/export applications. If you fail to obtain your grading permit within the twelve-month period, the application will expire and a new application must be submitted to the Commission Office to be heard before the BBSC.
Was this helpful?
Counter hours are as follows:
- Monday 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Tuesday 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Wednesday 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Thursday 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM
- Friday 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Was this helpful?
Once you obtain a permit, you can commence with the work. However, you must call for inspection before you cover or conceal any work. If you are unsure of when to call for inspection, please contact our Customer Call Center at 3-1-1.
Was this helpful?
The school fees are required for new buildings and additions. Additions made within one year which are less than 500 square feet are exempt from school fee.
Was this helpful?
Any time your property is in a City Special Grading Area and the amount of the cut or fill exceeds 250 cubic yards.
Was this helpful?
See the Los Angeles Municipal Code (L.A.M.C.), Section 91.106.2 for when a Building permit is required.
Was this helpful?
See the Los Angeles Municipal Code (L.A.M.C.), Section 95.112.1 for when a Mechanical permit is required.
Was this helpful?
See the Los Angeles Municipal Code (L.A.M.C.), Section 93.0201 for when an Electrical permit is required.
Was this helpful?