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.

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See the Los Angeles Municipal Code (L.A.M.C.), Section 92.0129(b) for when an Elevator permit is required.

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No permit is required for a wood fence or wrought iron fence up to 10 feet.

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See the Los Angeles Municipal Code (L.A.M.C.), Section 94.103.1 for when a Plumbing permit is required.

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A LA Research Report is required for any structural items. Please see Information Bulletin P/BC 2014-119 to learn more.

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A geology report is needed for development within an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone or a Preliminary Fault Rupture Study Area or for new onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS).A combined report is needed for projects in a Hillside Grading Area or where bedrock is encountered in addition to the requirements for a soils report.

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A soils report is needed for construction on a slope steeper than 3:1 (Horizontal:Vertical), excavations removing lateral support, when a structure cannot be designed per building code values, and/or for structures which do not conform to chapter 18 of the 2014 LABC. Reports are also required for sites in seismic hazard zones that are not exempt under Information Bulletin P/BC 2014-044.

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Floor control valves and waterflow detection assemblies shall be installed at each floor where any of the following occur:

  1. Buildings where the floor level of the highest story is located more than 30 feet above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access
  2. Buildings that are four or more stories in height
  3. Buildings that are two or more stories below the highest level of fire department vehicle access



     

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You will need a Haul Route hearing if your property is within LA City Special Grading Area, and you are exporting more than 1,000 cubic yards of dirt from your property. See the Information Bulletin P/BC 2014-134, available at LADBS.ORG.

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Any new restaurant or any tenant improvement of a restaurant will require approval by the LA County Health Department before a corresponding building permit can be issued. Any place where food is processed requires approval from LA County Health Department. See the Information Bulletin P/GI 2010-005 for more information.

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Please call LAFD at (213) 482-6900 for the information.

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