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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January 2019 Newsletter
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Joint Referral Form
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Journey-Level Conveyance Mechanic Certification of Work Experience
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Journey-Level Conveyance Plumber Certification of Work Experience
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Journey-Level Elevator Mechanic
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Journey-Level Plumber
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Journey-Level Plumber Certification of Work Experience
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July 2019 Newsletter
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July 2020 Newsletter
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LA ADU Accelerator Program SHORT Homeowner Flyer
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FAQ Search Results

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When required by the provisions of section 1710.2 or 1710.3 of the LAMC.

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When all HVAC, electrical, and fire sprinkler are installed in the ceiling, but before covering.

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Ducts should be covered as soon as installed, and shall remain covered until the HVAC system is installed and ready to be turned on.

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Projects that qualify for Express Permit do not require plan checks. Other plan checks, including plan checks by other City departments, county and state agencies may also be required for the work being performed.

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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, or the permit expires.

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Detectable warnings/truncated domes are required at platform edges, curb ramps, islands or cut-through medians, bus stops, hazardous vehicular areas, reflecting pools, and track crossings.

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Each property owner of these buildings will be sent an order to comply. These orders will be sent accordingly based on the following priority:

PriorityCategoriesStart date of Sending Out Orders
I. Buildings with 16 or more dwelling units3-story and aboveMay 2, 2016
2-storyJuly 22, 2016
II. Buildings with 3 or more storieswith less than 16 unitsOct 17, 2016
III. Buildings not falling within the definition of Priority I or IIwith 9-15 unitsTBD
with 7-8 unitsTBD
with 4-6 unitsTBD
Condos/CommercialTBD
PriorityCategoriesStart date of Sending Out Orders
I. Buildings with 16 or more dwelling units3-story and aboveMay 2, 2016
2-storyJuly 22, 2016
II. Buildings with 3 or more storieswith less than 16 unitsOct 17, 2016
III. Buildings not falling within the definition of Priority I or IIwith 9-15 unitsTBD
with 7-8 unitsTBD
with 4-6 unitsTBD
Condos/CommercialTBD

Priority Categories Start date of Sending Out Orders I. Buildings with 16 or more dwelling units 3-story and above May 2, 2016 2-story July 22, 2016 II. Buildings with 3 or more stories with less than 16 units Oct 17, 2016 III. Buildings not falling within the definition of Priority I or II with 9-15 units TBD with 7-8 units TBD with 4-6 units TBD Condos/Commercial TBD Priority Categories Start date of Sending Out Orders PriorityCategoriesStart date of Sending Out Orders I. Buildings with 16 or more dwelling units 3-story and above May 2, 2016 I. Buildings with 16 or more dwelling units3-story and aboveMay 2, 2016 2-story July 22, 2016 2-storyJuly 22, 2016 II. Buildings with 3 or more stories with less than 16 units Oct 17, 2016 II. Buildings with 3 or more storieswith less than 16 unitsOct 17, 2016 III. Buildings not falling within the definition of Priority I or II with 9-15 units TBD III. Buildings not falling within the definition of Priority I or IIwith 9-15 unitsTBD with 7-8 units TBD with 7-8 unitsTBD with 4-6 units TBD with 4-6 unitsTBD Condos/Commercial TBD Condos/CommercialTBD

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Each property owner of these buildings will be sent an order to comply. These orders will be sent accordingly based on the following priority:

PriorityCategoriesStart date of Sending Out Orders
I. Buildings with 16 or more dwelling units3-story and aboveMay 2, 2016
2-storyJuly 22, 2016
II. Buildings with 3 or more storieswith less than 16 unitsOct 17, 2016
III. Buildings not falling within the definition of Priority I or IIwith 9-15 unitsTBD
with 7-8 unitsTBD
with 4-6 unitsTBD
Condos/CommercialTBD
PriorityCategoriesStart date of Sending Out Orders
I. Buildings with 16 or more dwelling units3-story and aboveMay 2, 2016
2-storyJuly 22, 2016
II. Buildings with 3 or more storieswith less than 16 unitsOct 17, 2016
III. Buildings not falling within the definition of Priority I or IIwith 9-15 unitsTBD
with 7-8 unitsTBD
with 4-6 unitsTBD
Condos/CommercialTBD

Priority Categories Start date of Sending Out Orders I. Buildings with 16 or more dwelling units 3-story and above May 2, 2016 2-story July 22, 2016 II. Buildings with 3 or more stories with less than 16 units Oct 17, 2016 III. Buildings not falling within the definition of Priority I or II with 9-15 units TBD with 7-8 units TBD with 4-6 units TBD Condos/Commercial TBD Priority Categories Start date of Sending Out Orders PriorityCategoriesStart date of Sending Out Orders I. Buildings with 16 or more dwelling units 3-story and above May 2, 2016 I. Buildings with 16 or more dwelling units3-story and aboveMay 2, 2016 2-story July 22, 2016 2-storyJuly 22, 2016 II. Buildings with 3 or more stories with less than 16 units Oct 17, 2016 II. Buildings with 3 or more storieswith less than 16 unitsOct 17, 2016 III. Buildings not falling within the definition of Priority I or II with 9-15 units TBD III. Buildings not falling within the definition of Priority I or IIwith 9-15 unitsTBD with 7-8 units TBD with 7-8 unitsTBD with 4-6 units TBD with 4-6 unitsTBD Condos/Commercial TBD Condos/CommercialTBD

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The district grading inspector will clear the release of the bond upon completion of the work. Financial Services will release the bond amount.

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A covenant can be obtained at the County Recorder’s office.

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