Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
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).
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
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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 12 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:
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 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:
| 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 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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Approved testing and listing agencies are available from the Mechanical Test Lab page.
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Please contact the Public Works Department.
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