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

Filtered categories:

Landscape Certification
GRN 12-2023 - Effective
View Download Mark as Favorite
LA Seismic Retrofit Program: Property Owner's Guide
View Download Mark as Favorite
LA Seismic Retrofit Program: Property Owner's Guide
View Download Mark as Favorite
LA Soft-story Retrofit Program: Tenant Habitability Plan and Cost Recovery Guide
View Download Mark as Favorite
LA Soft-story Retrofit Program: Tenant Habitability Plan and Cost Recovery Guide
View Download Mark as Favorite
Licensed Boiler and Steam Engineers
IB/P/MC 2014-004 - Effective
View Download Mark as Favorite
Liquefaction Analysis Guideline
IB/P/BC 2020-151 - Effective
View Download Mark as Favorite
LISTA DE ACRÓNIMOS Y ABREVIATURAS USUALES UTILIZADOS POR LA CIUDAD DE LOS ÁNGELES DEPARTAMENTO DE CONSTRUCCIÓN Y SEGURIDAD (LABDS)
IB/P/GI 2014-023 List of Common Acronyms and Abbreviations Used by the City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS)
View Download Mark as Favorite
List of Approved Testing Agencies (Mechanical)
View Download Mark as Favorite
List of Common Acronyms and Abbreviations Used by the City of Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS)
IB/P/GI 2023-023 - Effective
View Download Mark as Favorite

Results: 3 6 10 25

FAQ Search Results

Filtered categories:

All

You can request the staff's immediate supervisor to discuss the matter further.

Was this helpful?

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

Was this helpful?

The automated inspection request systems allow inspections to be requested only three days in advance. Call the Customer Call Center at 3-1-1 if you need to request an inspection more than three days in advance.

Was this helpful?

Sites in most hillside areas, within potentially liquefiable zones, where infiltration rates are too low, or where the earth materials exhibit adverse conditions when saturated (e.g., expansive or hydro collapsible soils) are generally not allowed to infiltrate stormwater. Please refer to Information Bulletin P/BC 2014-118.

Was this helpful?

Building and Safety does not maintain copies of Plumbing or Electrical plans.

Was this helpful?

A fault investigation is required if the project is located within an Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zone or a Preliminary Fault Rupture Study Area to preclude construction for human occupancy from being placed on an active fault. Please refer to Information Bulletins P/BC 2014-129 and P/BC 2014-044.

Was this helpful?

The Department requires the use of a sump pump when concentrated drainage cannot be directed to an approved location via gravity. Please refer to Information Bulletin P/BC 2014-103.

Was this helpful?

The Department requires the use of a back-up generator for sloping properties to maintain proper drainage and reduce the potential for erosion and sloughing in the event of a power failure.

Was this helpful?

No, a CofO will only be issued if it is a change of occupancy or an increase in square footage.

Was this helpful?

Whenever an Order to Comply is issued you will be billed $336.00, plus a 6% surcharge fee.

Was this helpful?

Results: 3 6 10 25