• To obtain a building permit, you will need to provide a completed Building Permit Application, a copy of the LA City approved stamped ADU Standard Plan, and plans indicating how the Standard Plan will be adapted to a specific site. This should include the necessary details indicating how and where the structure will be built in a specific location (i.e. plot plan showing setbacks, etc.).
• All applications and plans must then be submitted at one of our offices or uploaded/submitted via Eplan. No structural calculations are required. The Department will review all of the plans and issue a building permit once it is verified site-specific factors for the property, including compliance with the Zoning Code and foundation requirements.

For a complete listing of building permit submittal requirements, please refer to the Building Permit Checklist.

Eaves: Project into the required side yard not more than 4 inches for each foot of width of such side yard, provided the width of the side yard is not reduced to less than 30 inches. Project into the required front and rear yards not more than 30 inches. Project into the side yard adjoining the street lot line of a corner lot not more than 30 inches, provided the width is not reduced to less than 30 inches.

Open roof and unenclosed trellis

Open, unenclosed stairways or balconies not covered by a roof or canopy: Project into a required rear yard not more than 4 feet. Project into a required front yard 30 inches. Project into the side yard adjoining a street lot line of a corner lot, not more than 30 inches, provided the width is not reduced to less than 30 inches.

Open, unenclosed porches, platforms, or landing places (including access stairways) not covered by a roof or canopy which does not extend above the level of the first floor of the building, provided: Projection is maximum 6 feet into the required front, side, and rear yards Projection is maximum 6 feet above adjacent grade.

Chimney: Project into the required front, side, and rear yards not more than 2 feet. The width of the required side yard shall not be reduced to less than 3 feet.

A bay window or garden type window of normal size may project 8 inches into a required side yard, provided the width of the required side yard is not reduced to less than 3 feet.

Tankless water heaters may project 18 inches into the required side yard, provided such side yard is not reduced to less than 3 feet in width.

The following roof structures are allowed to project above the like-for-like height limit:

Stairway housing (no larger than 72 square feet) may project 5 feet.

Elevator housing may project 5 feet, provided it is setback a minimum of 5 feet from the roof perimeter.

Chimneys may project 5 feet.