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)
ZA Memo 143 - Implementation of 2019 ADU Ordinance and State ADU Law (Updated)

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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FAQ Search Results

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No. You can appeal as many items as you want. The fees you will need to pay for the appeal will be determined based on the number of the items you are appealing.

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Yes, per 1134A4.

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A complete set of plans showing the proposed work is brought into the Department, likely as a Counter Plan Check. A permit is issued after the plan are reviewed and approved by our plan check engineers. A complete set of plans includes:

  • Site Plan
  • Floor Plan
  • Roof Plan
  • Elevation of the building
  • Section of the building
  • Framing Plan
  • Foundation Plan
  • Architectural and Structural Details Plan

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A building permit cannot be issued without the LA County Health Department approval. It is recommended you submit your plans to the Health Department as soon as you can to avoid any delay in your project.

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The City requires the applicant for a project with excavation close to a property line to notify the affected property via a certified mail. See the Information Bulletin P/BC 2014-060 for more information.

P/BC 2014-060

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No. The ADU Standard Plan program includes pre-approved designs that are both meant to be built in place as well as designs that are prefabricated off-site.

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No. Each pre-approved plan is available for a fee determined by the architect or designer in consultation with the homeowner/client. Please see the link, ‘For further information on this standard plan click here.’ listed under each plan.

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No. The pre-approved standard plans are not free. These plans remain the intellectual property of the architects, engineers, designers or builders (design owner) who created them. Homeowners wishing to use these plans must contact the design owner to obtain access to and discuss any associated costs.

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No. The participating architects and designers retain ownership of the designs.

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The City of Los Angeles is making pre-approved standard plans available as an additional resource to help property owners rebuild more quickly following the January 2025 Wildfires.

 

These plans are not open-source; they remain the intellectual property of the architects, engineers, designers or builders who developed them.

 

The City’s role is to provide a streamlined permitting pathway by pre-reviewing these plans for building code compliance, thereby reducing plan check times.

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