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 - Revision 1 (LAMC Chapter 1)

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:

Plan Check Worksheet for Residential Elevators
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Plan Submittal Criteria for Single Family Dwelling (SFD) Standard Plan
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Plumbing Maintenance Certificate of Registration
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Plumbing Maintenance Supervisor
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Preliminary Zoning Assessment Form
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Pre-scheduled Meter Set Program
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Pre-scheduled Meter Set Program
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Print Sign Upload Declarations
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Procedures to Report a Code Violation
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Protocol for Retail Establishments Opening for In-Person Shopping: Appendix B
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FAQ Search Results

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For General Approval – City of Los Angeles only:

Testing must be witnessed by an independent third party Testing Agency approved by the Los Angeles City, Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). The Approved Testing Agency shall issue the test report. The Approved Testing Agency shall approve the testing facility where the testing occurs to meet the requirements as specified in Information Bulletin P/GI 2014-028, Rules and Regulations for Recognition of Testing Agencies.

For Research Reports based on an Evaluation Report from a nationally recognized model code agency:

Test reports shall come from a qualified testing agency approved by the Model Code Agency issuing the Evaluation Report. The approved testing agency shall take necessary steps to ensure that the integrity and condition of the test specimens are maintained and are not altered during periods when a laboratory representative is not present. Also, the manufacturer’s testing facility shall show to the satisfaction of the approved testing agency that it meets the requirements for an approved testing agency.





 

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No. These pre-approved ADU Standard Plans are only for new, detached structures.

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No. These pre-approved ADU Standard Plans are only for new, detached structures.

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Please contact the individual jurisdiction to inquire whether they will accept a City of Los Angeles Pre-Approved Standard Plan.

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Please contact the individual jurisdiction to inquire whether they will accept a City of Los Angeles Pre-Approved Standard Plan.

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No, these pre-approved ADU Standard Plans are only for new, detached structures.

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No, these pre-approved ADU Standard Plans are only for new, detached structures.

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To be considered an eligible project in accordance to Emergency Executive Order 1, the rebuilt structure shall not exceed 110% of the height that existed immediately before the Wildfires:

  1. If the grade for the rebuild is the same as it existed immediately before the Wildfires, the height of the rebuilt structure shall not exceed 110% of the original height. The original height is the height of the structure that existed immediately prior to the fire.
  2. If the rebuilt grade is raised, the structure's rebuild height shall not exceed 110% of the original height minus the amount the grade was raised. For example, if the grade was raised by 5’ and the original structure height was 30’, the new allowable height will be 33 ft minus 5 ft resulting in a 28’ maximum height from the new raised grade.
  3. If the rebuilt grade is lowered, the new rebuild height shall not exceed 110% of the original structure height measured from the lowered grade. For example, if the grade was lowered by 5’ and the original structure height was 30’, the new allowable height will be 33’ from the new lowered grade.
  4. The original grade, which existed immediately before the wildfire, shall be certified by a licensed surveyor or civil engineer.

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Only products that have either a Laboratory or General Approval (no one-time approvals) may be subject to annual renewal. About 60 days before an approval expires, the original applicant needs to take the following actions:

  1. Submit a completed renewal application form (PC-ELEC-App.12). Original signature is required.
  2. Submit the application fee as marked on the application form. Make check payable to “The Department of Building and Safety, City of Los Angeles.”
  3. Submit a current production sample of the equipment along with an explanation if there were any changes to the equipment from the previous approval.

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Submit an “Application for Testing or Evaluating Mechanical Equipment” (found on the "Mechanical Test Lab (MTL)" page) to LADBS-MTL, check the box “renewal” and pay the fees. 

Additional information, tests, and/or engineering analysis may be required, in which case written comments will be sent to the applicant.

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