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

Filtered categories:

MC Cable Only Permit
PC/ELEC/Mod59-2017
View Download Mark as Favorite
Conduit Only Permit (Early Start Permit)
PC/ELEC/Mod54-2017
View Download Mark as Favorite
Use a Scale per Foot Smaller than 0.125 Inch for Site Utility Drawing
PC/ELEC/Mod16-2017
View Download Mark as Favorite
Separate Fire Alarm Plans
PC/ELEC/Mod15-2017
View Download Mark as Favorite
Separate Approval for Fire Life Safety Plans
PC/ELEC/Mod14-2017
View Download Mark as Favorite
Installation of Equipment Prior to Test Lab Approval
PC/ELEC/Mod13-2017
View Download Mark as Favorite
Demand Factor of 0.65 to a Group of Reefer Receptacles
PC/ELEC/Mod8-2017
View Download Mark as Favorite
Add Loads to an Existing Installation
PC/ELEC/Mod7-2017
View Download Mark as Favorite
Baseline Hillside Ordinance Correction Sheet (Ordinance No. 184,802 Effective 3/17/17)
PC/STR/Corr.Lst.107A-2017
View Download Mark as Favorite
EVCS - Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
PC/DAD/Corr.Lst.10-2018
View Download Mark as Favorite

Results: 3 6 10 25

FAQ Search Results

Filtered categories:

All

Complete plans and construction documents will need to be submitted to the Department of Building and Safety (DBS) for review. The plans can be submitted electronically on the DBS Electronic Plan Review Portal (ePlanLA). Alternately, plans can also be submitted in person via walk-in service at the West LA Office or by appointment at any of the DBS’s office locations. The Department highly recommends online submittal, a dedicated team will be assigned to expeditiously review all permits related to the 2025 wildfire repair and rebuild.

 

In addition to complete plans and calculations, you may need the Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) and building permits. Information on how to get plans for your house are available under the question titled “Does the Department have copies of the plan for my house or building?”

Was this helpful?

If your property qualifies and does not require special processing, you may apply for an epermit online. This is the fastest, easiest option.

Was this helpful?

You can visit our website for Express Permits.

Was this helpful?

You can apply for an express permit at PermitLA.

Was this helpful?

Obtaining a permit online at our website LADBS.org takes only minutes.

Was this helpful?

A permit expires

1. In two years from the date of its issuance

2. If no work has been started within six months from its issuance

3. Work has started but stopped for over six months.

However, within 30 days of its expiration, an extension of time to extend a permit may be filed with the Department using either modification Request for Modification Form 41a or Request for Modification Form 42 . The request shall be filed with the inspection district supervisor if no work has been started. If the permit has expired and the work has started, the request shall be filed with any plan check office.

Was this helpful?

You can visit one of our development centers and apply for your permit in person by making the required appointment through the BuildLA system.

Was this helpful?

A permit that does not require plans or plan check. Here is a link to a detailed list of express permits.

Was this helpful?

At our website LADBS.org under “Plan Review & Permitting” option in the carousel.

Was this helpful?

Most of the ADU Standard Plans have been pre-approved with various options. Some customization is possible, such as changes to window and door types and sizes, colors, etc. Approved standard plan floor plans can also be rotated.

Was this helpful?

Results: 3 6 10 25