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:

Structural Criteria for Residential Rooftop Solar Energy Installations
View Download Mark as Favorite
Structural Engineering Associate Bulletin
View Download Mark as Favorite
Student Pro Worker 2023
View Download Mark as Favorite
Technical Correction Adaptive Reuse Incentive Areas Specific Plan - Non-Residential Use
View Download Mark as Favorite
Temporary Sign Permit Bond Instructions
View Download Mark as Favorite
TOC Referral Form
View Download Mark as Favorite
TOC Tier Verification Form
View Download Mark as Favorite
Trespass Arrest Authorization
View Download Mark as Favorite
Vacant Building Abatement
View Download Mark as Favorite
Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor Mechanic
View Download Mark as Favorite

Results: 3 6 10 25

FAQ Search Results

Filtered categories:

All

Yes, surveys are required if the property lines are not clear or cannot be established in the field.

Was this helpful?

Yes, a new ADU can be built as part of the rebuild and still qualify as a like-for-like +10% project per the Governor's Directive No. N-20-25, regardless of  whether or not an ADU existed on the site prior to the Wildfire.

The ADU can be built before the main house.

Was this helpful?

Yes, you may choose whether to build back all-electric and/or with gas appliances.

Was this helpful?

A second story that existed prior to the wildfire may be rebuilt and expanded as part of a like-for-like +10% project, so long as it complies with maximum allowable height and building footprint. 

Also, within the allowable footprint and height, adding a new second story is allowed. 

However, adding a new second story where it exceeds the height or footprint that existed prior to the Wildfire does not qualify as a like-for-like +10% project.

Was this helpful?

Yes you can rebuild your attached or detached garage as part of a like-for-like+10% project. Each detached structure will be evaluated individually for conformance with like-for-like requirements.

Was this helpful?

Adding a new basement or enlarging an existing basement level is allowed and qualifies as an Eligible Project, provided the basement does not exceed 110% of the existing building footprint.

Was this helpful?

Yes, the current Energy Code applies. 

However, if the rebuild project is using plans that were approved by the Department to comply with the 2019 Title 24, California Building Standards Code which include the Building and Residential Codes, or later versions per the Governor’s Directive No. N-20-25, then current Energy Code is not required.

Was this helpful?

The building footprint expansion and shape can be modified provided it is within 110% of the existing building footprint and is substantially in the same location.

Was this helpful?

Under the Mayor's Emergency Executive Order 7, the collection of fees associated with permits are currently suspended.

Was this helpful?

Linkage Fee will not apply for the replacement of the existing house resulting in the net increase of 1500 sqft or less of floor area from the prior home that existed on the property. School District fees will not apply if the replacement house is built with the same square footage. If the rebuild includes an addition, the school fee will apply if the addition is more than 500 sqft.

Was this helpful?

Results: 3 6 10 25