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

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Development Services Case Management Service Request Form
CMU/APP.25
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SERVICIOS DE CONSERJERÍA
Concierge Services Program Public Bulletin
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DSCM DESCRIPCIÓN DE SERVICIOS
DSCM Matrix Public
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Grading Permit Cash Bond
GGI/05-2019 - Effective
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Grading Bond Instructions and Execution Guides
GGI1-2015 - Effective
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Grading Permit Surety Bond
GGI6-2016 - Effective
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Storm Water Pollution Control
GRN 01-2026 - Effective
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VOC Content Verification Checklist
GRN 02-2026
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FORMALDEHYDE EMISSIONS VERFICATION CHECKLIST
GRN 03-2026
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Mandatory Requirements Checklist Newly Constructed Residential Buildings
GRN 04-2026
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FAQ Search Results

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Tenant Improvement projects that qualify for ePlanLA must meet all of the following conditions: 
 
  • The project is in a commercial building; and
  • The project is above the ground floor; and
  • The project must have no changes in use; and
  • The project must have no changes to the exit components; and
  • The project must have no increase in occupant load.
 

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When you receive an Order To Comply (OTC) stating that your property violates Code, read the order carefully to identify which items:

  • require a permit
  • find contact information for the inspector or supervisor
  • determine what fees maybe applied and penalties if not paid on time
  • determine appeal procedures

The current property owner is responsible for complying with the Order, even if previous owners or tenants have performed the un-permitted work or created the violation.

Refer to the Obtaining Permits to Resolve Orders (.pdf) information bulletin for more detail.

 

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The property owner must hire an engineer or architect licensed in the state of California to evaluate the strength of the building. The engineer or architect must then develop plans for the building’s seismic strengthening in compliance with this program.  The owner must notify tenants in writing per HCIDLA regulations.

 

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The property owner must hire an engineer or architect licensed in the state of California to evaluate the strength of the building. The engineer or architect must then develop plans for the building’s seismic strengthening in compliance with this program.  The owner must notify tenants in writing per HCIDLA regulations.

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  1. The City Clerk's office will assign a number, date stamp and log in your claim. They will then send it to Building and Safety, Financial Services for review.
  2. Financial Services staff will also log it in. The refund will be forwarded to the applicable division for refund recommendation. For example, if the refund is for a building permit, requests will be sent to our Plan Check Engineers and our Building Inspectors. Our Department staff will review the refund requests and make appropriate recommendations. These recommendations will be sent back to Financial Services.
  3. Financial Services staff will complete the audit on the claim, make the necessary calculations and set up either the refund or the denial letter. When completed, the refund or denial letter will be mailed to the claimant.

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If you disagree on how the code is being applied to your specific situation, discuss the matter with the Inspector or the Inspector's immediate supervisor.

If the issue is not resolved, you have the right to Appeal to the Board of Building and Safety Commissioners. Further information on Appeal rights are on the Order.

 

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Exceptions for products without proper approval are considered by the Structural Plan Check Division. See your plan checker and plan check supervisor regarding the process and fees required for an administrative approval.

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The aim of LADBS Code Enforcement is to preserve and enhance the safety, appearance and economic stability of our community through the diligent enforcement of applicable ordinances and land use regulations. It maintains Los Angeles Municipal Codes (LAMC) by issuing an Order to Comply (OTC) to the property owner and any other person in control of a property who violates or causes or permits another person to violate any provision or requirement of the LAMC.

The OTC is essentially a warning letter with a time frame for voluntary compliance. The OTC describes the violation(s), instructions to remedy the violation(s) and warnings of possible penalty fees and criminal prosecution. Violation of the LAMC is a misdemeanor and code enforcement cases must therefore be prepared for the possibility of being resolved in Los Angeles Superior Court.

Read more about LADBS Code Enforcement.

 

 

 

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“ASHRAE Guideline 0.2-2015 Commissioning Process for Existing Systems and Assemblies”
requires the following items as part of Retro-Commissioning:

 

  • Define Owner’s EBCx goals and objectives.
  • Select the Initial EBCx Team.
  • Collect and analyze historical energy use.
  • Study the building and its operational characteristics with regard to energy use, occupant health and productivity, and equipment and structural reliability and longevity.
  • Develop CFR
  • Review building documentation such as building plans, specifications, O&M manuals, and maintenance records.
  • Perform diagnostic monitoring and establish trend logs to documents building performance for several weeks.
  • Visually inspect systems for correct installation and operation.
  • Perform simple repairs required to keep equipment operating, reduce energy use, and allow more accurate data gathering such as trend logging.
  • Perform functional tests.
  • Identify potential modifications that will reduce energy use and/or cost (includes a descriptions of the measure, estimated energy savings, cost estimate, and simple payback).
  • Perform an engineering and economic analysis of potential modifications.
  • Prepare a rank-ordered list of appropriate modifications.
  • Implement recommended modifications.
  • Prepare the draft EBCx Report, which includes the Implementation Report.
  • Revise O&M procedures to improve efficiency and equipment longevity.
  • Update facility personnel training programs for current and revised systems. Implement retraining of O&M staff as required.
  • Transition to Ongoing Commissioning (OCx) with the OCx Plan. Ensure persistence of benefits with measurement and verification (M&V) strategies such as trend logging and monitoring.
  • Prepare the final EBCx Report, including the Lessons Learned Report.

 

Definitions:
CFR: Current Facility Requirements
EBCx: Existing-Building Commissioning
M&V: Measurement and Verification
OCx: Ongoing Commissioning
O&M: Operation and Maintenance

 

 

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”ASHRAE Guideline 0.2-2015 Commissioning Process for Existing Systems and Assemblies” requires the following items as part of the Audit:

  • Convene kick-off meeting to form team. Develop a procedural plan.
  • Collect and analyze historical energy use.
  • Study the building and its operational characteristics with regard to energy use.
  • Identify potential modifications that will reduce energy use and/or cost (includes a description of the measure, estimated energy savings, cost estimate, and simple payback).
  • Perform an engineering and economic analysis of potential modifications.
  • Prepare a rank-ordered list of appropriate modifications.
  • Prepare a report to document the analysis process and results.

 

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