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:

Reduced Underfloor Clearance for Conversion of Attached Garage to Living Area
IB/P/BC 2020-075
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Definition of "Commenced Construction" and Similar Phrases
IB/P/GI 2020-016
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Regulations Applicable When a Building Permit is Issued to Alter, Repair, or Add to an Existing Building or When a Building is Sold
IB/P/GI 2020-002
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Guidelines for Submitting Haul Route Applications with Import or Export Amounts Greater than 1,000 Cubic Yard
IB/P/BC 2023-134 - Effective
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Import-Export Route (Haul Route) Requests Status Table
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Application for Review of Import-Export Routes
PC/GRAD/App22-2018 - Effective
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Application for Electrical Plan Check
PC/ELEC/App03-2017
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Permit Fee Schedule for Electrical Permits
PC/ELEC/FeeSch1-2016
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Communication Public Utility Systems
IB/P/EC 2020-011 - Effective
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Communication Public Utility Systems
IB/P/EC 2017-011 - Effective
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FAQ Search Results

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Retrofit is an improvement to your building by altering or adding any structural elements.

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In most residential areas, fences are limited to 3'-6" in height in the front yard and 6'-0 in the side and rear yards. 

Depending on lot size and location, the height limit may be increased to 8'-0 for the side and rear yards. The regulations can be found in Section 12 22 C 20 (f) of the LA Zoning Code.



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A Certificate of Occupancy is issued pursuant to a building permit for new construction, additions, and changes of occupancy after all the necessary construction has been approved by the inspector. It is evidence that the Department of Building and Safety has determined that the construction was done according to the requirements of the code for the given occupancy to be housed in the building.

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The fees for an off-hour inspection is $318.00.

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Call 3-1-1 to find out the current status of your plan check.

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Please see Information Bulletin P/BC 2014-057 for details.

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The Description describes the type of work that will be performed.

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A modification is issued/processed by LADBS. A variance is handled by the Department of City Planning, when a project is not a by-right project.

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According to Electrical Code article 100, an equipment or material that is tested by an approved testing agency meeting appropriate designated standards are considered as listed equipment, provided that also, the testing agency publishes a list of these products and the product bears the listing mark or logo of the testing agency.

Electrical equipment that is evaluated and tested by the City of Los Angeles Electrical Test Lab conforming to the requirement of the adopted standards and codes are considered as approved equipment.



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General or laboratory approval is generally for identical mass produced equipment with a one-year approval time, after which a re-evaluation would be required for another one-year period, if the applicant would like to maintain approval.

One-Time approval is for field installed product(s) at a specific location. The approval for the product is limited to the location in which it's installed, but no annual renewal is required, as is the case of general approval. 



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