Los Angeles regulates ADUs under its 2019 ADU Ordinance (Ordinance 186,481, LAMC 12.22 A.33) and also applies state ADU law. Owners can choose an Ordinance ADU or a State ADU, and the two have different limits.[1]
California cities can set their own ADU rules, but never stricter than state law. Grey lines show the state floor from the HCD ADU Handbook.
| Size limits | Ordinance detached ADU: up to 1,200 sq ft, unless lot floor area or coverage rules limit it further. State detached ADU option: 800 sq ft.[2] State law: a city's maximum size must allow at least 850 sq ft, or 1,000 sq ft for more than one bedroom, and local rules cannot block an 800 sq ft ADU with 4 ft side and rear setbacks (Gov. Code 66321).[4] |
|---|---|
| Height | Ordinance ADU: max 2 stories (basements not counted) and the zoning height limit. State detached ADU: 16 ft, or 18 ft within a half mile of transit, plus 2 ft (20 ft total) if the roof pitch matches the main home.[2] State law: detached ADUs get at least 16 ft; 18 ft within a half mile walk of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor (plus 2 ft to match roof pitch) or on a lot with a multistory multifamily building; attached ADUs up to 25 ft or the main home's limit if lower (Gov. Code 66321).[4] |
| Setbacks | 4 ft side and rear for a new building or addition. None extra for an existing structure converted or rebuilt in the same place and size.[2] State law: side and rear setbacks can be no more than 4 ft for new ADUs; converted existing space needs no new setback (Gov. Code 66314, 66323).[4] |
| Parking | Ordinance ADUs: see LAMC 12.22 A.33 (state exemptions such as transit proximity apply). State ADUs: none.[2] State law: at most 1 space per ADU or per bedroom, whichever is less, and none within a half mile walk of public transit, in a historic district, within one block of a car share, or for ADUs inside the house (Gov. Code 66314, 66322).[4] |
| Owner occupancy | No city-specific figure verified. The state minimum below applies; confirm local details with the city. State law: no owner occupancy requirement for ADUs (Gov. Code 66315). A JADU requires the owner to live on site if it shares a bathroom with the main home (Gov. Code 66333).[4] |
| Permit steps and timeline | LADBS runs a Standard Plan Program: pre-approved plans go through a shorter plan check, then staff review your site for zoning and foundation. The City offers a free 1-story, 1-bedroom 455 sq ft plan called YOU-ADU.[1][3] State law: the city must approve or deny a complete application within 60 days when there is an existing home on the lot (Gov. Code 66317).[4] |
| Fees | No city-specific figure verified. The state minimum below applies; confirm local details with the city. State law: no impact fees on ADUs of 750 sq ft or less; above that, impact fees must be proportional to the size of the main home. Plan check, permit and school fees can still apply.[4] |
We connect you with builders who serve your area. Free, no obligation.
Sources
Every fact above links to an official city or state page. Rules change; check the source before you build.
- [1] LADBS: Accessory Dwelling Unit checked Oct 2026
- [2] LA City Planning: ZA Memo 143, Dec 30 2024 checked Oct 2026
- [3] LADBS: ADU Standard Plan Program checked Oct 2026
- [4] HCD ADU Handbook (March 2026) checked Oct 2026