Are There Rules, Codes, Regulations For Granny Flats/ADUs In Los Angeles?

Yes, simply put Los Angeles, and all of California have written rules about Accessory Dwelling Units, Granny Flats or ADU’s as they are commonly referred too. These rules can range from how big you can make your ADU to what codes need to be followed to the number of parking spaces you must provide. It is good to note that each city has its own rules and building codes that they enforce. This article will touch upon the most common information with ADU codes in the Los Angeles area but to get the exact deets for your city you should visit your county building office. 

You keep saying Accessory Dwelling Unit, what is that In Los Angeles?

An accessory Dwelling Unit or ADU is a small apartment, house or space that exists on a single-family home lot. You have probably heard it called by its other names; a granny flat, in-law suite, backhouse, they all mean the same type of living structure. The basic design of an ADU consists of its own entrance, a kitchen, bathroom and living spaces. They can be either stand-alone or attached to the main home. Maybe you want to add one to your property to rent out and help with your income, maybe you are looking to move a family member home or maybe you might you are looking to increase the value of your property. Whatever the reason an ADU is a great addition to your home. The process can be expensive and timely to some but it is well worth it!  I will try to summarize the main codes and rules to building an ADU here in LA so you can have some background and of course feel free to give us a call or email and we can talk more about the process. 

Are there a lot of Granny Flat/ADU rules and codes? Will it be easy to build in my backyard?

These two questions are a little more loaded, so I will break it down a little more. Will it be easy to build? Well, we are building a small house either to attached or not attached to your home so that does take time and a lot of hard work but as you will have contractors to do the work you can just watch from the comfort of your home. Will it be quick? Typically construction will take 12 weeks, but there are always circumstances that could decrease or increase the time. You tried to apply for an ADU in the past but were denied, how will it be different now? Now, this is a great question! Yes, in the past it was much harder to obtain the proper permits to legally build an ADU but due to a rising population and slow-building and open units, California has made it easier to get a permit and build on private and residential properties. Below I will give a summary of the most important codes that need to be followed in obtaining a permit and putting you one step closer to your goal of having an ADU.

Step one: Do you have the correct zoned property?

           At this time ADUs can only be built on properties that have been zoned as R-A, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, A-1 or A-2. The zoning laws also apply to single-family and multi-family owned lots too! If you are not sure what zone your lot is feel free to contact us, we can help!

Are there Granny Flat restrictions based on size?

There are rules that dictate the size of an ADU. For all types of granny flat/ADU the minimum size is 150 square feet. The maximum is dependant on the type of ADU, an attached ADU can be either 1200 square feet or 50% of the size of the house attached too; meaning if it is attached to a 900 square foot home the ADU can be a max of 450 square feet. For an ADU that is detached the maximum is 1200 square feet. It is also great to note that ADU can only reach a maximum height of 25 feet. Click here to see some of our granny flat/adu floor plan designs.

Do I have to provide parking?

This is a yes and no type of question. Yes, you do have to provide parking but if you can prove one of the following then no, you are not required by law:

1. ADU is located within a half-mile of a public bus stop or rail station, and the path of travel is publicly accessible.
2. The ADU is part of or within the primary residence or existing accessory building.
3. The ADU is on a street that requires on-street parking permits, but the permit has not been offered to the occupant of the ADU.
4. The ADU is located within one block of where a motor vehicle provides hourly and daily service as part of a regional fleet operated by a public agency or publicly-leased motor-vehicle-sharing organization.
5. The ADU is located within a historic district listed in the City’s Historic Resources Inventory.

*Please note you should always double-check with your county or you can confirm with us

Can I build an ADU on my property and then rent out the ADU and main house? Can I list my property on Airbnb?

I understand that many of you are looking to increase your income in this expensive growing world but as of now California rules that the homeowner must live in either of the 2 dwellings on the property, though from 2020-2025 all-new ADUs will not have this rule. Meaning it is a great time to build and rent out 2 properties. As for Airbnb, no you can not short term rent an ADU.  You can rent an ADU for a long-term rental, 30 days or more. If it is found, you are short terming an ADU you face fines from your city and California.