ADU Ordinances in Los Angeles

You’ve probably seen the advertisements for ADUs around town. Perhaps your neighbor is constructing one right now. You’re probably wondering, how can you legally construct an ADU in Los Angeles?

An ADU is a great investment in your property. In constructing an ADU, you are not only adding to the housing inventory in the city (a big plus in the recent housing crunch), but you can also add income every month in the form of rent you can charge the tenant of your ADU. Or, instead of renting to someone you don’t know, you can help out a relative or aging parent with independent housing. Whatever your reason for wanting an ADU, there are certain regulations you must follow in order for your project to go as smoothly as possible.

What is an ADU in Los Angeles?

An ADU -- or Accessory Dwelling Unit -- is a housing unit that may be up to 1200 square feet. It must have its own kitchen and bathroom, separate from the main home on the property. In fact, an ADU (also known as a granny flat or in-law unit) must provide permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, sanitation, and other life and safety code requirements. 

Recent changes in regulations statewide have made constructing an ADU on your property easier than ever. In fact, jurisdictions cannot deny you the right to build an ADU on your property. However, be warned that if you have an unpermitted ADU on your property, you may have to demolish it and rebuild in order to have an ADU that is up to code. 

What is a Junior ADU in Los Angeles?

Don’t have a lot of space on your property? Not a problem. You can construct what is known as a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit, or Junior ADU. These are independent living units with independent exterior access that is no more than 500 square feet. They must be entirely constrained within a single-family home, including an attached garage. In order for a Junior ADU to follow the city’s regulations, the owner of the property must live in either the Junior ADU or the main residence.

What are the regulations that govern ADUs in Los Angeles?

While it is easier than ever to construct an ADU on your property, there are certain rules and procedures to follow during your project. 

• ADUs are permitted on property zoned as Single Family Residence or Multiple Family Residence where there is already a main home or apartment building in place.

• Any existing legal structure can be converted into an ADU or granny flat.

• ADUs are not permitted in areas zoned as Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone unless the property has two ways to access a highway. 

• You can have up to two ADUs on your property.

• Your ADU can be up to half as big as your main residence, or 1200 square feet, whichever is smaller. That means, if you live in a 2,000 square foot home, your ADU cannot be larger than 1000 square feet. 

• Your new ADU/granny flat/garage conversion can NOT be sold separately from your main home.

• Sprinklers are not required for your new granny flat/ADU/garage conversion in Los Angeles, unless your main house requires sprinklers.

What are the parking requirements for my ADU in Los Angeles?

Depending on what neighborhood you live in, you know parking can be a huge issue in Los Angeles. If you live in Silverlake, Koreatown, Los Feliz, Highland Park, you know the parking struggle, what with street cleaning and high density living. You may be wondering, if I add an ADU to my property, will I have to provide parking for that resident? The answer is....most likely not. 

• If you are converting a garage, you must provide one parking spot. This can be a carport, driveway or a tandem parking spot.

• If you are not converting a garage, there are no requirements that you include a parking space IF your home falls into any of these categories:

  • The ADU has no bedroom

  • The ADU is detached from the main home and is 800 square feet or smaller

  • Your home is within half a mile of public transit

  • Your home is one block from a car share

  • Your home is in an historic district 

  • Your conversion is part of your main home -- e.i., a converted basement or an ADU built on top of a functioning garage. 

  • On-street parking permits are required on your street, but are not offered to the tenant of the ADU.

How much does it cost to construct an ADU in Los Angeles?

It costs about $80,000-$120,000 to construct an ADU on your property. That said, as with any major construction project at your home the cost of your garage conversion is going to depend on many factors.

• Will you be able to convert your current garage, or will you have to demolish it and start with new construction? This all depends upon the state of your current garage.

• Will you separate your utilities? You absolutely can separate the utilities (water, gas, electric) from your main home and the studio apartment. Doing so will probably add $10,000 for separating the water, $15,000 to separate the electricity and $5,000 to separate the gas. Because the cost of separating utilities is so prohibitively high for most homeowners, they usually opt to just include the price of utilities in the rent that is charged. 

• What extra features will you include in your design? While renters will love extra add-ins like a built in breakfast nook, built in shelving and drawers, and a Murphy bed, these features will all add extra costs in the construction. 

How do I pay for my ADU in Los Angeles?

Wondering how to pay for your ADU? For a traditional ADU/granny flat/garage conversion, there are many options for homeowners to pay for the construction -- from Home Equity Lines of Credit, construction loans or a cash-out refinance.

There are many considerations to take into account when deciding to build a tiny home on your property. In the end, the extra income it can generate and the added value to your home, or just the simplicity of your life, can make a tiny home a great choice.

If you want to convert your garage or build a tiny home on your property and need help funding your project, give us a call. Our lending professionals have the experience and know-how to get you into an ADU/garage conversion today! Call Granny Flats Design at 818-532-0482.