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What are the requirements to build ADU in Long Beach?
Constructing an ADU in Long Beach offers an excellent opportunity to expand your living area and create custom spaces like a home office or a recreation room. To ensure your ADU project is successful, it's important to understand the city's regulations and evaluate the financial feasibility of building an ADU in Long Beach. This guide provides a detailed overview of Long Beach's ADU regulations and essential financial considerations, helping you plan and execute your project effectively.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in Long Beach?
In Long Beach, properties with single-family dwellings can have one ADU, either attached or detached from the primary building.
How large can an attached ADU be in Long Beach?
An attached ADU can occupy up to 50% of the main dwelling's floor area, or 800 square feet, whichever is smaller. However, if the lot meets the zoning rules for lot coverage, open space, and floor area ratio, a one-bedroom ADU can be as large as 850 square feet, and a two-bedroom ADU can be up to 1,000 square feet.
How large can a detached ADU be in Long Beach?
The maximum size for a detached ADU is typically 800 square feet. However, if the lot complies with zoning regulations for lot coverage, open space, and floor area ratio, a one-bedroom detached ADU can be up to 850 square feet, while a two-bedroom detached ADU can reach up to 1,000 square feet.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in Long Beach?
Yes, in Long Beach, you can build a 2-story ADU.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
Yes, in Long Beach, an ADU should be at least 150 square feet in size.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, you can convert existing space into an ADU in Long Beach.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
- Typical maximum height: 25 feet and 2 stories, or as dictated by zoning, whichever is lower.
- More restrictive limits may apply in certain zones (R-1-S, R-2-S, PD-11).
- Minimum height: 16 feet; 18 feet if in a Transit Priority Area or if there's an existing multi-story dwelling.
- An additional 2 feet allowed for roof pitch alignment with the primary dwelling.
- Existing buildings with conforming setbacks can maintain or increase height; nonconforming setbacks restrict height to that of the existing building.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does Long Beach allow for multifamily properties?
Multifamily properties can have ADUs within non-livable space, up to 25% of existing units with a minimum of one unit required. Additionally, up to two detached ADUs are allowed.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Long Beach?
In Long Beach, an attached ADU for a multifamily building can be up to 1,200 square feet in size and should be at least 150 square feet.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Long Beach?
Just like attached ADUs in Long Beach, for detached ADUs in multifamily buildings, the size can range up to 1,200 square feet, with a minimum area of 150 square feet.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
There aren't any specific regulations in Long Beach about stacking detached ADUs on top of each other.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
No, you cannot attach two ADUs in Long Beach, as this configuration is not specified in the municipal code.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, in Long Beach, it is possible to convert existing space into an ADU. You can create an attached ADU by converting non-habitable areas of a building.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
- New construction height limits are based on specific zoning district requirements.
- Existing buildings with conforming setbacks can maintain or increase height when converted.
- Nonconforming setbacks restrict height to that of the existing building within the encroachment.
What ADU types are allowed to build in Long Beach?
Long Beach provides different possibilities for adding ADUs to your property:
- Detached ADU: A completely independent building, separate from the main house.
- Attached ADU: A unit integrated with the primary home, either by being added onto or built into the existing structure.
- Converted ADU: Repurposing existing areas like garages or sheds into fully functional living spaces with essential features such as a kitchen and bathroom.
You can choose to either build a new ADU or convert an existing structure. Repurposing existing areas like garages or sheds can help you sidestep certain zoning limitations, like setbacks or height restrictions, and may allow for small expansions. However, working with older buildings might come with unexpected issues, potentially driving up costs.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Long Beach?
The required setbacks for a newly constructed ADU are a minimum of 4 feet from the side and rear property lines. However, the city has not established specific setback regulations for corner or through lots.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
The ADU should be at least 5 feet away from existing structures for non-rated walls and 3 feet to less than 5 feet for 1-hour fire-rated walls.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
No, setbacks are not required when converting existing structures into an ADU, including adding a second floor.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Long Beach?
Building an ADU in the front yard of your home in Long Beach is possible, but only if there is no other suitable space on the property for an ADU of at least 800 square feet. Zoning setback regulations should be followed.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
In Long Beach, an ADU should have at least one bedroom, as opposed to studio units.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
Yes, in Long Beach, an ADU should have a full kitchen with a permanent cooking appliance.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
No, an ADU doesn't need independent utility meters. The property owner should choose whether the ADU will share utilities with the main house or have separate meters. Different rules might apply depending on the choice, and it's suggested to check if the current utilities can handle the additional load.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
The minimum ceiling height for an ADU in Long Beach is guided by the California Building Code, which requires a minimum of 7 feet for habitable spaces.
Find out the maximum ADU size for your property here
The parking requirements for ADU
What is the parking requirement for an ADU in Long Beach?
In Long Beach, the parking requirement for an ADU is one parking space. However, this requirement can be waived if the ADU meets any of the following conditions: it's within half a mile of public transit, located in an architecturally significant historic district, part of the primary residence or an existing accessory structure, or if there's a car share vehicle within one block of the ADU.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
Parking spaces in Long Beach can be located in an open setup, such as a driveway, and may be arranged in tandem with other parking spaces.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Long Beach?
Getting an ADU permit in Long Beach typically takes between 3.5 to 4 months. Once your permit plans are prepared, they should be submitted for a Plan Check. It's advisable to book a pre-plan check meeting with a planner to ensure everything is in order before applying.
Once the application is submitted and fees are paid, the city has 60 days to determine if the application is complete. If no response is given within this time, the permit will be automatically approved. If changes are needed, your designer will need to revise and resubmit the plans. The application should meet all necessary ADU standards, and missing information alone won’t result in rejection. The Plan Check fee is about $1,433.
Does Long Beach require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
Yes, Long Beach requires in-person submission of ADU plans at the Permit Center. This includes construction documents and permit applications, with fees due on the same day. It’s best to provide all documents as PDF files on a USB device. The Permit Center operates during regular hours, and appointments are recommended to reduce wait times, although walk-ins are accepted.
Does Long Beach require coastal development permits?
Yes, Long Beach requires coastal development permits for certain projects, particularly those projects located by the beach, bay, ocean, or tidelands.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Long Beach?
In Long Beach, whether a licensed professional is needed for ADU design depends on the project's complexity.
Cost, financing and market value of ADUs
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Long Beach?
The cost of building an ADU in Long Beach is approximately $380 per square foot. Beyond construction expenses, you should also budget for permits, architect fees, and engineering fees. For example, the total cost for a 900-square-foot ADU is around $390,000, covering both soft and hard costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in Long Beach?
The financial feasibility of building an ADU in Long Beach depends on construction costs and the local housing market. A 900-square-foot ADU in this area is estimated to be worth around $850,000. With a total building cost of about $390,000, this results in a return on investment of approximately 120%.
Profitability can also be assessed by considering potential rental income or the advantages of having family members live on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in Long Beach?
AB 1033 grants local governments in California the authority to establish guidelines for selling ADUs alongside primary residences as condominiums, provided they comply with current ADU regulations.
In Lomita, the sale of ADUs is controlled by local rules. An ADU can be sold if it was built by a recognized nonprofit organization, if there is a recorded tenancy in common agreement, or if the city permits the ADU and the primary home to be sold as separate condominium units.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in Long Beach?
No, ADUs in Long Beach are not subject to rent control regulations. Typically, rent control applies to buildings that are at least 15 years old, but since ADUs are new constructions, they are not covered by laws like AB 1482, which govern rent control.
How do I get money to build an ADU in Long Beach?
To get money for building an ADU in Long Beach, people can apply for help from the CalHFA ADU Grant Program. This program gives grants of up to $40,000 to cover one-time pre-development costs for ADU construction, like site prep, design, permits, soil tests, fees, surveys, and energy reports. Eligibility depends on the homeowner's low- or moderate-income status, with household incomes of up to $158,000 allowed for owner-occupied properties in LA County. Homeowners also have the freedom to choose their ADU tenants.
Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.
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