Leonard Garage Conversion
What are the requirements to build ADU in Los Angeles City?
Building an ADU in Los Angeles City provides a great opportunity to increase your living space and offer affordable housing for adult children transitioning to independence. To ensure the success of your ADU project, it's important to understand the city's regulations and assess the financial feasibility of constructing an ADU in the City of Los Angeles. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of Los Angeles City's ADU regulations and key financial factors, assisting you in planning and executing your project efficiently.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in Los Angeles City?
In Los Angeles City, you can have one ADU on a lot with an existing or proposed single-family dwelling, whether attached or detached from the primary building.
How large can an attached ADU be in Los Angeles City?
An attached ADU can be up to 50% of the primary dwelling's floor area, with a minimum size of 850 square feet or 1,000 square feet for more than one bedroom. Development standards cannot restrict the ADU size to less than 800 square feet if it meets other criteria like floor area ratio and minimum lot size.
How large can a detached ADU be in Los Angeles City?
A detached ADU can have a maximum floor area of 1,200 square feet, but development standards cannot prevent the construction of at least an 800-square-foot ADU.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in Los Angeles City?
Yes, you can build a 2-story ADU in Los Angeles City.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
No minimum lot size requirement applies to an ADU in Los Angeles City. However, the building code will require a minimum size for each room type to create livable spaces.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, you can convert existing space into an ADU in Los Angeles City.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
The maximum height for an ADU on a property with a single-family house is 16 feet.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does Los Angeles City allow for multifamily properties?
Multifamily properties in Los Angeles City are allowed to have at least one converted to ADU within the existing structure or with up to 25% of the existing multifamily units. Additionally, a maximum of two detached ADUs can be added.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Los Angeles City?
An attached ADU for a multifamily building can be up to 50% of the primary dwelling's floor area, with a minimum size of 850 square feet or 1,000 square feet for more than one bedroom. Development standards cannot restrict the ADU size to less than 800 square feet if other criteria are met.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Los Angeles City?
A detached ADU for a multifamily building can be up to 1,200 square feet. Development standards cannot prevent constructing an ADU that is at least 800 square feet.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
In Los Angeles, there are no specific regulations that explicitly address the stacking of detached ADUs.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
No, in Los Angeles, you cannot attach two ADUs to each other.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, you can convert existing space into an ADU for a multifamily building in Los Angeles City.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
The maximum height for an ADU on a multifamily property is 16 feet, similar to that of a single-family dwelling.
What ADU types are allowed to build in West Hollywood?
West Hollywood allows the construction of various ADU types, including:
(A) Detached ADU: A separate, standalone unit built independently from the main residence.
(B) Attached ADU: A new addition physically connected to the existing home.
(C) Converted ADU: A converted non-habitable space, such as a garage, shed, or storage room, turned into a livable unit with a kitchen or kitchenette and a bathroom.
Remodeling existing structures into ADUs provides greater flexibility, as setback and height limits typically do not apply. These structures can also be expanded for more living space. However, remodeling older buildings may reveal hidden problems that could increase costs.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Los Angeles City?
The minimum setbacks for an ADU are 4 feet for both side and rear yards. For corner lots, the setbacks should align with the minimum requirements of the zoning district. The city has not established specific regulations for through lots.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
Los Angeles has not established a specific minimum distance for ADUs from existing buildings, but many cities typically require at least 6 feet.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
No additional setbacks are needed when converting existing structures into an ADU, whether it’s a living area or an accessory structure, as long as it maintains the same location and dimensions.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Los Angeles City?
You cannot build a detached ADU in the front yard unless the property is on a Through Lot or if the ADU is attached to a legally existing garage or accessory structure.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
In Los Angeles City, ADUs can have a minimum of one bedroom, as opposed to studio units which only require an efficiency kitchen.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
Yes, an ADU in Los Angeles City typically needs a full kitchen as cooking facilities are required.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
Los Angeles City's regulations do not explicitly state whether ADUs require independent utility meters. For clarification, it's best to contact the relevant authority.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
In Los Angeles City, ADUs should follow the California Building Code, which requires a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet for livable areas.
Find out the maximum ADU size for your property here
The parking requirements for ADU
What is the parking requirement for an ADU in Los Angeles City?
ADUs in Los Angeles City require one parking space, but exceptions apply. No parking is necessary if the ADU is within half a mile of public transit, one block from a designated car-share location, or in a significant district. No parking is needed if the ADU is part of the primary residence or an accessory structure.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
Parking for an ADU can be in any yard area or passageway. If in the front yard, it should be on an existing driveway. Tandem parking is allowed, but driveway access in the front yard cannot be expanded for parking. Additionally, no replacement parking is required if a garage or covered structure is converted to an ADU.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Los Angeles City?
To start construction in Los Angeles City, you need to secure permits from the Planning and Building Department. The community development director should approve the ADU permit application within 16 weeks to half a year of receiving a complete application. Plan checks for ADU projects in Los Angeles City are estimated to cost $16.
Does Los Angeles City require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
No, Los Angeles City does not require in-person submission of plans for an ADU. The city uses ePlanLA, an online service for submitting plans, applying for permits, and tracking applications. The entire process, including verification and permit issuance, is conducted electronically. Plans should be scaled PDF drawings, and supporting documents can be submitted as multi-page PDFs, no larger than 8 ½” x 11” per page.
Does Los Angeles City require coastal development permits?
Yes. In Los Angeles City, many developments within the State Coastal Zone need to get a Coastal Clearance from either the Department of City Planning (DCP) Development Services Center or the State Coastal Commission Office.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Los Angeles City?
In Los Angeles City, you will need a licensed professional to design an ADU if the project deviates from standard construction methods.
Cost, financing and market value of ADUs
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Los Angeles City?
In Los Angeles City, the cost of building an ADU is roughly $380 per square foot. Besides construction costs, you should also budget for permits, architect fees, and engineering fees. For instance, the total expense for a 900-square-foot ADU is around $390,000, including both soft and hard costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in Los Angeles City?
The economic feasibility of constructing an ADU in Los Angeles City depends on the construction costs and the local real estate market. A 900-square-foot ADU in this area is valued at approximately $890,000. With a total construction cost of about $390,000, this yields a return on investment of roughly 130%.
Profitability can also be evaluated by considering potential rental income or the benefits of having family members reside on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in Los Angeles City?
AB 1033 allows California's local governments to create regulations for selling ADUs as condominiums alongside primary residences, as long as they follow the existing ADU laws.
In Los Angeles City, the sale of ADUs is regulated by local ordinances. An ADU can be sold if constructed by a designated nonprofit organization, if there is a documented tenancy in common agreement, or if the city approves the sale of the ADU and the main residence as separate condominium units.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in Los Angeles City?
No, ADUs in Los Angeles City are not under rent control rules. Rent control usually applies to older buildings, typically those at least 15 years old. Since ADUs are newly constructed, they are exempt from these regulations. Therefore, laws like AB 1482, which deals with rent control, don't affect ADUs in the city.
How do I get money to build an ADU in Los Angeles City?
Residents in Los Angeles City can seek funding for ADU construction through the CalHFA ADU Grant Program. This provides grants of up to $40,000 to cover pre-development expenses like site preparation, 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 the City. Homeowners retain the freedom to select their ADU tenants.