Los Angeles County
Calabasas ADU rules
Research summary of local ADU rules on file for City of Calabasas in Los Angeles County. Not a determination for a specific lot.
City or county ADU page
Check any California address for freeCity of Calabasas rules on file
Local rules recorded in this project for this jurisdiction. Where a city figure on file is stricter than the state baseline on file, both are shown.
Free “pre-approved” ADU plans
Three free “pre-approved” plans by RRM Design Group (studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom), each with three exterior styles, plus a checklist and a hold harmless agreement.
Source: City of Calabasas ADU page, accessed 2026-10-18.
Custom ADU plans
Custom plans must be prepared by a California-licensed design professional and meet CMC 17.12.170. Complete the Custom ADU Checklist first (a YES answer to questions 1 to 8 is needed to apply), then submit through the city's online portal.
Source: City of Calabasas ADU page, accessed 2026-10-18.
New ADU ordinance (Ordinance 2026-426)
On October 14, 2026 the City Council held the second reading of Ordinance 2026-426 and adopted it by a 4-1 vote. It replaces Calabasas Municipal Code section 17.12.170 (ADU and JADU rules) and amends section 17.11.010 to allow ADUs in all zones that allow single-family or multifamily homes. It takes effect 30 days after adoption (about November 13, 2026). Under the ordinance, ADU and JADU applications are reviewed ministerially by the Community Development Director through a Zoning Clearance plus building permits: the city decides within 15 business days whether an application is complete, and approves or denies a complete application within 60 days. This summary does not restate the ordinance's unit-count, size, setback, height, parking, or design limits. Confirm which rules apply to your application with the City of Calabasas Building and Safety Division.
Source: City of Calabasas Ordinance No. 2026-426 (City Council agenda, October 14, 2026, Item 5, Attachment A), CMC 17.11.010 and 17.12.170; adopted October 14, 2026, accessed 2026-10-21.
Contact
buildingsafetyinfo@cityofcalabasas.com, (818) 224-1600 (Building and Safety).
Source: City of Calabasas ADU page, accessed 2026-10-18.
Where the ordinance conflicts with state law
HCD's May 4, 2026 findings say Ordinance 2020-382 does not comply with state ADU law on several points, including unit combinations, a separate zoning clearance, subjective design standards, height allowances, a parking exception, JADU owner-occupancy, and impact fees on an ADU of 750 sq ft of interior livable space or less. Where Calabasas Municipal Code section 17.12.170 conflicts with state ADU law, state law controls. This summary does not restate those conflicting code lines as limits that apply.
Source: HCD review of the City of Calabasas ADU ordinance, May 4, 2026, accessed 2026-10-20.
California state rules on file
The statewide baseline recorded from state law and the HCD ADU Handbook.
Detached size cap described in state law
1,200 sq ft. Recorded in this rules file from Government Code section 66314.
Source: California Government Code section 66314, 66314, accessed 2026-10-16.
Side and rear setback cap for a new ADU
4 ft. Recorded in this rules file from Government Code section 66314, which describes a cap on side and rear setbacks for a new ADU.
Source: California Government Code section 66314, 66314, accessed 2026-10-16.
Setback for a conversion of an existing structure
No additional setback, as recorded in this rules file from Government Code section 66314 for a conversion of an existing structure.
Source: California Government Code section 66314, 66314, accessed 2026-10-16.
Minimum lot size
A city may not impose a minimum lot size for an ADU, as recorded in this rules file from Government Code section 66314.
Source: California Government Code section 66314, 66314, accessed 2026-10-16.
Minimum unit the handbook says cities must allow
At least an 800 sq ft ADU with 4 ft side and rear setbacks. The HCD ADU Handbook (updated March 2026) describes this under section 66321(b)(3).
Source: HCD ADU Handbook, 66321(b)(3); handbook updated March 2026, accessed 2026-10-16.
Detached height described in the handbook
16 ft, or 18 ft or 20 ft in some cases. The HCD ADU Handbook (updated March 2026) describes this under section 66321(b)(4).
Source: HCD ADU Handbook, 66321(b)(4); handbook updated March 2026, accessed 2026-10-16.
Permit decision deadline
60 days. Recorded in this rules file from Government Code section 66317(a)(3): the permitting agency must decide on (approve or deny) a completed ADU application within 60 days when an existing single-family or multifamily dwelling is on the lot. Section 66317(a)(1) says the application is considered ministerially, without discretionary review or a hearing.
Source: California Government Code section 66317, 66317(a)(1), (a)(3), accessed 2026-10-17.
Owner-occupancy requirement
None. Recorded in this rules file from Government Code section 66315: a local agency may not impose an owner-occupancy requirement on an ADU. It may require that the property be used for rentals of terms 30 days or longer. The HCD ADU Handbook (updated March 2026) describes the same rule.
Source: California Government Code section 66315, 66315; HCD ADU Handbook updated March 2026, accessed 2026-10-17.
Parking near public transit
No parking standards within one-half mile walking distance of public transit. Recorded in this rules file from Government Code section 66322(a)(1). Section 66322(a) lists several other cases where parking standards may not be imposed.
Source: California Government Code section 66322, 66322(a), accessed 2026-10-17.
Ministerial categories
The HCD ADU Handbook (updated March 2026) states that Government Code section 66323 sets four ministerial categories. This rules file does not restate those four categories.
Source: HCD ADU Handbook, 66323; handbook updated March 2026, accessed 2026-10-16.
Fire Hazard Severity Zones
If your lot is in a Fire Hazard Severity Zone, the CAL FIRE Office of the State Fire Marshal says in Information Bulletin 25-004 (issued March 3, 2025): “Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZs) should not restrict the development of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). However, additional building standards may be necessary, including but not limited to California Fire Code Chapter 49 and California Building Code Chapter 7A.” State ADU law does not itself bar an ADU there. A city or county may still apply its building code, including wildfire-resistant construction (Gov. Code 66314(d)(8)); require side and rear setbacks “sufficient for fire and safety” for a unit converted under 66323(a)(1); and decline parking in setbacks on specific fire and life safety findings (66314(d)(10)(B)). It may also consider public safety when it designates where ADUs may be permitted (66314(a)). Sprinklers can't be required in an ADU or JADU if the primary residence doesn't need them (66314(d)(12), 66323(d)). Some cities and counties still apply their own fire-zone limits. Where this summary has one, it is listed with the local rules. This summary does not look up your lot. Check the CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone map viewer linked from the State Fire Marshal's Fire Hazard Severity Zones page: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/5065c998b4b0462f9ec3c6c226c610a9
Source: CAL FIRE Office of the State Fire Marshal Information Bulletin 25-004, page 4, issued March 3, 2025; Gov. Code 66314, 66323, accessed 2026-10-20.
State baseline on the directory → · State ADU rules on the homepage →
Can I build an ADU in Calabasas?
State law sets a baseline for ADUs in Calabasas, and the local standards on file are listed on this page. Whether a specific lot can add an ADU depends on zoning, utilities, and other site facts this page does not measure. Confirm with the City of Calabasas Building and Safety Division, or run a free address summary.
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