Los Angeles County

Los Angeles ADU rules

Research summary of local ADU rules on file for City of Los Angeles in Los Angeles County. Not a determination for a specific lot.

Last checked October 20, 2026.

Showing California state rules because Los Angeles's local rules may conflict with state law or are being challenged

The size, setback, height, and parking figures are California state rules. The Los Angeles section lists the local details we have on file, like plans, forms, and contacts.

Where a Los Angeles rule may conflict with state law or is being challenged, we show the California state rule instead. This covers the City's ADU ordinance (LAMC 12.22 A.33), which the state housing department (HCD) said in a November 19, 2024 letter does not match state ADU law on 17 points, including the hillside and fire zone limits and the two-story limit for detached ADUs.

A local rule change is pending. The City is drafting a replacement ADU ordinance (Missing Middle LA, case CPC-2026-4383-CA). It has not been adopted yet. We'll add the new local rules after they take effect and we've reviewed them.

City or county ADU page

Los Angeles ADU page

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City of Los Angeles 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.

Local code
City of Los Angeles ADU rules are in LAMC Section 12.22 A.33, added by Ordinance 186,481 (effective December 19, 2019). The section has not been amended since. ZA Memo 143, Revision 1 (August 1, 2025) explains how City Planning and LADBS apply it alongside state ADU law as of January 1, 2025, and replaces LAMC wording that conflicts with state law.
Source: LA City Planning and LADBS ZA Memo 143, Revision 1 (LAMC Chapter 1), issued August 1, 2025, Introduction (page 1), accessed 2026-10-19.

Fees
Impact fees (the Residential Development Fee and the Dwelling Unit Construction Tax) apply only to ADUs of 750 sq ft or more, in proportion to the size of the main home. ADUs and JADUs are exempt from Park Fees (LAMC 12.33) and the Affordable Housing Linkage Fee (LAMC 19.18). LAUSD school fees apply to ADUs larger than 500 sq ft.
Source: LADBS Information Bulletin P/BC 2026-150, Accessory and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (revised August 13, 2026), Section X, accessed 2026-10-19.

Separate address
The Los Angeles Fire Department requires a separate address for every separate residential unit, including a JADU. A separate address may trigger separate trash fees.
Source: LA City Planning and LADBS ZA Memo 143, Revision 1 (LAMC Chapter 1), issued August 1, 2025, Section II.B, accessed 2026-10-19.

LADBS Standard Plan Program
Private architects and engineers submit ADU plans that LADBS checks against the building, residential, green building and energy codes. You buy the plan from its owner. LADBS still reviews how it fits your lot (zoning, foundation, site conditions and clearances) before issuing a permit, and submittal is through the ePlan LA portal.
Source: LADBS Standard Plan Program page, accessed 2026-10-19.

Permitting an existing unpermitted ADU
An unpermitted ADU or JADU built before January 1, 2020 can be permitted under LADBS Information Bulletin P/BC 2026-161 (AB 2533). It is checked against a substandard-housing checklist (Form AB2533-01) instead of the full current building code, and impact, connection and capacity fees are generally not charged unless utility work is needed for health and safety.
Source: LADBS Information Bulletin P/BC 2026-161, Streamlined Permitting of Unpermitted Dwelling Unit as ADU/JADU Under AB 2533 (revised September 2, 2026), accessed 2026-10-19.

Other City department clearances
Plan check can require clearances from LADWP (if a structure is in or within 10 ft of a public utility easement), the Bureau of Engineering (sewer availability, plus roof drainage or address clearances where needed), LAFD (hydrants and access) and City Planning before a permit is issued.
Source: LADBS Information Bulletin P/BC 2026-150, Accessory and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (revised August 13, 2026), Section VI, accessed 2026-10-19.

Coastal Zone
ADU projects in the Coastal Zone go through the Coastal Development Permit process in LAMC 13B.9.1, and added parking may be required case by case. Contact City Planning coastal staff at venicelcp@lacity.org.
Source: LA City Planning and LADBS ZA Memo 143, Revision 1 (LAMC Chapter 1), issued August 1, 2025, Q.23, accessed 2026-10-19.

HCD review of the City's ordinance
In a November 19, 2024 letter, HCD found that Ordinance 186,481 and the City's earlier memo do not comply with state ADU law on 17 points, including the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone and Hillside prohibition, the two-story limit for detached ADUs, outdated Government Code citations, and counting ADUs toward lot density. HCD also sent the City letters of technical assistance on August 14, 2025 and March 24, 2026 about permitting unpermitted units.
Source: HCD review of the City of Los Angeles ADU ordinance, November 19, 2024, accessed 2026-10-19.

Pending replacement of the City's ADU ordinance
Not confirmed as final: a draft replacement of LAMC 12.22 A.33 (draft dated September 3, 2026, part of Missing Middle LA, case CPC-2026-4383-CA) had a staff hearing on October 1, 2026 and still needs City Planning Commission and City Council action. It is not in effect, and the rules above may change when it is adopted.
Source: LA City Planning Missing Middle LA public hearing page, accessed 2026-10-19.

Lots under the newer Chapter 1A zoning code
Not confirmed: ZA Memo 143 Revision 1 is the version for LAMC Chapter 1. Lots that are under the newer Chapter 1A zoning code may follow different ADU provisions. Check with City Planning.
Source: LA City Planning and LADBS ZA Memo 143, Revision 1 (LAMC Chapter 1), issued August 1, 2025, Title (LAMC Chapter 1), accessed 2026-10-19.

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 Los Angeles?

State law sets a baseline for ADUs in Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles City Planning and the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS), or run a free address summary.

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