Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations vary significantly across Los Angeles County’s 88 incorporated cities. While California state law establishes baseline requirements that all cities must follow, local municipalities add their own specific rules, fees, and processes. This comprehensive comparison guide covers every city in LA County so you can understand exactly what ADU regulations apply to your property.
How to Use This Guide
- Find your city in the regional comparison charts below
- Review the specific regulations for your jurisdiction
- Note any unique local requirements beyond state law
- Check permit fees and timeline expectations
- Review any special considerations that may apply to your property
State Law Baseline (Applies to All Cities)
Before diving into local variations, understand what California state lawrequires all cities to allow:
|
Requirement
|
State Law Minimum
|
|---|---|
|
ADU Size (Detached)
|
Up to 1,200 sq ft allowed
|
|
ADU Size (Attached)
|
Up to 1,200 sq ft OR 50% of main house (whichever is less)
|
|
JADU Size
|
Up to 500 sq ft
|
|
Parking Required
|
None (in most cases)
|
|
Setbacks (Rear/Side)
|
4 feet minimum allowed
|
|
Owner Occupancy
|
NOT required (as of 2020)
|
|
Approval Process
|
Ministerial (no discretionary review)
|
|
FAR Exemption
|
ADUs don’t count toward Floor Area Ratio
|
|
Impact Fees
|
Waived for ADUs under 750 sq ft
|
|
Approval Timeline
|
60 days maximum (often longer in practice)
|
Important:Cities CANNOT impose requirements more restrictive than state law. If local code conflicts with state law, state law prevails.
Understanding the Comparison Tables
In the city comparison tables below:
- Max Size: Maximum allowable ADU square footage
- Typical Fees: Estimated permit fees (building permits, plan check, etc.) – does NOT include construction costs
- Timeline: How long it takes fromsubmitting your permit application to receiving permit approval– does NOT include design time or construction time. This is the plan review and approval process only.
- Special Notes: Unique local requirements, overlay zones, or considerations specific to that city
Note on timelines: The timelines shown are for permit approval only. Total project timeline = Design phase (2-8 weeks) + Permit approval (timelines shown below) + Construction (4-8 months typical). Rush processing or pre-approved plans may reduce permit approval time.
City of Los Angeles (Largest Jurisdiction)
|
Regulation
|
City of LA Requirements
|
|---|---|
|
Maximum ADU Size
|
1,200 sq ft detached; varies for attached (50% of main or 1,200 sq ft, whichever is less)
|
|
Height Limits
|
16 ft (R1), 18-25 ft (R2+), varies by zone
|
|
Setbacks
|
4 ft minimum (state law)
|
|
Parking
|
Not required (state exemption)
|
|
Permit Fees
|
$10,000 – $20,000 typical (varies by size/complexity)
|
|
Approval Timeline
|
8-16 weeks typical
|
|
Special Requirements
|
– HPOZ (historic) areas: additional review
– Hillside areas: more restrictive – Coastal zone (Venice, etc.): additional approval – Pre-approved standard plans available |
|
Contact
|
LADBS: (213) 482-7077 | planning.lacity.org
|
Westside Cities ADU Comparison
|
City
|
Max Size
|
Typical Fees
|
Permit Approval Timeline
|
Special Notes
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Beverly Hills
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$12k-$22k
|
12-18 weeks
|
Design review board, architectural standards, longer process
|
|
Culver City
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$9k-$16k
|
10-14 weeks
|
Generally follows state law, reasonable process
|
|
Santa Monica
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$12k-$22k
|
12-20 weeks
|
Coastal zone (CDP often required), sustainability requirements, higher fees
|
|
West Hollywood
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$10k-$18k
|
10-16 weeks
|
Some additional design requirements, moderate fees
|
San Fernando Valley Cities ADU Comparison
|
City
|
Max Size
|
Typical Fees
|
Permit Approval Timeline
|
Special Notes
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Burbank
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$7.5k-$14k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Streamlined process, architectural compatibility review, media district
|
|
Glendale
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$9k-$16k
|
10-16 weeks
|
Hillside overlay restrictive, design review some areas, fire access
|
|
San Fernando
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$12k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Straightforward, good for ADUs
|
|
Hidden Hills
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$10k-$18k
|
12-18 weeks
|
Gated community, strict design standards, HOA considerations
|
|
Calabasas
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$9k-$16k
|
10-16 weeks
|
Additional design review, hillside restrictions
|
South Bay Cities ADU Comparison
|
City
|
Max Size
|
Typical Fees
|
Permit Approval Timeline
|
Special Notes
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Carson
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$7k-$13k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Good ADU policies, reasonable fees
|
|
El Segundo
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$7k-$14k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Near airport (noise), fast approvals
|
|
Gardena
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$12k
|
8-12 weeks
|
ADU-friendly, straightforward
|
|
Hawthorne
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$11k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Lower fees, good process
|
|
Hermosa Beach
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$9k-$16k
|
10-14 weeks
|
Coastal zone (CDP often required)
|
|
Inglewood
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$12k
|
8-14 weeks
|
Pro-ADU, SoFi area redevelopment
|
|
Lawndale
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$11k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Straightforward process
|
|
Manhattan Beach
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$10k-$18k
|
10-16 weeks
|
Coastal zone (CDP often required), high-value area
|
|
Palos Verdes Estates
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$10k-$18k
|
12-18 weeks
|
Design review board, strict standards, hillside
|
|
Rancho Palos Verdes
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$9k-$16k
|
10-16 weeks
|
Hillside restrictions, geotechnical review often needed
|
|
Redondo Beach
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$8k-$15k
|
10-14 weeks
|
Coastal areas need CDP, moderate process
|
|
Rolling Hills
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$10k-$18k
|
12-18 weeks
|
Very restrictive, design review, rural character preservation
|
|
Rolling Hills Estates
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$9k-$16k
|
10-16 weeks
|
Hillside considerations, design review
|
|
Torrance
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$7k-$13k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Follows state law closely, streamlined
|
San Gabriel Valley Cities ADU Comparison
|
City
|
Max Size
|
Typical Fees
|
Permit Approval Timeline
|
Special Notes
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Alhambra
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$7k-$13k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Good ADU policies, supportive staff
|
|
Arcadia
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$8k-$15k
|
10-14 weeks
|
Design review common, historic areas
|
|
Azusa
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$12k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Straightforward, ADU-friendly
|
|
Baldwin Park
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$11k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Good for ADUs, reasonable fees
|
|
Bradbury
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$10k-$18k
|
12-18 weeks
|
Very exclusive, design review, large lots
|
|
Claremont
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$7k-$14k
|
8-14 weeks
|
College town, some historic districts
|
|
Covina
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$12k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Straightforward process
|
|
Diamond Bar
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$7k-$13k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Hillside areas, reasonable policies
|
|
Duarte
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$12k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Good for ADUs
|
|
El Monte
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$11k
|
8-12 weeks
|
ADU-friendly, lower fees
|
|
Glendora
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$7k-$13k
|
8-14 weeks
|
Some hillside restrictions
|
|
Irwindale
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$11k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Small city, straightforward
|
|
La Cañada Flintridge
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$9k-$16k
|
10-16 weeks
|
Hillside, fire hazard areas, design review
|
|
La Puente
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$11k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Good for ADUs
|
|
La Verne
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$7k-$13k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Reasonable process
|
|
Monrovia
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$7k-$13k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Straightforward, historic old town area
|
|
Monterey Park
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$12k
|
8-12 weeks
|
ADU-friendly
|
|
Pasadena
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$8k-$15k
|
10-14 weeks
|
Design review in HPOZ areas, lot coverage limits, tree preservation
|
|
Pomona
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$12k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Good for ADUs, reasonable fees
|
|
Rosemead
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$11k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Straightforward
|
|
San Dimas
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$7k-$13k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Reasonable policies
|
|
San Gabriel
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$12k
|
8-12 weeks
|
ADU-friendly
|
|
San Marino
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$10k-$18k
|
12-18 weeks
|
Very restrictive, strict design review, lengthy process
|
|
Sierra Madre
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$7k-$14k
|
10-14 weeks
|
Hillside community, some restrictions
|
|
South El Monte
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$11k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Good for ADUs
|
|
South Pasadena
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$8k-$15k
|
10-14 weeks
|
Historic areas, design review
|
|
Temple City
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$12k
|
8-12 weeks
|
ADU-friendly, good policies
|
|
Walnut
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$7k-$13k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Reasonable process
|
|
West Covina
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$12k
|
8-12 weeks
|
ADU-friendly, good policies
|
Southeast Cities (Gateway Cities) ADU Comparison
|
City
|
Max Size
|
Typical Fees
|
Permit Approval Timeline
|
Special Notes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Artesia
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$11k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Small city, straightforward
|
|
|
Bell
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$11k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Reasonable process
|
|
|
Bell Gardens
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$11k
|
8-12 weeks
|
ADU-friendly
|
|
|
Bellflower
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$12k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Good for ADUs
|
|
|
Cerritos
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$7k-$13k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Well-planned city, reasonable fees
|
|
|
Commerce
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$11k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Mostly industrial, some residential
|
|
|
Compton
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$11k
|
8-14 weeks
|
Growing ADU interest
|
|
|
Cudahy
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$11k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Small city, straightforward
|
|
|
Downey
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$7k-$13k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Reasonable ADU policies
|
|
|
Hawaiian Gardens
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$11k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Small city
|
|
|
Huntington Park
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$11k
|
8-12 weeks
|
ADU-friendly
|
|
|
La Habra Heights
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$8k-$15k
|
10-14 weeks
|
Hillside community, rural character, some restrictions
|
|
|
La Mirada
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$7k-$13k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Reasonable policies
|
|
|
Lakewood
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$7k-$13k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Post-WWII suburb, good for ADUs
|
|
|
Lynwood
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$11k
|
8-12 weeks
|
ADU-friendly
|
|
|
Maywood
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$11k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Small city
|
|
|
Montebello
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$12k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Good for ADUs
|
|
|
Norwalk
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$12k
|
8-12 weeks
|
ADU-friendly policies
|
|
|
Paramount
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$11k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Straightforward
|
|
|
Pico Rivera
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$12k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Good ADU policies
|
|
|
Santa Fe Springs
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$12k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Mixed industrial/residential
|
|
|
Signal Hill
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$7k-$13k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Small hilltop city, oil wells, reasonable process
|
|
|
South Gate
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$11k
|
8-12 weeks
|
ADU-friendly
|
|
|
Vernon
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Entirely industrial, virtually no residential
|
N/A
|
|
Whittier
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$7k-$13k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Some hillside areas, generally reasonable
|
Antelope Valley Cities ADU Comparison
|
City
|
Max Size
|
Typical Fees
|
Permit Approval Timeline
|
Special Notes
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Lancaster
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$11k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Desert community, larger lots, ADU-friendly
|
|
Palmdale
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$6k-$12k
|
8-12 weeks
|
Desert community, reasonable fees, good for ADUs
|
Santa Clarita Valley City ADU Requirements
|
City
|
Max Size
|
Typical Fees
|
Permit Approval Timeline
|
Special Notes
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Santa Clarita
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$7k-$13k
|
8-14 weeks
|
Master-planned community, HOA considerations, reasonable policies
|
Beach/Coastal Cities ADU Comparison
|
City
|
Max Size
|
Typical Fees
|
Permit Approval Timeline
|
Special Notes
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Long Beach
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$8k-$16k
|
10-14 weeks
|
Some coastal zone areas (CDP), neighborhood overlays, generally good
|
|
Malibu
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$12k-$25k+
|
16-30 weeks+
|
Coastal Commission, fire hazard zones, septic systems, VERY lengthy
|
Unincorporated LA County Areas
|
Area/Region
|
Max Size
|
Fees
|
Permit Approval Timeline
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
General Unincorporated
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$8k-$16k
|
10-16 weeks
|
County of LA Building & Safety, similar to City of LA
|
|
East LA
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$8k-$15k
|
10-14 weeks
|
County jurisdiction
|
|
Altadena
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$8k-$16k
|
10-16 weeks
|
Hillside restrictions in some areas, fire zones
|
|
View Park-Windsor Hills
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$8k-$15k
|
10-14 weeks
|
County jurisdiction
|
|
Ladera Heights
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$8k-$15k
|
10-14 weeks
|
County jurisdiction
|
|
Rowland Heights
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$8k-$15k
|
10-14 weeks
|
County jurisdiction
|
|
Hacienda Heights
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$8k-$15k
|
10-14 weeks
|
Some hillside areas, county jurisdiction
|
|
Valinda
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$8k-$15k
|
10-14 weeks
|
County jurisdiction
|
|
West Athens
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$8k-$15k
|
10-14 weeks
|
County jurisdiction
|
|
Willowbrook
|
1,200 sq ft
|
$8k-$15k
|
10-14 weeks
|
County jurisdiction
|
Quick Reference: Find Your City Alphabetically
A: Alhambra, Arcadia, Artesia, Azusa
B: Baldwin Park, Bell, Bell Gardens, Bellflower, Beverly Hills, Bradbury, Burbank
C: Calabasas, Carson, Cerritos, Claremont, Commerce, Compton, Covina, Cudahy, Culver City
D: Diamond Bar, Downey, Duarte
E: El Monte, El Segundo
G: Gardena, Glendale, Glendora
H: Hawaiian Gardens, Hawthorne, Hermosa Beach, Hidden Hills, Huntington Park
I: Inglewood, Irwindale
L: La Cañada Flintridge, La Habra Heights, La Mirada, La Puente, La Verne, Lakewood, Lancaster, Lawndale, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Lynwood
M: Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Maywood, Monrovia, Montebello, Monterey Park
N: Norwalk
P: Palmdale, Palos Verdes Estates, Paramount, Pasadena, Pico Rivera, Pomona
R: Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, Rosemead
S: San Dimas, San Fernando, San Gabriel, San Marino, Santa Clarita, Santa Fe Springs, Santa Monica, Sierra Madre, Signal Hill, South El Monte, South Gate, South Pasadena
T: Temple City, Torrance
W: Walnut, West Covina, West Hollywood, Whittier
Common Variations to Watch For
Permit Fees (Wide Range Across County)
|
Fee Range
|
Cities
|
|---|---|
|
Lowest ($6,000-$8,000)
|
Hawthorne, Bell, Cudahy, El Monte, Lynwood, Maywood
|
|
Low-Moderate ($8,000-$10,000)
|
Most San Gabriel Valley, Southeast cities, Lancaster, Palmdale
|
|
Moderate ($10,000-$12,000)
|
City of LA, Glendale, Long Beach, most cities
|
|
High ($12,000-$18,000)
|
Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, San Marino, coastal cities
|
|
Very High ($18,000-$25,000+)
|
Malibu, some coastal zone projects with CDP
|
Permit Approval Timeline Variations
|
Timeline Category
|
Weeks (Permit Approval)
|
Typical Cities
|
|---|---|---|
|
Fast Track
|
6-10 weeks
|
Burbank, Hawthorne, El Segundo, Torrance (experienced staff, streamlined)
|
|
Standard
|
10-14 weeks
|
Most LA County cities (ministerial review per state law)
|
|
Extended
|
14-18 weeks
|
Cities with design review, historic districts, coastal considerations
|
|
Lengthy
|
18-30+ weeks
|
Malibu, extensive coastal review, hillside complexity
|
Special Considerations by Region
Coastal Zone Cities
Cities with California Coastal Zone areas require Coastal Development Permits (CDP) for some ADUs:
- Entire city in coastal zone: Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach
- Partial coastal zone: Los Angeles (Venice, Playa del Rey), Santa Monica, Redondo Beach, Long Beach
- Impact: +3-12 months timeline, +$3,000-$15,000 fees
Hillside/Fire Hazard Cities
Cities with significant hillside areas have additional requirements:
- Major hillside restrictions: La Cañada Flintridge, Palos Verdes cities, Glendale (north), Altadena
- Some hillside areas: Pasadena, Los Angeles, Diamond Bar, Whittier
- Impact: Geotechnical reports required, grading restrictions, fire access, +2-6 months, +$10,000-$40,000 costs
Historic District Considerations
Cities with significant historic preservation areas:
- Extensive historic districts: Pasadena (HPOZ), Los Angeles (30+ HPOZ areas), South Pasadena
- Impact: Design review required, architectural compatibility, +2-8 weeks
How to Research Your Specific City
Step 1: Confirm Your Jurisdiction
- Check property tax bill (shows city or “unincorporated”)
- Use LA County parcel viewer: assessor.lacounty.gov
- Call (800) 593-8555 to confirm jurisdiction
Step 2: Contact Your City’s Planning/Building Department
- Search: “[Your City Name] California building department ADU”
- Ask for:
- ADU application handout/guide
- Fee schedule estimate for your ADU size
- Typical timeline information
- Any special local requirements
Step 3: Verify You’re Using Current Information
- ADU laws changed significantly 2017-2024
- Ensure city has updated ordinances to comply with state law
- If city code conflicts with state law, state law prevails
- Contact HCD (California Dept of Housing & Community Development) if city violates state ADU law
Common Issues Across All Cities
Impact Fees (Should Be Waived Under 750 sq ft)
State law exempts ADUs under 750 sq ft from school fees, park fees, traffic impact fees, and other development impact fees. If your city tries to charge these:
- Cite Government Code Section 65852.2(f)
- Request waiver in writing
- Escalate to planning director if needed
Parking Requirements (Generally Not Allowed)
State law prohibits parking requirements for ADUs in most cases. Automatic exemptions:
- Within 1/2 mile of public transit
- In historic districts
- Garage conversions
- Part of existing structure
- When on-street permits not offered to ADU
Owner-Occupancy (NO LONGER REQUIRED)
As of January 1, 2020, cities cannot require owner-occupancy for ADUs. You can rent both the main house and ADU. If your city says otherwise, cite AB 68 (2019).
Get Expert Help for Your City
With 88 different cities in LA County, each with its own interpretation of state ADU laws, navigating your specific jurisdiction can be complex. What works smoothly in one city may face challenges in another.
As Los Angeles County ADU contractors and code compliance specialists working across all LA County jurisdictions, we understand the specific requirements, staff preferences, and processes for different cities. We can help you:
- Determine exactly what regulations apply in your specific city
- Navigate local permitting processes efficiently
- Ensure compliance with both state and local requirements
- Resolve any existing code violations before starting your ADU
- Design and build your ADU from planning through completion
- Deal with city staff who may not be up-to-date on current ADU laws
Start with our ADU Eligibility Check and Cost Calculatorto understand your specific property’s potential under your city’s regulations.
Bottom line: While California state law provides strong baseline protections for ADU development across all 88 LA County cities, knowing your specific city’s requirements, fees, typical timelines, and staff interpretations is essential for a smooth, successful ADU project.
