ADU Parking Requirements in Los Angeles: Do You Need a Parking Spot?

One of the most frequent questions homeowners ask when planning an ADU is: “Do I need to provide parking?” The answer has changed dramatically in recent years thanks to California state laws that have eliminated most parking requirements for ADUs. This guide explains current parking rules, exemptions, and what you need to know for your Los Angeles ADU project.

The Short Answer

In most cases, NO – you do NOT need to provide parking for an ADU in Los Angeles.

California state law (Government Code Section 65852.2) prohibits cities from requiring parking for ADUs in most situations, and this state law supersedes local Los Angeles requirements.

Current Parking Requirements Overview

ADU Type	Parking Required?	Notes
Detached ADU	No	Exempt under state law
Attached ADU	No	Exempt under state law
Garage Conversion ADU	No	Can eliminate existing garage without replacement parking
JADU (Junior ADU)	No	No additional parking required
ADU within 0.5 mile of transit	No	Explicitly exempt
ADU in historic district	No	Parking cannot be required if it would harm historic resource

Understanding the State Law Parking Exemptions

Automatic Exemptions (No Parking Required)

Your ADU is automatically exempt from parking requirements if it meets ANY of these conditions:

Within 1/2 mile of public transit
- Metro rail stations
- High-frequency bus stops (15-minute or better service)
- Transit corridors
- This exempts most of central Los Angeles
Within an architecturally and historically significant historic district
- HPOZ (Historic Preservation Overlay Zones)
- National Register districts
- Parking cannot be required if it would harm the historic character
Part of existing primary residence or accessory structure
- Garage conversions
- Basement conversions
- Attached ADUs
- JADUs within the home
Where on-street parking permits are required but not offered to ADU occupants
- Many LA neighborhoods with permit parking zones
- If ADU residents can’t get street permits, no parking can be required
When the ADU is in an existing accessory structure
- Converting existing detached garage, shed, or workshop
- No replacement parking needed

General Rule for All Other ADUs

Even if none of the automatic exemptions apply, cities can require NO MORE than one parking space per ADU or per bedroom, whichever is less.

However, Los Angeles has adopted the state’s permissive approach and generally does not require parking for any ADUs.

Garage Conversion Parking Rules

Can I Convert My Garage Without Replacing Parking?

YES! This is one of the most liberating changes in ADU law.

Situation	Parking Replacement Required?
Converting attached garage to ADU	NO
Converting detached garage to ADU	NO
Converting carport to ADU	NO
Removing garage for new detached ADU	NO
Property currently doesn’t meet parking minimums	NO– Cannot be made worse, but no improvement required

What Happens to Required Main House Parking?

Pre-2020, Los Angeles required specific parking for primary residences (typically 2 spaces). When you convert a garage:

You are NOT required to replace the garage parking
Your property becomes “legal non-conforming” for parking
This does not affect your ability to get permits
You can use the driveway for parking (if it remains)
Street parking can fulfill household parking needs

Transit Proximity Exemption Details

What Qualifies as “Transit”?

Transit Type	Exemption Distance	Service Frequency
Metro Rail (Red, Purple, Blue, Expo, Gold, Green Lines)	1/2 mile from station	N/A
High-Frequency Bus Stop	1/2 mile from stop	15-minute headways or better during peak hours
Bus Rapid Transit	1/2 mile from station	N/A
Metrolink Commuter Rail	1/2 mile from station	N/A

How to Verify Transit Proximity

Go to Google Maps
Search your property address
Click “Measure Distance”
Measure straight-line distance to nearest Metro station or qualifying bus stop
If under 0.5 miles (2,640 feet), you’re exempt

Major Transit Corridors in LA (All exempt within 1/2 mile):

Wilshire Boulevard (Metro Purple/Red Lines)
Expo Line corridor (Downtown to Santa Monica)
Gold Line (East LA, Pasadena)
Vermont Avenue
Crenshaw/LAX Line
Orange Line (Valley)
Most of Mid-City, Koreatown, Hollywood

Specific Neighborhood Parking Considerations

High-Demand Parking Areas

Even though parking is not required by code, consider including it in these areas for practical and rental value reasons:

Neighborhood Type	Parking Recommendation	Reason
Westside (Santa Monica, Venice, West LA)	Highly Recommended	Limited street parking; ADU rent premium of $150-$300/mo
Beach Communities	Highly Recommended	Permit zones; beach visitor impact; tenant demand high
Hollywood Hills	Recommended	Narrow streets; limited street parking
Dense Urban Areas (Koreatown, Downtown)	Optional	Transit-rich; street parking difficult but tenants expect it less
San Fernando Valley (most areas)	Optional	Generally better street parking availability
Near Metro Stations	Optional	Transit-oriented tenants; less parking demand

Parking Options When You Choose to Include It

1. Uncovered Surface Parking

Cost: $3,000 – $8,000

Simple paved or gravel parking space
Requires 9′ × 18′ minimum space
Least expensive option
May require permeable paving for stormwater compliance
Can double as guest parking

2. Covered Carport

Cost: $8,000 – $15,000

Simple roof structure over parking space
Provides weather protection
Can be attached to ADU or freestanding
More attractive than uncovered pad
May require additional setback clearance

3. Retain/Create Driveway Space

Cost: $2,000 – $6,000

Widen existing driveway
Create tandem parking configuration
Most space-efficient on small lots
May require curb cut permit
Check maximum driveway width limits

4. Garage Structure

Cost: $20,000 – $40,000

Full enclosed garage (new or replacement)
Most expensive option
Can provide storage in addition to parking
May be combined with ADU (ADU above, parking below)
Counts toward lot coverage limits

5. Tandem Parking

Cost: $4,000 – $10,000

One space behind another
Space-efficient for narrow lots
Requires 9′ × 36′ space (two cars deep)
Works well when main house and ADU have different schedules
Less convenient than side-by-side

6. Lift/Stacker Systems

Cost: $15,000 – $30,000

Mechanical lifts to stack two vehicles
Maximizes limited space
Requires electrical hookup and maintenance
Rare for residential use but legal
Complex permitting process

When Parking Adds Value (Even If Not Required)

Rental Income Impact

Location Type	Rent Premium with Parking	Construction Cost	Worth It?
Westside / Beach	+$150-$300/mo	$5,000-$10,000	YES– Pays back in 2-4 years
Hollywood / Mid-City	+$100-$200/mo	$5,000-$10,000	YES– Pays back in 3-6 years
San Fernando Valley	+$75-$150/mo	$5,000-$10,000	MAYBE– Pays back in 4-8 years
Near Metro (transit-rich)	+$50-$100/mo	$5,000-$10,000	MAYBE– Lower tenant demand for parking
Downtown / Koreatown	+$100-$200/mo	$5,000-$10,000	MAYBE– Depends on specific location

Tenant Pool Expansion

Including parking can increase your qualified tenant pool by:

40-60% in Westside neighborhoods
30-50% in central LA
20-30% near transit

More applicants means:

Less vacancy time
Better tenant quality
Ability to be more selective
Faster rental at asking price

Design Considerations for ADU Parking

Lot Layout Optimization

Small Lot (under 5,500 sq ft):

Consider tandem parking along one side
Minimize parking footprint to maximize ADU size
May skip parking if near transit
Use permeable pavers to reduce stormwater impact

Medium Lot (5,500-7,500 sq ft):

Can accommodate parking without major compromises
Side yard parking often works well
Consider carport to add value without major cost

Large Lot (7,500+ sq ft):

Multiple parking options available
Can include parking without impacting yard space significantly
Consider guest parking for both units

Access and Circulation

Driveway Width: Minimum 8-10 feet for single car; 16-20 feet for two cars
Turnaround Space: Not required, but improves usability
Clearances: Maintain fire access requirements (minimum widths vary)
Slope: Maximum 20% grade for driveways
Sight Lines: Clear visibility when backing onto street

Permitting Considerations

What You Need to Show on Plans

If providing parking:

Parking space dimensions (9′ × 18′ minimum)
Access route from street
Clearances from property lines
Surface material (permeable vs impermeable)
Drainage plan
Any required landscaping/screening

If NOT providing parking:

Note exemption reason on plans (e.g., “within 1/2 mile of transit”)
No parking needs to be shown
Simplified site plan review

Common Permit Issues

Issue	Solution
Plan checker requests parking despite exemption	Cite Government Code 65852.2; request supervisor review
Existing unpermitted parking/driveway	Legalize or remove as part of ADU project
Parking encroaches on setbacks	Parking spaces allowed in setbacks (unlike structures)
Stormwater concerns with new paving	Use permeable pavers; add infiltration system
Driveway width exceeds maximum	LA limits driveway width; check local maximums

Historic Districts (HPOZ) Parking Rules

If your property is in a Historic Preservation Overlay Zone:

Parking CANNOT be required if it would harm historic character
This includes requiring:
- Removal of historic landscaping
- Demolition of historic structures
- Alteration of historic driveways or entries
- Changes to front yard character
HPOZ Board may encourage parking, but cannot require it for ADUs
Design of any voluntary parking must be compatible with historic character

HPOZ Neighborhoods in Los Angeles

Angelino Heights
West Adams
Harvard Heights
Carthay Circle
Hancock Park
Windsor Square
Many others – check ZIMAS for your property

Electric Vehicle (EV) Parking Considerations

EV Charging Requirements

If you’re including parking, consider future-proofing for electric vehicles:

Not required for ADUs (yet)
Increasingly valuable amenity– tenants with EVs will pay premium
Pre-wiring is cheap during construction ($500-$1,500)
Adding later is expensive ($2,000-$5,000)

EV Charging Options

Option	Cost	Charging Speed	Best For
Standard Outlet (120V)	$100	3-5 miles/hour	Emergency/occasional charging
240V Outlet Only	$500-$800	10-20 miles/hour	Tenant provides own charger
Level 2 Charger Installed	$1,200-$2,500	25-30 miles/hour	Full-service amenity
Shared Charging (both units)	$1,500-$3,000	Varies	Load-sharing system

Common Myths About ADU Parking

Myth 1: “I need to replace garage parking if I convert it”

FALSE. State law explicitly allows garage conversions without replacement parking.

Myth 2: “The city can require parking if street parking is limited”

FALSE. Limited street parking is not grounds to require ADU parking under state law.

Myth 3: “I need parking if my ADU is larger than 800 sq ft”

FALSE. Size does not determine parking requirements; exemptions apply regardless of ADU size.

Myth 4: “Neighborhood CC&Rs can require ADU parking”

MOSTLY FALSE. State law AB 68 (2019) prohibits HOAs and CC&Rs from banning ADUs or imposing requirements beyond what the city requires. However, enforcement can be complicated.

Myth 5: “No parking means lower property value”

FALSE. Studies show ADUs increase property value 20-30% regardless of parking. The income and extra dwelling unit add value.

Practical Recommendations by Property Type

Garage Conversion Projects

Recommendation: Skip replacement parking

Main benefit of garage conversion is NOT needing to provide parking
Driveway can remain for off-street parking
Cost savings of $10,000-$30,000
More yard space preserved

New Detached ADU (Near Transit)

Recommendation: Skip parking, market to transit users

Target younger, urban-oriented tenants
Maximize buildable area for larger ADU
Reduce construction costs
More sustainable/environmentally friendly

New Detached ADU (Westside/Beach)

Recommendation: Include parking if space allows

Rent premium of $150-$300/mo justifies cost
Expands tenant pool significantly
Can be simple surface parking ($5,000-$8,000)
Strong ROI in these neighborhoods

Large Lot (10,000+ sq ft)

Recommendation: Include parking for both units

Ample space available
Minimal impact on yard
Adds value for relatively low cost
Future-proof for changing needs

Multi-Generational Housing

Recommendation: Include parking

Family members likely have vehicles
Convenience matters more than rental premium
Long-term occupancy justifies investment

How to Decide: Parking Decision Matrix

Answer these questions to determine if you should include parking:

Question	Yes = +1 point for parking	No = +0 points
Is your property on the Westside or beach area?	+1	0
Is street parking difficult/permit-only?	+1	0
Is your lot larger than 7,000 sq ft?	+1	0
Are you building for family (not rental)?	+1	0
Is your ADU larger than 800 sq ft (attracting car-owners)?	+1	0
Can you add parking for under $8,000?	+1	0
Are you more than 1/2 mile from Metro?	+1	0

Scoring:

5-7 points: Strongly consider including parking
3-4 points: Parking is worth considering but not essential
0-2 points: Skip parking and maximize other features

Getting Started with Your ADU Project

The elimination of parking requirements has made ADU projects significantly more affordable and feasible, especially for garage conversions and properties with limited space.

Whether you choose to include parking or not, understanding these regulations helps you make informed decisions that maximize your property’s value and your project’s success.

Next Steps:

Check your eligibility: Use our ADU Eligibility Check tool
Estimate costs: Calculate ADU costs with and without parking using our Cost Calculator
Review your lot: Assess available space and optimal ADU placement
Consult with experts: Work with experienced ADU contractors who understand current parking laws

As Los Angeles ADU specialists and code compliance consultants, we can help you navigate parking decisions, design an ADU that maximizes your property’s potential, and handle all permitting requirements from start to finish.

ADU Eligibility Check

ADU Cost Calculator