ADU Builders in
Los Angeles, CA

These are "at-a-glance" homeowner essentials. Always confirm with LADBS / City Planning for your exact parcel and zoning.

Topic	Los Angeles baseline
How many units can I add?	Common single-family pattern: 1 ADU + 1 JADU is widely allowed when conditions are met. Multifamily can allow multiple ADUs.
Max size	LA ordinance ADU size is typically up to 1,200 sq ft; JADU max 500 sq ft. California also guarantees at least an 800 sq ft detached ADU option in certain "state-exempt" cases.
Setbacks	New detached/added portions commonly use 4 ft side + rear setbacks. Conversions of existing structures can often keep existing legal setbacks.
Height	Height depends on type + transit proximity. LA ordinance commonly shows ~16 ft for detached ADUs and up to ~18 ft near transit; attached ADUs may be allowed taller.
Parking	Many ADUs have no parking requirement (especially near transit). LADBS notes no replacement parking is required when covered parking is removed for an ADU.
Owner occupancy	ADUs: generally no owner-occupancy requirement under current CA rules. JADUs: commonly require owner occupancy.
Rentals / short-term stays	LAHD states home-sharing (short-term rental) is not allowed if the unit is subject to the RSO. CA allows cities to require ADU rentals be 30 days or longer.
Fire sprinklers	LADBS notes sprinklers generally aren't required for ADUs if they aren't required for the primary dwelling.
Impact fees	California prohibits impact fees on ADUs under 750 sq ft (fees may apply above that, proportionally).
Solar	LADBS notes detached ADUs built from scratch must have solar panels.

ADU costs in Los Angeles vary widely based on whether you're converting an existing structure or building new, plus utilities, site conditions, and finish level.

Project type	Typical all-in cost range (LA)
Garage conversion ADU	$95K – $225K
JADU (inside main home)	$75K – $150K
Attached ADU	$175K – $325K
Detached ADU (new build)	$200K – $400K+

Cost drivers that move your budget fast

• Utility runs (sewer/water/electrical distance + trenching)
• Electrical panel upgrades (common in older homes)
• Foundation + structural scope (especially for conversions)
• Grading / slope / hillside conditions
• Finish level (kitchen/bath complexity, windows/doors, insulation upgrades)
• Permit + plan check time (more corrections = more holding costs)

Permits & fees

Permit fees vary by scope, valuation, plan-check category, and whether you trigger additional reviews. The City provides a fee estimator (and fees can change year to year).

Step-by-step

• Feasibility check – zoning, lot constraints, access, utilities, parking/transit proximity
• Design + engineering – custom design, or choose a standard/pre-approved plan
• Submit plans to LADBS – online plan check / ePlanLA workflows are common
• Plan check + corrections – respond to comments, revise drawings
• Permit issued
• Construction + inspections
• Final sign-off / Certificate of Occupancy

Typical timeline (realistic ranges)

• Design + plans: ~1–3 months
• Plan check / permitting: commonly ~2–6+ months depending on completeness + corrections
• Construction: ~4–10 months
• Total: often ~6–18 months

"Shot clock" timeline notes

California's ADU law includes a general 60-day review clock once the application is deemed complete. If you use a pre-approved standard plan, the state framework targets faster approval in many cases. LA also has an ADU Standard Plans program, where LADBS pre-approves plans and then checks site-fit for your parcel.

ADUs are most often used as long-term housing, but income varies heavily by neighborhood, size, parking, finish level, and whether the unit feels private.

What can an ADU rent for in Los Angeles?

HUD Fair Market Rents (FY 2026) – Los Angeles area

These are 40th-percentile rent benchmarks used for housing programs (often lower than prime-market asking rents).

Unit size	FY 2026 FMR (LA area)
Studio (0 BR)	$1,863
1 BR	$2,085
2 BR	$2,601
3 BR	$3,298

Zillow context: Zillow shows an average rent in Los Angeles around $2,717 (all beds / all property types), which can be useful as a broad market sanity check.

Renting rules

• RSO + home-sharing: LAHD states home-sharing (short-term rental) is not allowed in units subject to the Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO).
• 30+ day rentals: California allows cities to require ADU rentals be 30 days or longer, which can limit nightly Airbnb-style use.

Simple income math

Monthly rent × 12 = annual gross income

Example: $2,500/month → $30,000/year gross (before expenses, vacancies, insurance, and taxes).

How much does it cost to build an ADU in Los Angeles?

ADU costs in LA often range from ~$95,000+ for a garage conversion to $400,000+ for a detached new build, depending on utilities, site conditions, and finish level.

How long does it take to get an ADU permit in LA?

Timelines vary, but California law includes a general 60-day review clock once an application is deemed complete. Projects with corrections, engineering revisions, or additional reviews can take longer.

Do I need parking for an ADU in Los Angeles?

Many ADU projects have no parking requirement, especially near transit and under several state-law pathways. LADBS also notes no replacement parking is required when covered parking is removed to build an ADU.

What's the difference between an ADU and a JADU?

A JADU is a smaller unit inside a single-family residence and is no more than 500 sq ft. An ADU can be attached or detached and is often larger.

Can I convert my garage into an ADU in Los Angeles?

Yes—garage conversions are one of the most common LA ADU paths, and are often faster than new detached construction if the structure is suitable.

Can I rent my ADU short-term (Airbnb) in Los Angeles?

It depends. LAHD states home-sharing is not allowed if the unit is subject to the RSO. Separately, California allows cities to require ADU rentals be 30 days or longer, which may restrict nightly rentals depending on your project/pathway.

Do I need solar panels for a detached ADU?

LADBS notes detached ADUs built from scratch must have solar panels.

Can I build ADUs on a multifamily lot in Los Angeles?

Yes. Multifamily properties can qualify for multiple ADUs, including conversions and detached caps under the state framework (in some scenarios up to 8 detached ADUs).