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ADUs In Los Angeles
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The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety runs a Standard Plan Program that includes pre-approved ADU designs, though each chosen plan still gets a final review for site conditions. The same state review deadlines apply: 15 business days for a completeness notice and 60 days to approve or deny a complete application.
The Local Program
The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety runs a Standard Plan Program of pre-approved designs, including approved ADU standard plans. The department says pre-approved standard plans require final review by the department before a building permit can be obtained, that it reviews a chosen plan to make sure it fits your property, and that building plan check and permit fees for a chosen plan are based on the total project valuation.
What Costs Look Like In The Region
Los Angeles County had the lowest regional median in the Terner Center's Terner Center statewide ADU owner survey: $100,000, or $197 per square foot. That survey was published in 2021, so current prices may be higher. See ADU Cost In California for the full table and the caveats.
What To Check At Your Address
- Check whether your lot is in a hillside, fire severity, or other overlay area that adds review.
- Ask whether a standard plan fits your lot size and setbacks before paying a designer to start over.
- Confirm the city or county that actually governs your address. Many Los Angeles County addresses are in other cities or unincorporated areas.
State Rules That Apply Here
- The review deadlines in Permits And Timeline: 15 business days for a completeness notice and 60 days to approve or deny a complete application.
- No impact fees for an ADU of 750 square feet or less (Government Code section 66311.5).
- No owner occupancy requirement for an ADU (Government Code section 66315).
Before You Hire Anyone
Call or visit the planning counter, and bring your address and a sketch of what you have in mind. Then read Questions To Ask An ADU Builder.
Common Questions
Does Los Angeles have pre-approved ADU plans?
Yes. The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety lists approved ADU standard plans, and says pre-approved standard plans require final review by the department, which checks that a chosen plan fits your property, before a building permit can be obtained.
What did ADUs cost in Los Angeles County in the Terner Center survey?
The Los Angeles County median was $100,000, or $197 per square foot, the lowest regional median in the survey. The survey was published in 2021, so current prices may be higher.
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