Los Angeles cannot impose an owner-occupancy requirement on ADUs permitted between January 2020 and January 2025 under AB 881. JADUs always require owner-occupancy of either the JADU or the primary dwelling, recorded by deed restriction.
Under California Government Code Section 65852.2(a)(6) (as amended by AB 881 and AB 976), Los Angeles is preempted from imposing an owner-occupancy requirement on ADUs permitted between January 1, 2020 and January 1, 2025. AB 976 made this prohibition permanent for ADUs after that date as well. JADUs are different: under Cal. Gov Code 65852.22, the owner must occupy either the primary dwelling or the JADU as a principal residence, and Los Angeles records a deed restriction at building permit issuance. The deed restriction also prohibits separate conveyance of the JADU. LAMC 12.22 A.33 was amended in 2020 to delete prior LA owner-occupancy language for ADUs to conform to state law.
Violating a JADU owner-occupancy deed restriction is a code violation under LAMC 12.26 and a breach of the recorded covenant; the city can refer the matter to the City Attorney for civil enforcement and require restoration to single-family use.
Los Angeles, CA
Anyone caring for injured native wildlife in Los Angeles must hold a California Department of Fish and Wildlife Wildlife Rehabilitation Permit under Fish and...
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles protects wild birds under LAMC §53.55 and emerging bird-safe building design guidance, layered atop California Fish and Game Code §3500-3516 and ...
Los Angeles, CA
Veterinary offices and small animal hospitals are allowed by-right in LA's C2 and C4 commercial zones under LAMC §12.13 and §12.14. Overnight boarding requir...
Los Angeles, CA
Pet grooming shops in Los Angeles need a city business tax registration and an LA County Department of Public Health animal-care facility permit. Mobile groo...
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles has no city ordinance specifically regulating residential lawn ornaments, statuary, or year-round decorations. Front-yard structures must comply ...
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles has no city ordinance regulating residential holiday inflatables. Size, lighting, and motor noise are not separately regulated, though general LA...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Los Angeles County.
See how other cities in Los Angeles County handle adu owner occupancy.
See how Los Angeles's adu owner occupancy rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.