Los Angeles processes ADU and JADU applications ministerially under LAMC Section 12.22 A.33 and California Government Code Section 65852.2. Applications go through LADBS plan check, with no public hearing, discretionary review, or CEQA process required.
LAMC 12.22 A.33 implements the state ADU framework. Applicants file through the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) Plan Check, with required clearances from City Planning, Bureau of Engineering for sewer capacity, and the Department of Water and Power for utility hookups. LADBS must approve or deny a complete ADU application within 60 days under Cal. Gov Code 65852.2(b). No conditional use permit, site plan review, design review, or public hearing is permitted. Standard plans for pre-approved ADU designs are available through LADBS to shorten plan check. Setbacks are 4 feet side and rear for new construction; existing structures may be converted at existing setbacks.
Building an ADU without LADBS permits triggers a stop-work order, an Order to Comply under LAMC 12.26, and a follow-up code enforcement case. Permit fees double for after-the-fact permits, and unpermitted ADUs cannot be legally rented.
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