ADU rules in Bellflower, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
The City of Bellflower regulates ADUs and JADUs in Chapter 17.17 of its Zoning Code, most recently amended by Ordinance No. 1443 (adopted April 28, 2025). The chapter implements California's ADU statute, so detached and attached ADUs are reviewed ministerially with state-aligned size, height, setback, and parking standards.
Bellflower's Accessory Dwelling Units chapter (Bellflower Municipal Code Chapter 17.17) was overhauled by Ordinance No. 1401 in 2020 and again by Ordinance No. 1443 in April 2025 to match California's ADU law (Government Code Sections 66310-66342, formerly Gov. Code 65852.2). Under that framework, a single-family lot may add one ADU plus one junior ADU. Detached ADUs are limited to 1,200 square feet, and attached ADUs are limited to the same 1,200-square-foot cap. State law that the city must follow guarantees a minimum buildable ADU of 800 square feet, and at least 850 square feet for a studio/one-bedroom or 1,000 square feet for a two-or-more-bedroom unit, regardless of local lot standards. Detached ADUs have a 16-foot height ceiling (higher allowances apply near transit and on multifamily lots), with 4-foot side and rear setbacks. One off-street parking space is generally required per ADU, but state-mandated exemptions apply near transit and for conversions. Newly built ADUs carry no owner-occupancy requirement. The city must act on a complete ADU application ministerially within 60 days.
Building an ADU without permits is treated as unpermitted construction under the city's adopted building code (BMC Title 15). Owners typically must obtain after-the-fact permits or remove the work. Under California Health & Safety Code Section 17980.12, enforcement against an unpermitted ADU built before 2020 must allow a delayed-compliance period rather than immediate demolition.
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