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🏗️ Accessory Structures/ADU Owner Occupancy

ADU Owner Occupancy: Altadena vs Carson

How do adu owner occupancy rules compare between Altadena, CA and Carson, CA?

Altadena, CA

Los Angeles County

No data available yet for Altadena.

Carson, CA

Los Angeles County

Few Restrictions

Carson cannot require owner-occupancy for ADUs permitted between Jan 1, 2020 and Dec 31, 2024, per Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(7). For ADUs permitted on/after Jan 1, 2025, cities may again require owner-occupancy. JADUs always require owner-occupancy of either the primary dwelling or the JADU (Gov. Code §65852.22(a)(2)).

View full Carson rules →

Key Facts Comparison

FactAltadenaCarson
ADUs 2020-2024-Owner-occupancy CANNOT be required
ADUs from 2025-Owner-occupancy MAY be required (city option)
JADUs-Owner-occupancy ALWAYS required (SFD or JADU)
Deed restriction-Required for JADUs per Gov. Code §65852.22(a)(5)

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Altadena FAQ

No FAQs available.

Carson FAQ

Do I have to live in my Carson home to rent the ADU?

For ADUs permitted 2020-2024: no. For ADUs permitted from 2025: only if Carson reinstates the requirement. For a JADU: yes, always.

What is a JADU vs. an ADU?

A JADU (junior ADU) is up to 500 sq ft and built within the existing single-family dwelling. It always requires owner-occupancy of the main house or JADU.

Does Carson record a deed restriction on my ADU?

Yes for JADUs (required by Gov. Code §65852.22(a)(5)). For standard ADUs, only if owner-occupancy applies post-2025.

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