ADU Rules: Altadena vs Castaic
How do adu rules rules compare between Altadena, CA and Castaic, CA?
Altadena and Castaic have similar restriction levels.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
Altadena is an unincorporated CDP in Los Angeles County governed by LA County Code Title 22 §22.140.640 (Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units), most recently amended April 2024. Single-family lots may add one ADU plus one JADU; multifamily lots may add up to two detached new-construction ADUs plus conversion ADUs in non-livable existing space.
View full Altadena rules →Castaic, CA
Los Angeles County
Castaic is an unincorporated CDP in Los Angeles County governed by LA County Code Title 22 §22.140.640 (Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units), most recently amended April 2024. Single-family lots may add one ADU plus one JADU; multifamily lots may add up to two detached new-construction ADUs plus conversion ADUs created in non-livable existing space.
View full Castaic rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Castaic |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Code | LA County Code §22.140.640 | LA County Code §22.140.640 |
| Single-Family | 1 ADU + 1 JADU per lot | 1 ADU + 1 JADU per lot |
| Multifamily Detached | Up to 2 new (20 ft max) | Up to 2 new (20 ft max) |
| WUI Fire Zone | Chapter 7A applies (hillside) | Chapter 7A applies |
| Side/Rear Setback | 4 ft (new construction) | 4 ft (new construction) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
Who regulates ADUs in Altadena?
Altadena is unincorporated, so LA County Regional Planning regulates ADUs under LA County Code Title 22 §22.140.640, not a separate city ordinance.
Do hillside or fire rules apply to Altadena ADUs?
Yes. Altadena's hillside neighborhoods are in LA County's Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, requiring Chapter 7A ignition-resistant construction and Fire Code §325 brush clearance. Hillside-grading provisions of Title 22 apply on slopes steeper than 10%.
How big can my Altadena ADU be?
Under §22.140.640, a detached ADU on a single-family lot may be up to 1,200 sq ft; multifamily-lot ADUs have no maximum size cap. JADUs are capped at 500 sq ft.
Castaic FAQ
Who regulates ADUs in Castaic?
Castaic is unincorporated, so LA County Regional Planning regulates ADUs under LA County Code Title 22 §22.140.640, not a separate city ordinance.
Are there fire-zone restrictions on Castaic ADUs?
Yes. Portions of Castaic are in LA County's Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, so ADUs must meet Chapter 7A wildland-urban interface ignition-resistant construction standards and LA County Fire Code §325 brush clearance.
Can a Castaic multifamily lot add detached ADUs?
Yes. Under LA County Code §22.140.640, multifamily lots may add up to two detached new-construction ADUs plus conversion ADUs within non-livable space (up to 25% of existing units).
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