ADU Owner Occupancy: Carson vs Long Beach
How do adu owner occupancy rules compare between Carson, CA and Long Beach, CA?
Carson and Long Beach have similar restriction levels.
Carson, CA
Los Angeles County
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 →Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Long Beach cannot impose an owner-occupancy requirement on ADUs under California Government Code Section 65852.2(a)(6), as amended by AB 881 and AB 976. JADUs always require owner-occupancy of the JADU or the primary dwelling, recorded by deed restriction.
View full Long Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | - |
| ADU Owner-Occupancy | - | Not required |
| JADU Owner-Occupancy | - | Required by deed |
| State Law | - | AB 881, AB 976 |
| Code Section | - | Cal. Gov Code 65852.2(a)(6) |
| JADU Code | - | Cal. Gov Code 65852.22 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Long Beach FAQ
Do I have to live on-site to rent my Long Beach ADU?
No. Cal. Gov Code 65852.2(a)(6), as amended by AB 881 and AB 976, prohibits Long Beach from requiring owner-occupancy of ADUs.
Does a Long Beach JADU require owner-occupancy?
Yes. Under Cal. Gov Code 65852.22, the owner must occupy either the JADU or the primary dwelling as a principal residence, recorded as a deed restriction at permit issuance.
Can I sell my Long Beach ADU separately from my house?
Generally no, except under the AB 1033 condo-conversion pathway, which Long Beach must opt into by ordinance. JADUs cannot be sold separately under any circumstance.
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