ADU Owner Occupancy: Carson vs Los Angeles
How do adu owner occupancy rules compare between Carson, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
Carson and Los Angeles 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 →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Los Angeles cannot impose an owner-occupancy requirement on ADUs permitted between January 2020 and January 2025 under AB 881. JADUs always require owner-occupancy of either the JADU or the primary dwelling, recorded by deed restriction.
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| 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.
Los Angeles FAQ
Do I have to live on-site to rent my Los Angeles ADU?
No. Cal. Gov Code 65852.2(a)(6), as amended by AB 881 and AB 976, prohibits LA from requiring owner-occupancy of ADUs. The owner may live off-site.
Does a Los Angeles 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.
Can I sell my Los Angeles ADU separately from my house?
Generally no, except under the AB 1033 condo-conversion pathway for qualified affordable ADUs. JADUs cannot be sold separately under any circumstance.
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