ADU Rules: Castaic vs Topanga
How do adu rules rules compare between Castaic, CA and Topanga, CA?
Castaic and Topanga have similar restriction levels.
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 →Topanga, CA
Los Angeles County
Topanga 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. Detached ADUs are capped at 1,200 sq ft; multifamily-lot ADUs have no maximum size under county rules. Topanga lies within the Santa Monica Mountains Coastal Zone, so a Coastal Development Permit also applies.
View full Topanga rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Castaic | Topanga |
|---|---|---|
| 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 + conversion ADUs |
| WUI Fire Zone | Chapter 7A applies | - |
| Side/Rear Setback | 4 ft (new construction) | 4 ft (new construction) |
| Coastal Permit | - | Required (Santa Monica Mtns LCP) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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).
Topanga FAQ
Who regulates ADUs in Topanga?
Topanga is unincorporated, so LA County Department of Regional Planning regulates ADUs under LA County Code Title 22 §22.140.640, not a separate city ordinance.
Do I need a Coastal Development Permit for a Topanga ADU?
Yes. Topanga falls within the certified Santa Monica Mountains Local Coastal Program, so most ADU construction requires a Coastal Development Permit in addition to the building permit.
Can a Topanga 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).
Compare other topics
See how Castaic and Topanga compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool