ADU Rules: Long Beach vs South Gate
How do adu rules rules compare between Long Beach, CA and South Gate, CA?
Long Beach and South Gate have similar restriction levels.
Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Long Beach follows CA state ADU law (Gov Code §65852.2). Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft, 4-ft side/rear setbacks, 16-ft height limit. Pre-approved plans available.
View full Long Beach rules →South Gate, CA
Los Angeles County
South Gate must allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior ADUs (JADUs) on any parcel with an existing or proposed single-family or multifamily dwelling, in conformance with Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2 and §65852.22. The South Gate Municipal Code Title 11 (Zoning) implements these state ADU standards ministerially.
View full South Gate rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Long Beach | South Gate |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | CA Gov Code §65852.2 | - |
| Max Size | 1,200 sq ft detached / 50% attached | - |
| Setbacks | 4 ft side/rear | - |
| Height | 16 ft detached / 25 ft attached | - |
| Fees | ADUs <750 sq ft exempt from impact fees | - |
| Pre-Approved Plans | Available from Long Beach Planning | - |
| Governing law | - | Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2 (ADUs); §65852.22 (JADUs) |
| Local code | - | South Gate Municipal Code Title 11 (Zoning), Ch. 11.25 |
| By-right ADU size | - | 800 sq ft, 16-ft height, 4-ft setbacks |
| Max detached ADU | - | 1,200 sq ft (state floor) |
| JADU max | - | 500 sq ft (within existing SFD) |
| Review type | - | Ministerial (no public hearing) |
| Approval timeline | - | 60 days from complete application (Gov. Code §65852.2(b)) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Long Beach FAQ
Can I build an ADU on my property in Long Beach?
Long Beach follows CA state ADU law (Gov Code §65852.2). Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft, 4-ft side/rear setbacks, 16-ft height limit. Pre-approved plans available.
What are the size limits for an accessory dwelling unit in Long Beach?
State Law: CA Gov Code §65852.2. Max Size: 1,200 sq ft detached / 50% attached. Setbacks: 4 ft side/rear. Height: 16 ft detached / 25 ft attached.
South Gate FAQ
Can South Gate ban ADUs in single-family zones?
No. Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2 preempts local bans. South Gate must allow ADUs ministerially on any single-family or multifamily lot.
Do I need a public hearing for an ADU in South Gate?
No. State law requires ministerial (over-the-counter) approval within 60 days of a complete application — no Planning Commission hearing.
Can I build an ADU and a JADU on the same lot?
Yes. State law allows one ADU plus one JADU on a single-family lot in South Gate.
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