Accessory Structures in Los Angeles County, CA (2026)
5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 19 cities in Los Angeles County, California.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Unincorporated Los Angeles County must decide an accessory dwelling unit application within 60 days of a complete submittal. A standard ADU needs at least 150 square feet, tops out at 1,200 square feet and 25 feet in height, sits four feet from the rear and side lot lines, and needs no parking outside Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones. A single-family lot supports one attached or internal ADU, one detached ADU and one junior unit.
Los Angeles County ADU and Junior ADU Rules
Some RestrictionsLos Angeles County Code § 22.140.640
A decision on an application for an accessory dwelling unit or a junior accessory dwelling unit shall be made within 60 days of submittal of a complete application. ... Minimum. An accessory dwelling unit shall have a minimum floor area of 150 square feet, with one habitable room with a minimum floor area of 70 square feet. ... The maximum floor area of an accessory dwelling unit shall be 1,200...
ADU Owner Occupancy
In unincorporated Los Angeles County, standard accessory dwelling units carry no owner-occupancy requirement since the County released its covenant interest, but a junior ADU still requires an owner to live in either the main house or the JADU.
LA County ADU Owner-Occupancy Rules
Some RestrictionsLos Angeles County Code § 22.140.640(F)(2)(f), (I)
Owner Occupancy. If a property contains a junior accessory dwelling unit, either the single-family residence or junior accessory dwelling unit shall be the principal residence of at least one legal owner of the lot... A junior accessory dwelling unit is not permitted on a lot owned by a corporate entity. ... Release of Owner-Occupancy Covenant. The County releases its interest in any covenant f...
ADU Rental Restrictions
In unincorporated LA County, an ADU or JADU can only be rented for stays longer than 30 consecutive days, and it can't be sold apart from the main house.
LA County ADU Rental Restrictions
Some RestrictionsLos Angeles County Code § 22.140.640.F
F.Use Restrictions...1.Ownership. An accessory dwelling unit or a junior accessory dwelling unit shall not be sold separately from the principal residential building(s) on the same lot...2.Duration of Tenancy. An accessory dwelling unit or a junior accessory dwelling unit may only be used as a rental unit for a period of more than 30 consecutive days, in accordance with Section 22.140.770 (Shor...
Shed & Carport Rules
In unincorporated Los Angeles County, a one-story detached storage shed up to 120 square feet and 12 feet tall does not require a building permit.
Permits Overview: Shed Permits
Few RestrictionsLos Angeles County Code § 106.3(1) (Title 26 – Building Code)
106.3 Work Exempted. A building permit shall not be required for the following: 1. One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, shade structures, pump houses, and similar uses, provided the gross floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11.15 m2), the height does not exceed 12 feet (3.69 m), and the maximum roof projection does not exceed 24 inches (610 mm). [...] E...
Garage Conversions
When a garage or carport is converted into an ADU in unincorporated LA County, no replacement parking is required for either the ADU or the primary residence.
Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions
Few RestrictionsLos Angeles County Code § 22.112.070
10. When a garage or carport is converted to an accessory dwelling unit, parking spaces for the primary residence shall not be required to be replaced. If parking is provided for the primary residence or residences, it may be provided as covered spaces, uncovered spaces, or tandem spaces, in compliance with Section 22.040.030.B (Use Restrictions) and Section 22.140.640 (Accessory Dwelling Units...
Accessory Structures by City in Los Angeles County
19 cities in Los Angeles County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
6 verified rules • ADU Impact Fees, ADU Rental Restrictions
5 verified rules • ADU Owner Occupancy, ADU Rental Restrictions
4 verified rules • ADU Impact Fees, ADU Rental Restrictions
4 verified rules • ADU Impact Fees, ADU Rental Restrictions
5 verified rules • ADU Owner Occupancy, ADU Rental Restrictions
5 verified rules • ADU Impact Fees, ADU Owner Occupancy
6 verified rules • ADU Impact Fees, ADU Owner Occupancy
6 verified rules • ADU Impact Fees, ADU Owner Occupancy
6 verified rules • ADU Impact Fees, ADU Owner Occupancy
7 verified rules • ADU Impact Fees, ADU Owner Occupancy
6 verified rules • ADU Impact Fees, ADU Owner Occupancy
3 verified rules • ADU Rules, Garage Conversions
2 verified rules • Garage Conversions, Shed & Carport Rules
6 verified rules • ADU Impact Fees, ADU Owner Occupancy
6 verified rules • ADU Impact Fees, ADU Owner Occupancy
5 verified rules • ADU Owner Occupancy, ADU Rental Restrictions
6 verified rules • ADU Impact Fees, ADU Owner Occupancy
6 verified rules • ADU Impact Fees, ADU Owner Occupancy
5 verified rules • ADU Owner Occupancy, ADU Rental Restrictions
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