5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 21 cities in Los Angeles County, California.
Verified from official government sources
LA County's ADU Ordinance (amended October 2024) allows accessory dwelling units in all residential zones of unincorporated areas. Applications go through EPIC-LA and are reviewed by the Department of Regional Planning. Pre-approved plans are available.
Small accessory structures under 120 square feet in unincorporated LA County generally do not require a building permit. Larger structures must comply with Title 26 building code and Title 22 zoning setbacks.
LA County allows converting existing garages to ADUs or JADUs in unincorporated areas under the ADU Ordinance. Garage conversions are the most affordable ADU option at roughly $80–$150K. Replacement parking is not required by state law.
Carports in unincorporated LA County require building permits and must comply with Title 22 zoning setbacks for the applicable zone. Detached carports are treated as accessory structures subject to rear and side yard requirements. Open carport designs may have modified setback allowances.
Tiny homes on permanent foundations are treated as ADUs under CA Gov Code 65852.2 and LA County's ADU ordinance in unincorporated areas. Tiny homes on wheels are not recognized as permanent dwellings. LA County allows ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft detached with 4 ft side/rear setbacks.
21 cities in Los Angeles County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
9 verified rules • ADU Impact Fees, ADU Owner Occupancy
9 verified rules • ADU Impact Fees, ADU Owner Occupancy
5 verified rules • ADU Rules, Carport Rules
9 verified rules • ADU Impact Fees, ADU Owner Occupancy
5 verified rules • ADU Rules, Carport Rules
5 verified rules • ADU Rules, Carport Rules
9 verified rules • ADU Impact Fees, ADU Owner Occupancy
5 verified rules • ADU Rules, Carport Rules
5 verified rules • ADU Rules, Carport Rules
5 verified rules • ADU Rules, Carport Rules
5 verified rules • ADU Rules, Carport Rules
5 verified rules • ADU Rules, Carport Rules
5 verified rules • ADU Rules, Carport Rules
5 verified rules • ADU Rules, Carport Rules
4 verified rules • ADU Rules, Carport Rules
2 verified rules • ADU Rules, Garage Conversions
2 verified rules • ADU Rules, Garage Conversions
5 verified rules • ADU Rules, Carport Rules
5 verified rules • ADU Rules, Carport Rules
5 verified rules • ADU Rules, Carport Rules
5 verified rules • ADU Rules, Carport Rules
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