TYPES OF ADU'S "ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT"

 An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary residential unit added to a property with an existing or planned single-family home. ADUs are sometimes referred to as granny flats, in-law units, second units, backyard homes, cottages, or basement apartments. While ADUs come in many forms and sizes, they always include a kitchen, bathroom and sleeping area. 

Homeowners build ADUs on their properties for a variety of reasons, such as housing a family member, gaining rental income, increasing overall property value, and adding to the affordable housing stock in their community. ADUs are affordable to build because owners don’t have to purchase additional land, and recent revisions to California State Law have made it easier to construct ADUs on single-family properties.

 There are many different types of ADUs homeowners can build on their properties. While you may build a new unit entirely, converting an existing garage or room inside your home is the easiest way to add an ADU to your property. In fact, 45% of all ADUs constructed since 2017 in the City of LA are conversions. Read below to learn more about the different types of ADUs and various requirements associated with each. 

 Size: Can be converted so as long as building is allowed and permitted.

Setbacks: Does not have to comply with setback requirements.

 Size: Maximum 1,200 sq ft or 50% of existing living area (whichever is less).

Setbacks: Does not have to comply with setback requirements.

Parking: Not required.

 Size: Maximum 1,200 sq ft and within allowable Residential Floor Area square footage on site.

Setbacks: 4 feet rear property line and side yard setbacks no min. size lot requirement  

Parking: 1 parking space required, unless within 1/2 mile to public transit.

 Size: Maximum 1,200 sq ft 

Setbacks: 4 feet rear property line and  Side yard setbacks   

Parking: 1 parking space required, unless within 1/2 mile to public transit.

 Size: Maximum 1,200 sq ft or 50% of existing living area (whichever is less) and within allowable Residential Floor Area square footage on site.

Setbacks: Side and rear must adhere to lot’s zoning code.  

Parking: 1 parking space required, unless within 1/2 mile to public transit. 

 Size: Maximum 1,200 sq ft 

Setbacks: 4 feet from side and rear property lines.

Parking: 1 parking space required, unless within 1/2 mile to public transit. 

 Size: Existing accessory building (i.e. storage shed, office) can be converted to an ADU so as long as it is allowed on site. 

Setbacks: 4 feet rear property line and side yard setbacks 

Parking: No parking required.