Accessory Dwelling Units
Accessory Dwelling Units
What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit, also known as a granny or in-law unit, is a living unit that is an accessory use to a single-family or multifamily residential building, wherever such developments are permitted. An ADU is required to provide permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking facilities, and sanitation, and meet other requirements as stipulated by the Department of Public Works, Building and Safety Division and Fire Departments.
What is a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU)?
A Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) is a dwelling unit with independent exterior access that is no more than 500 square feet in size and contained entirely within an existing or proposed single-family residence, including an attached garage. A JADU may include separate sanitation facilities or may share sanitation facilities with the single-family residence. The proposed JADU or the single-family residence must be owner-occupied.
Is an ADU allowed on my property?
In general, an ADU is allowed if the property is zoned to allow a legal single-family or multifamily residence, and a legal single-family or multifamily residence exists or is proposed to be built concurrently with the ADU(s).
Please see the ADU Ordinance Summary for more information and development standards.
Example Scenarios
Is financial assistance available?
LA County Planning does not coordinate financial assistance however the following programs are currently available*:
*Program income and eligibility requirements are summarized in the Step-by-Step Guide. See individual programs for details.