ADU Builders in Long Beach CA

ADUs by Avatar At , we help Long Beach homeowners through the full ADU process — from feasibility and design to permits and construction.

Building an ADU in Long Beach is one of the best ways to add value, create rental income, and make your property work harder for you — without leaving the neighborhood you love. Whether you’re planning a detached backyard ADU, a garage conversion, or a junior ADU (JADU), understanding Long Beach ADU regulations and permitting requirements is the first step toward a successful project.

Why Long Beach Homeowners Are Building ADUs

Long Beach is one of the most ADU-friendly and high-demand housing markets in Los Angeles County. Many homeowners choose to build ADUs to:

• Generate long-term rental income
• Create housing for family members
• Add flexible space for guests or a home office
• Increase resale value with legal square footage
• Convert underused garages into livable space

With property values rising and rental demand staying strong, ADUs have become one of the smartest long-term investments for Long Beach homeowners.

ADU Types Allowed in Long Beach 

Depending on your property zoning, lot size, and existing home layout, you may qualify for one or more of the following ADU options:

Detached ADUs

A standalone backyard unit offering the most privacy and design flexibility.

Attached ADUs

An ADU connected to the main home — often built as an addition.

Garage Conversion ADUs

Garage conversions are especially popular in Long Beach and can often be one of the fastest ways to add a legal unit.

Junior ADUs (JADUs)

A smaller unit created within the existing home footprint, typically up to 500 sq ft.

Long Beach ADU Permits and Requirements

All ADUs in Long Beach require permits and must meet California Building Code and Title 24 energy standards.

Most ADU projects require:

• Building permits
• Electrical permits
• Plumbing permits
• Mechanical/HVAC permits
• Title 24 compliance
• Structural engineering (especially for conversions or additions)

Depending on the property, additional requirements may apply — especially if upgrades are needed for utilities, drainage, or fire access.

Navigating permits in Long Beach can feel confusing, especially when plan check corrections, engineering requirements, and city review timelines come into play. That’s why ADUs by Avatar handles the entire permitting process for you, including:

• Verifying zoning and ADU eligibility
• Coordinating architectural plans and layouts
• Managing structural engineering and Title 24 energy compliance
• Submitting your permit package to the City of Long Beach
• Responding to plan check comments and resubmittals
• Coordinating required inspections during construction

Our goal is to take the stress off your plate and keep your project moving forward as efficiently as possible.

Long Beach ADU Zoning and Development Standards 

Long Beach follows California state ADU laws, but the city still enforces local development standards that can impact:

• Maximum ADU size
  
  
• Setbacks and placement
  
  
• Height limits
  
  
• Parking requirements and exemptions
  
  
• Utility tie-ins and service upgrades
  
  
• Access and fire department clearance requirements
  
  

Long Beach properties can vary a lot by neighborhood, so feasibility is key — what works in one part of Long Beach may not work in another.

Coastal Considerations in Long Beach

Long Beach has several neighborhoods and areas that may fall within the California Coastal Zone, which can add an extra layer of review to ADU projects. If your property is in a coastal overlay area, your ADU may require additional approvals beyond standard building permits — and this can impact both your design options and your overall timeline.

Coastal-related requirements may affect:

• Permit review timelines (additional review steps can extend approval time)
  
  
• Exterior design requirements, including materials, rooflines, and window placement
  
  
• Privacy and height considerations, especially for second-story ADUs
  
  
• Setbacks and placement, depending on the property’s proximity to coastal resources
  
  
• Site access and construction staging, which can be more limited in coastal neighborhoods

The good news is: being in the Coastal Zone doesn’t mean you can’t build an ADU — it just means the process may require more planning up front.

If you’re unsure whether your property is in a coastal overlay, ADUs by Avatar can confirm it during your ADU Assessment and guide you through the correct approval process from start to finish. 

ADU Costs in Long Beach, CA: What Impacts Pricing

ADU costs in Long Beach can vary widely depending on the type of unit you’re building, the existing conditions of your property, and the level of finishes you choose. While some homeowners assume an ADU is a simple “one-size-fits-all” project, Long Beach properties often come with unique factors that can impact both construction scope and budget.

Here are the biggest pricing drivers we see on Long Beach ADU projects:

Garage Conversion ADU Costs 

Garage conversions are often one of the most cost-effective ADU options in Long Beach, but the total cost depends heavily on what’s required to bring the existing structure up to current building code.

Common cost factors include:

• Upgrading the electrical panel to support a full second unit
• Adding new plumbing lines for a kitchen and bathroom
• Insulation, drywall, and fire-rated assemblies
• Foundation/slab modifications (if the existing slab isn’t compliant)
• New windows, doors, and exterior upgrades
• HVAC installation and ventilation requirements

Even though conversions can save time and structural costs, they still require full permitting and inspections.

Detached ADU Costs 

Detached ADUs typically require a larger investment because they involve building a brand-new structure from the ground up.

Detached ADU costs in Long Beach are often impacted by:

• New foundation and framing
• Roofing and exterior finishes
• Full utility trenching (water, sewer, electrical, gas if needed)
• New HVAC system
• Site access limitations (tight side yards, limited staging space, etc.)
• Concrete, walkways, and exterior restoration after construction

Utility Tie-Ins (One of the Biggest Cost Variables) 

One of the most common surprises for Long Beach homeowners is the cost of utility work.

Pricing can change significantly based on:

• How far the ADU is from the main sewer connection
• Whether trenching is required through hardscape (concrete, patios, driveways)
• Electrical service upgrades or meter requirements
• Water line sizing and pressure requirements
• Gas line extensions (if gas appliances are included