Your Top ADU Builder in Los Angeles County, CA
why build an adu in Los Angeles county
Homeowners across LA County build ADUs for many reasons, including:
- Creating long-term rental income
- Adding housing for aging parents or adult children
- Building a guest suite or private home office
- Increasing resale value with legal living space
- Converting garages into functional, livable units
In high-demand neighborhoods, ADUs can be one of the best long-term investments a homeowner can make. Whether you’re planning a detached backyard ADU, converting a garage, or exploring a junior ADU (JADU), understanding local requirements is an important first step.
ADU Costs in Los Angeles County
ADU costs in Los Angeles County vary widely based on:
- Detached build vs garage conversion
- Size and floor plan
- Utility trenching and connection requirements
- Site access and staging space
- Finish level (standard vs custom)
- Engineering and structural upgrades
Garage conversions can be more cost-effective, while detached ADUs typically provide the most flexibility and long-term value.
ADU Timeline in Los Angeles County
Most ADU projects follow a similar timeline:
-
Feasibility + Site Review
-
Design + Floor Plan Development
-
Engineering + Title 24
-
Permit Submittal + Plan Check
-
Construction + Inspections
-
Final Approval + Move-In
Permitting timelines can vary depending on the city, plan check workload, and whether corrections are required.
ADU Zoning and Development Standards
LA County ADU zoning rules can vary significantly between cities. Development standards may affect:
- Maximum ADU size
- Setbacks and placement rules
- Height limits
- Parking requirements or exemptions
- Utility connection requirements
- Lot coverage and access
Because of the number of jurisdictions across LA County, a feasibility review is one of the best ways to confirm what your property can support before starting design.
ADU Permits in Los Angeles County
All ADUs require permits, and most projects involve multiple approvals and plan review steps.
Most LA County ADU projects require:
- Building permits
- Electrical permits
- Plumbing permits
- Mechanical/HVAC permits
- Title 24 energy compliance
- Structural engineering (depending on scope)
Depending on your city and property location, additional requirements may apply — especially in hillside areas, historic zones, or properties with limited access.
We Handle the Full ADU Permitting Process
Permitting is one of the most stressful parts of building an ADU — especially in Los Angeles County, where requirements can vary by city and plan check departments often request corrections.
At ADUs by Avatar, we manage the entire permitting process for you, including:
- Confirming zoning and development standards for your property
- Preparing your full plan set for submittal
- Coordinating structural engineering and Title 24 requirements
- Submitting plans to the city or jurisdiction on your behalf
- Responding to plan check comments and corrections
- Tracking approvals and keeping your project moving forward
- Coordinating required inspections during construction
Our goal is to take the permitting workload off your plate and make the process as smooth and predictable as possible — from the first submittal to final approval.
Types of ADUs Allowed in Los Angeles County
Depending on your lot, zoning, and city requirements, you may be eligible for one or more ADU options:
Detached ADUs
A standalone backyard unit built as a separate structure. Detached ADUs offer the most flexibility in layout and long-term use.
Attached ADUs
An ADU connected to the primary home, often built as an addition.
Garage Conversions
Garage conversions are a popular ADU option in LA County, especially on properties where backyard space is limited.
Junior ADUs (JADUs)
A smaller unit (typically up to 500 sq ft) created within the existing home footprint.
Cities We Serve in Los Angeles County
- Los Angeles
- Long Beach
- Pasadena
- Glendale
- Burbank
- Torrance
- Santa Clarita
- Inglewood
- El Monte
- Downey
- Whittier
- Pomona
Get Started With an ADU Feasibility Review
If you’re considering an ADU in Los Angeles County, the best first step is a ADU Assessment. We’ll help you understand what’s possible on your property and what your realistic next steps should be.
Contact ADUs by Avatar today to schedule your ADU assessment.