Getting an ADU Permit in Los Angeles

Getting an ADU Permit in Los Angeles can be daunting. It involves understanding the necessary permits and types, such as electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and more. The cost may vary from around $5,000 to $15,000, which takes several weeks to months.

With recent changes in legislation and housing policies, accessory dwelling units (ADUs) have become a popular option for homeowners in Los Angeles. ADUs are secondary dwelling units built on residential properties, often called “backyard homes” or “granny flats.” However, before beginning construction, it is essential to understand the process of obtaining an ADU permit in Los Angeles.

Why Is It Necessary to Get an ADU Permitted?

Getting an ADU Permit in Los Angeles is not only required by law but also ensures that your unit meets safety and building code regulations. Without a permit, you could face fines or legal action. Additionally, having a permit increases the value of your property and ensures that it complies with zoning laws.

Permitted ADUs are more likely to attract potential tenants or buyers, as they guarantee safety and quality in the construction. Furthermore, the permit process includes inspections meant to catch and rectify any problems or safety hazards, like faulty wiring or unstable structures, before the unit is inhabited. In essence, getting your ADU permitted is necessary to ensure the health and safety of future inhabitants and protect your investment as a homeowner.

What Permits Do You Need to Build an ADU?

You will need a building permit and a zoning clearance to build an ADU in Los Angeles. The building permit allows for the physical construction of the unit, while the zoning clearance verifies that the unit complies with local zoning regulations.

The building permit and zoning clearance are the primary permits needed, but there are also several additional permits that you may require depending on the specifics of your ADU project. These include:

• Electrical Permit: This allows the installation or altering of any electrical system within the ADU.
• Plumbing Permit: This permit is required for any new plumbing work or significant changes to existing plumbing systems.
• Mechanical permit: A mechanical permit is needed if your project involves installing or altering heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
• Grading permit: This permit is required if your project significantly alters your property’s landscape or terrain.
• Public Works Permit: A public works permit is required for any work that impacts public property or right-of-way, such as installing a new driveway that leads to the ADU.

Each permit requires a separate application and is subject to different fees. The permitting offices will provide specific instructions on how to apply for each permit. It’s important to note that each type of permit usually involves an inspection process to ensure all work meets the city’s safety and construction standards.

Which ADU Structures Need a Permit?

In Los Angeles, any structure considered livable space attached or detached from the central dwelling unit requires a permit. This includes garage conversions, basement units, and detached backyard homes. However, a permit may not be necessary if the structure is classified as an “accessory structure,” such as a pool house or storage shed.

Although the need for a permit for an ADU in Los Angeles is relatively straightforward, nuances depend on the specific type of structure being constructed or remodeled. Here are some of the common ADU structures that require a permit:

• ADUs are units attached to the primary dwelling, such as a converted garage or a part of the main house. They require a permit because they share a wall with the main dwelling.
• Detached ADUs: These standalone structures, separate from the main dwelling, also require a permit. They are typically built in the backyard and are entirely independent of the main dwelling.
• Junior ADUs (JADUs) are smaller ADUs with a separate entrance, typically located within the primary dwelling’s walls. Like other ADUs, JADUs require a permit.
• Converted Garages: Transforming your garage into a living space necessitates an ADU permit. The conversion process often involves significant alterations, such as adding a bathroom or kitchen, which need to meet building codes.
• Basement Units: Basements converted into living spaces are also subject to ADU regulation and require a permit.
• ADUs on Multi-family residences: If you plan to add an ADU to a multi-family home, you will need a permit. This includes converting unused spaces like basements or garages into ADUs and building new standalones on the property.

What Do You Need to Apply for Permits?

To apply for an ADU permit in Los Angeles, you must submit detailed plans and construction documents for your unit, including architectural drawings, structural calculations, and energy calculations. You must also provide proof of property ownership and pay any necessary fees.

You will need to present the following when applying for permits:

• Site Plan: This plan displays the entire property, including all structures, and indicates where the proposed ADU will be located.
• Floor Plan: A floor plan shows the layout, including the location of rooms, doors, and windows.
• Elevations are drawings of the exterior from all four sides, illustrating what the completed unit will look like.
• Cross Sections and Details: These drawings provide additional details about the construction of the ADU.
• Title 24 Energy Calculations: This report ensures the project meets the state’s energy efficiency standards.
• Structural Calculations: These calculations are typically required if the ADU is two stories or requires a foundation.
• Title Report or Deed: This verifies that you own the property where it will be built.
• Sewer capacity certification: Some cities require this certification to ensure the local sewer system can accommodate the additional unit.

At Jay Remodeling, we understand that the permitting process can be daunting and time-consuming. That’s why we’re here to assist you, removing the guesswork and streamlining the process. We have extensive experience navigating the Los Angeles ADU permitting process and can handle all the necessary paperwork, from drafting the initial designs to submitting the final permit applications.

What Is the Process of Acquiring an ADU Permit in LA?

The first step in getting an ADU Permit in Los Angeles is to consult a professional architect or contractor who can help you create detailed plans for your unit. Once your plans are finalized, you must submit them to the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) for review.

You will be issued a building permit and zoning clearance if your plans meet all requirements. Obtaining a permit in Los Angeles involves several steps and can take some time. Here is a more detailed breakdown:

• Preliminary Consultation: Before you start designing your ADU, it’s wise to have a preliminary consultation with a professional architect or contractor who can provide guidance based on your specific needs and the property’s conditions.
• Design Phase: This phase involves creating detailed architectural and engineering plans for your ADU, which must comply with local building codes and ordinances.
• Submission of Plans: Once your plans are finalized, submit them to the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) for review. The submission must include all necessary documents and fees.
• Plan Check: The LADBS will conduct a ‘plan check’ to verify that your plans comply with all applicable codes and ordinances. It’s common for the LADBS to ask for revisions at this stage.
• Permit Issuance: After your plans have been approved, you will be issued a building permit and zoning clearance. These permits allow you to start construction on your ADU legally.
• Construction Phase: All building work is carried out according to the submitted and approved plans. Ensuring that the construction adheres to the approved procedures is essential, as deviations could lead to complications during the inspection process.
• Inspection Phase: Once the construction work is complete, an inspector from the LADBS will visit your property to inspect the ADU and ensure that it has been built according to the approved plans.
• Certification: If the ADU passes inspection, you will receive a certificate of occupancy, officially recognizing that it is safe and ready for use.

How Much Does ADU Permit Cost in Los Angeles?

The cost of ADU permits in Los Angeles varies significantly depending on the size and complexity of the project. On average, you can expect to pay between $5,000 and $15,000 in permit fees alone. This includes fees for the plan check, building permits, plumbing and electrical permits, and other miscellaneous fees.

The city may also require you to pay development impact fees if the ADU is detached from the main house. These are one-time costs assessed on new developments to offset the impact on the city’s infrastructure and services. The fees can reach $10,000 or more. However, it’s important to remember that these are estimated costs, and the actual cost can be higher or lower depending on the specifics of your project.

How Long Does the Permitting Process Take in Los Angeles?

It’s worth noting that the average timeline of 4-6 months only represents the permitting phase. If revisions are requested, this can add weeks, or even months, to the process. Expedited plan check programs are available for an additional fee, which may reduce the review time. Once the permit is secured, the construction phase follows, which can vary depending on the project’s specifics and the contractor’s schedule.

How Can You Speed Up the Permitting Process?

Your plans must be thorough and meet all requirements to speed up the ADU permit process in Los Angeles. It may also be helpful to work with a professional architect or contractor who is familiar with the local regulations and can navigate the process.

Additionally, staying in communication with LADBS and promptly addressing any issues or requests for revisions can keep the process moving smoothly.  Ultimately, being prepared and proactive in obtaining your ADU permit can save time and frustration in the long run.

If you have more questions or require further guidance, please reach out. Our team of experienced professionals is ready to help navigate the complexities of the LA ADU permitting process. You can contact us anytime at (424) 327-8743. We’re here to make the process as easy as possible and look forward to assisting you with your ADU project.

Conclusion

An ADU permit in Los Angeles is crucial in building a secondary dwelling unit. By understanding the necessary permits, requirements, and timelines, you can ensure that your ADU complies with local regulations and adds value to your property. With proper planning and communication, obtaining an ADU permit can be smooth and successful.