Granny Flat Regulations in Los Angeles

Faced with a major housing crisis, the California Senate passed Government Code 65852.2 January 1, 2017, stipulating that any lot with a single-family house can now build a 2nd rentable unit, better known as a granny flat. This essentially allows homeowners to turn their SFR into a duplex. Here’s everything you need to know about granny flat regulations in Los Angeles.

With low mortgage rates, strong existing home sales, soaring rental prices, and healthy economic growth Angelinos are looking for more ways to maximize their property. In fact, 2017 saw the strongest spending in construction projects, nationwide, since 1994.

Here’s the tricky part, it’s hard to know where to start. The process to build a granny flat doesn’t differ much from building a new house; it’s expensive, cumbersome, and the granny flat regulations in Los Angeles can be confusing.

When the state passed the granny flat law, it prevents local jurisdictions from putting an undue burden on granny flat construction. This means all the old local ordinances were considered null and void.

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For those of you who have previously looked into building a granny flat and found out you couldn’t, you are now in luck!

Each local jurisdiction can choose to pass a local ordinance, or they can simply adopt the state standards.

In 2020 we saw a slew of six accessory dwelling units bills passed, removing barriers that once made it almost impossible for homeowners to build an ADU on their properties.

So what are the current granny flat regulations for Los Angeles:

• Accessory Dwelling Units can take one of three forms:

1. Detached: Unit is separated from the primary structure.
2. Attached: Unit is attached to the primary structure. So the accessory dwelling unit would be built onto an existing home, but maintain its own kitchen, bath, and private entrance.
3. Repurposed Existing: Space within a primary residence that is converted into an independent living unit, like a garage conversion.

• Any single-family or multi-family lot can build an accessory dwelling unit.
• Fire sprinklers are not required for an accessory dwelling unit unless they are required for the primary residence. (This saves homeowners around 7K!)
• An attached accessory dwelling unit cannot exceed 50% of the primary residence, up to 1,200 square feet. For example, if your existing house in 2,500 sq. ft., the attached ADU cannot exceed 1,750 sq. ft. in size. The minimum size allowed is 150 square feet.
• Any existing legal structure can be converted into an accessory dwelling unit. This is great for homeowners looking to maximize their garage! In fact, an existing permitted garage doesn’t have to comply with the setback requirements.
• You will not have to pay development and impact fees for units smaller than 750 sq ft. Any accessory dwelling unit larger than 750 sq ft will have to pay fees, but they will be proportional to the size of your unit.

Setback Requirements for Granny Flat Regulations in Los Angeles

• There are no setback requirements when converting an existing structure, like a garage!
• Setbacks are 4’ from the side and rear of the property.

Parking Requirements for Granny Flat Regulations in Los Angeles

• Parking spaces must be 8 ½ ft. X 18 ft. Compact parking is not allowed.
• Parking is NOT required if you live within half a mile of public transit.
• Parking is NOT required if you live in a historic district.
• Parking is NOT required if the accessory dwelling unit is part of an existing primary residence. (For example, you are converting an existing basement or another part of your home).
• Parking is NOT required if you live within one block of a car share. You can take a look at http://www.zipcar.com/find-cars/losangeles or https://turo.com/rentals for car share program maps.

How do I tell if I’m Near Transit?

Many lots in LA are within a half-mile of transit so that ADU parking will not be required. The City publishes a transit map here.

1. Check to see if your lot appears to be within a half-mile radius of a bus stop, rail station, or a dedicated space where a shared-vehicle is parked.
2. You can then call the Department of Building and Safety to confirm whether parking is needed. Their phone is (213) 473-3231, and their website is accessible here.

Owner Occupancy Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations in Los Angeles

Owner occupancy is not required if you build an accessory dwelling unit on your property. This means the owner does not have to live in the primary residence or the accessory dwelling unit, meaning both units can be rental units.

Wondering what your next steps are? Download the granny flat resource packet. If you still have questions about Granny Flat Regulations in Los Angeles comment below!

Plan, hire, and manage your ADU project with Maxable.

At Maxable, we believe that building an ADU should be fun and exciting. You shouldn’t have to be the one to deal with confusing obstacles like permitting snafus or ever-changing regulations. We’ll be by your side every step of the way and connect you to experienced designers and general contractors in your area to make sure your project goes as smoothly as possible.

Leave the headaches to us! Check your address and see what Maxable can do for your home during a free ADU Planning Call.