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What’s involved in an ADU project?

 

 

Zoning: Before applying for an ADU building permit, you must contact our Planning Bureau 562.570.6194. The Planning Bureau will verify your property is in an area that allows ADUs and advise any specific requirements. 

 

 

 

Design: You will likely need to use the services of a registered design professional such as an architect or engineer to prepare construction documents (plans) for your ADU project.

 

 

 

Plan Review: Most ADU projects can be reviewed Over the Counter (OTC) and a permit issued same day. For more complex ADU projects, a plan submission may be required. Please visit the Permit Center to schedule an appointment for plan review.

 

 

 

Permits and Construction: Once your plans are approved, you’ll need to obtain a building permit. The Permit Center staff will process your application and issue the permit fee. To make an appointment for a permit application, please visit Permit Center Appointments.

 

 

 

 

Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling Unit designs are available to fast track your ADU project and save significant costs. For more information, please visit LBPAADU.


Frequently Asked Questions

For answers to some of the most common ADU questions, please visit FAQ-001 Accessory Dwelling Units and Two Unit Residential Developments (SB 9).


What type of ADU is right for you?

   

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) - An ADU is a self-contained living space that can be attached or detached from a primary dwelling. ADUs can be added floor area, a new separate structure, or converted from existing building space.

 

 

Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) - A JADU is a smaller, self-contained living space (no more than 500 square feet) at a site with a primary dwelling that is created by converting a portion of the main residence or attached garage into a compact living area.

 

 

 

Garage Conversion - A garage conversion can occur for both ADUs and JADUs and consists of repurposing a home's existing garage into a functional, self-contained living area.



Existing Unpermitted ADU/JADU

As of January 1, 2025, in compliance with the requirements of California Government Code (GC) Section 66332 as amended by AB 2533, an unpermitted accessory dwelling unit (ADU) or junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU) constructed prior to 2020 may be legalized through the issuance of a building permit. The permit is issued to document the legalization of the unit(s), to show the existing unit(s) does not have any substandard conditions, and to outline any work that is required to correct substandard conditions.

To assist in the identification of substandard building conditions as specified in the California Health and Safety Code (HSC) Section 17920.3, the Long Beach Community Development Department has produced a checklist, FORM-064 - Substandard Building Checklist for Unpermitted Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units, as required by GC Section 66332(d). This checklist is only intended for informational purposes, is not a complete list, and is not intended to replace the expertise of a qualified professional.

Additionally, property owners of any unpermitted ADU(s) or JADU(s) may obtain a third-party code inspection performed by a licensed contractor to verify the existing condition of the ADU or JADU and to outline any substandard conditions that would need to be improved prior to legalization. The results of this inspection can be used to better inform the owner and design professionals in preparing construction documents (drawings, calculations, etc.) for the building permit submittal.


411 West Ocean Blvd., 3rd Floor

Long Beach, CA 90802

562.570.LBCD (5223)

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