ADU typology
Understanding Your ADU Options in Los Angeles
Los Angeles has some of the most ADU-friendly zoning laws in the country, and the options available to you depend on your property type, lot size, and existing structures. With over 350 ADU projects completed, Feld and Associates has worked with virtually every ADU configuration available in LA.
Below is a breakdown of the main ADU types — what they are, what they cost, and what's allowed on your property.
Multi Family ADU
-
up to 25% of existing number of units. No limit.
existing non-habitable spaces can be converted.
Minimum 220 sq ft. no maximum size of adu.
cost per sq ft: approx $150
-
Max 8 units. 8 or more units existing.
Matching existing number of units up until 8 units.
Min 220 sq ft/ Max 800 or more per city requirement or zone.
cost per sq ft: approx $250
-
![]()
ATTACHED ADU
EXISTING SPACE
Area of ADU: Non-habitable space
Maximum number of ADUs: 25% of existing units (1 unit min)
Size limit: As large as the space being converted.
General Cost Information: Approx $200/sq ft
-
![]()
ATTACHED ADU
TUCK UNDER THE PARKING
Area of ADU: Tuck under parking
Maximum number of ADUs: 25% of existing units (1 unit min)
Size limit: As large as the space being converted
General Cost Information: Approx $200/sq ft
-
![]()
DETACHED ADU
SINGLE STORY 4 UNITS
Area of ADU: Existing open area / Detached garage
Maximum number of ADUs: 8
Size limit: depends on zone 800 min
General Cost Information: Approx $300/sq ft
Height limit: 18’-20’
-
![]()
DETACHED ADU
SINGLE STORY 2 UNITS
Area of ADU: Existing open area / Detached garage
Maximum number of ADUs: 8
Size limit: depends on zone 800 min
General Cost Information: Approx $300/sq ft
Height limit: 18’-20’
-
![]()
DETACHED ADU
2 STORY 8 UNITS
Area of ADU: Existing open area / Detached garage
Maximum number of ADUs: 8
Size limit: depends on zone 800 min
General Cost Information: Approx $300/sq ft
Height limit: 18’-20’
-
![]()
DETACHED ADU
2 STORY 4 UNITS
Area of ADU: Existing open area / Detached garage
Maximum number of ADUs: 8
Size limit: depends on zone 800 min
General Cost Information: Approx $300/sq ft
Height limit: 18’-20’
-
![]()
DETACHED ADU
2 STORY 2 UNITS
Area of ADU: Existing open area / Detached garage
Maximum number of ADUs: 8
Size limit: depends on zone 800 min
General Cost Information: Approx $300/sq ft
Height limit: 18’-20’
-
![]()
8 DETACHED ADUs
ON AN INFILL MULTI-FAMILY PROPERTY
Area of ADU: Existing open area / Detached garage
Maximum number of ADUs: 8
Size limit: depends on zone 800 min
General Cost Information: Approx $300/sq ft
Height limit: 18’-20’
-
![]()
6 DETACHED ADUs
ON MULTI-FAMILY PROPERTY
Area of ADU: Existing open area / Detached garage
Maximum number of ADUs: 6
Size limit: depends on zone 800 min
General Cost Information: Approx $300/sq ft
Height limit: 18’-20’
-
![]()
4 DETACHED ADUs
ON AN INFILL SHORT MULTI-FAMILY PROPERTY
Area of ADU: Existing open area / Detached garage
Maximum number of ADUs: 4
Size limit: depends on zone 800 min
General Cost Information: Approx $300/sq ft
Height limit: 18’-20’
Single Family ADU
-
1 per lot
JADU 500 sq ft max or
Attached ADU 800-1250 max
cost per sq ft: approx $150
-
1 per lot
800 to 1200 sq ft max
cost per sq ft: approx $300
-
![]()
DETACHED ADU - GARAGE CONVERSION
Area of ADU: Garage
Maximum number of ADUs: 1
Size limit: garage size
General Cost Information: Approx $200/sq ft
Height limit: 18’-20’
-
![]()
DETACHED ADU - NEW CONSTRUCTION
Area of ADU: Existing open area
Maximum number of ADUs: 1
Size limit: depends on zone 800 min
General Cost Information: Approx $300/sq ft
Height limit: 18’-24’
-
![]()
ATTACHED ADU - JADU
Area of ADU: Area within an existing building
Maximum number of ADUs: 1
Size limit: 500 max
General Cost Information: Approx $20k
Height limit: n/a
-
![]()
ATTACHED ADU - NEW CONSTRUCTION
Area of ADU: Existing open area adjacent to SFD
Maximum number of ADUs: 1
Size limit: 50% of existing house
General Cost Information: $200 /sq ft
Height limit: per building
FAQs
5
How many ADUs can I add to my single-family property in Los Angeles?
1
On a single-family lot in Los Angeles, you can typically build one attached or detached ADU plus one Junior ADU (JADU). A JADU is up to 500 sq ft and must be within the existing structure. A detached ADU can be up to 800–1,200 sq ft depending on your zone.
How many ADUs can I add to a multi-family property in Los Angeles?
2
On a multi-family property, you can add detached ADUs up to the number of existing units (maximum 8), plus convert existing non-habitable space (laundry rooms, storage, etc.) into attached ADUs up to 25% of existing unit count with a minimum of 1.
Do I need a permit to build an ADU in Los Angeles?
3
Yes, all ADU types require permits from the City of Los Angeles (or the applicable jurisdiction). Feld and Associates manages the full permitting process for all of our ADU projects.
What is the cheapest type of ADU to build in Los Angeles?
4
A Junior ADU (JADU) is the lowest-cost option — typically around $20,000 since it's carved out of existing interior space with minimal construction. Garage conversions are the next most affordable at approximately $150–200 per square foot. New detached ADU construction typically runs $250–300 per square foot.
Can I rent out my ADU in Los Angeles?
Yes. ADUs in Los Angeles can be rented long-term (12+ months). Short-term rental (Airbnb/VRBO) rules depend on your local ordinance and whether the property is your primary residence.