Los Angeles at a Glance
3.9M
Population
—
Parcels
—
Median Lot
—
Median Assessed
Building Code Requirements
These are the key dimensions and limits that govern what you can build in Los Angeles. Every project — whether it's a new home, ADU, remodel, or addition — must comply with these requirements.
33'
Max Height
15'
Front Setback
5'
Side Setback
15'
Rear Setback
45%
Lot Coverage
2
Parking / Unit
Values shown are for standard single-family residential zones. Multi-family zones, commercial zones, and overlay districts have different requirements. View all Los Angeles zone tables →
What You Can Build in Los Angeles
California state law overrides many local zoning restrictions for housing development. Here's what's available to property owners in Los Angeles, regardless of what local ordinances say.
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
State LawBuild a second home on your lot — detached, attached, or converted from a garage. California law (AB 68 / AB 881) guarantees ADU rights for all residential properties. No minimum lot size. Cities must approve ministerially within 60 days.
Junior ADU (JADU)
State LawConvert space within your existing home into a separate rental unit — up to 500 sf. Can be built in addition to an ADU, giving you two income-producing units on one lot. Owner occupancy required for either the JADU or primary home.
SB 9 — Duplex + Lot Split
State LawSplit your lot in two and build a duplex on each half — up to four units total on what was a single-family lot. No public hearing, no discretionary review, no environmental review (CEQA exempt). Ministerial approval required.
SB 1211 — Streamlined ADU
State LawEffective January 2025: two-story ADUs up to 1,000 sf are pre-approved statewide. No local design review, no discretionary process. Cities must approve compliant plans within 30 days.
AB 1033 — ADU Condo Conversion
Opt-InIf your city has adopted a local ordinance, ADUs can be sold as separate condominiums — independent from the primary home. This unlocks a new path to homeownership and lets ADU builders recoup their investment through sale rather than rental income only.
Housing News in Los Angeles
Thousands rally in L.A. for May Day to protest immigration sweeps, high cost of living
3d ago · LA Times California
L.A. voters doubt government can improve housing affordability, poll finds
Apr 23 · LA Times California
Karen Bass seeks council approval of $360-million allocation for affordable housing
Apr 09 · LA Times California
In Anaheim and Sacramento, a two-front challenge to the Angels' Los Angeles name
Mar 24 · LA Times California
Four-story buildings allowed in some single-family zones under L.A.'s plan to delay SB 79
Mar 24 · LA Times California
How a retired construction worker finished Altadena’s first home on a lot burned by the Eaton Fire
Nov 20 · laist.com
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Los Angeles? +
Yes. California state law (AB 68/AB 881) allows at least one ADU on any residential lot in Los Angeles. ADUs up to 800 sf are approved ministerially within 60 days, regardless of local zoning.
What is SB 9 and does it apply in Los Angeles? +
SB 9 (California Housing Opportunity and More Efficiency Act) allows duplexes and lot splits on single-family lots statewide. In Los Angeles, this means you can potentially build up to 4 units on what was a single-family lot — no public hearing required.
What are the setback requirements in Los Angeles? +
Setback requirements in Los Angeles vary by zone. Use LotCheck to check your specific property's setback requirements against Los Angeles County's zoning code. For ADUs, California state law allows reduced setbacks of 4 feet for rear and side yards.
How much does an ADU cost to build in Los Angeles County? +
ADU construction in Los Angeles County typically ranges from $150,000 to $400,000 depending on size, finishes, and whether it's a conversion or new construction. Garage conversions tend to be the most affordable option.