ADU Build LA
ADU Service · Los Angeles

ADU Permitting & Approvals

We handle the full permitting process with the City of Los Angeles and surrounding municipalities — from plan check to final approval.

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4.9 / 5 Rating
Google Reviews
Licensed & Insured
CA General Contractor
200+ ADUs Built
Across LA County
15+ Years
In Business

Hassle-Free ADU Permitting in Los Angeles

Permitting is often the most frustrating part of an ADU project. Our team has permitted hundreds of ADUs across Los Angeles, and we handle every step — plan check submissions, responses to corrections, utility coordination, and final sign-off.

Most clients see their permits approved in 6–12 weeks. We track every deadline so nothing falls through the cracks.

Our Permitting Approach

Hundreds of ADU Permits Filed — We Know Every LA Jurisdiction

Most ADU delays happen at the permit stage. We've filed hundreds of ADU permits across LADBS, Santa Monica, Culver City, Pasadena, and Glendale — and we know exactly what each office wants to see. Fewer corrections. Faster approvals.

  • Full plan check submission management from first filing to approval
  • Rapid-response to corrections — resubmissions typically within 5 business days
  • Experience with LADBS Expedited ADU Plan Check program
  • Utility coordination with LADWP and local agencies included
  • Concurrent permitting strategy to reduce total calendar time
  • Final inspection scheduling and sign-off managed end-to-end
200+
ADUs Permitted
Across LA County jurisdictions
8–16
Weeks to Approval
Typical LADBS timeline
4.9★
Google Rating
From verified homeowners
5+
Cities Permitted In
LADBS, SM, Culver City & more
Free Estimate

Get a Free Estimate for ADU Permitting & Approvals

Tell us about your property and your goals. We'll review your site and provide a detailed cost and timeline estimate — at no charge, with no obligation.

  • Property feasibility review at no cost
  • Realistic cost range based on your specific lot
  • Estimated timeline from design through occupancy
  • Response within 1 business day

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No spam, ever. We respond within 1 business day.

Common Questions

ADU Permitting & Approvals — Frequently Asked Questions

What Los Angeles homeowners ask most before starting an ADU project.

What's included in your all-inclusive pricing?
Every ADU Build LA project includes architectural design, structural engineering, all permit fees and city approval management, full construction from foundation through finish, and the final inspection and certificate of occupancy. There are no separate design contracts, no hidden permit fees, and no open-ended construction budgets. We provide a single fixed price that covers everything.
How does the design-build process work?
We start with a free property assessment to confirm what's buildable on your lot and provide an initial price estimate. Once you move forward, our in-house architectural team creates a full design — floor plan, elevations, and 3D views — which you review and approve before anything is submitted to the city. After permit approval, our construction team builds exactly what was designed. One contract, one team, one accountability chain.
How long does permitting take in Los Angeles?
Permit timelines vary by city and ADU type. In Los Angeles (LADBS), standard plan check currently runs 10–16 weeks. Santa Monica and Culver City run 12–16 weeks. Pasadena typically runs 10–14 weeks. Garage conversions and JADUs often move faster than new detached ADUs. We give you a realistic estimate for your specific city and project type upfront — based on current conditions, not best-case scenarios.
Do you work in my city?
We serve all of Los Angeles County, including the City of Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Glendale, Culver City, Burbank, Torrance, Long Beach, and surrounding areas. Each city has its own permit process and zoning rules — our team has active experience in all of them. If you're unsure whether we cover your area, contact us and we'll confirm immediately.
What's the minimum lot size required to build an ADU?
California state law sets a minimum lot size of 800 sq ft for most ADU types, but in practice, almost all residential lots in LA County comfortably exceed this. More relevant constraints are setback requirements (typically 4 feet from side and rear property lines for detached ADUs) and lot coverage limits. We assess your specific lot dimensions and city rules as part of the free property review — there's no point guessing until we've looked at your parcel.
Can I customize the design, or are your ADUs pre-designed templates?
Both options are available. We offer pre-designed model floor plans — studio through 2-bedroom — that are optimized for LA lot sizes and permit efficiently. These can be customized with different finishes, layout tweaks, and optional additions. We also do fully custom design for homeowners with specific site requirements or a clear vision. Pre-designed models reduce design time and cost; custom design offers maximum flexibility. We'll recommend the right approach after reviewing your property.
What warranty do you provide on completed ADUs?
Every project includes a 2-year workmanship warranty from the date of certificate of occupancy, covering defects in materials and construction quality. Structural components carry longer coverage per California contractor law (10 years for latent defects). We also coordinate manufacturer warranties on all major systems — HVAC, appliances, windows, and roofing. Our project manager remains your contact for post-occupancy support.
What financing options are available for ADU construction?
Most of our clients finance ADU construction through a cash-out refinance, HELOC, construction-to-permanent loan, or ADU-specific loan products from lenders like RenoFi. Some use personal savings or gift funds. We don't provide financing directly, but we've worked with many lenders and can provide the documentation they typically require — cost estimates, permit status, and project timelines. Ask us for a lender referral list during your consultation.

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Also Available

Other ADU Services

ADU Design & Architecture

Custom ADU designs tailored to your property, lifestyle, and Los Angeles zoning requirements. From concept to permitted plans.

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ADU Construction

Full-service ADU construction from foundation to finish. Licensed, bonded, and experienced in LA County building requirements.

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Garage Conversion ADU

Convert your existing garage into a fully permitted, legal ADU. One of the most cost-effective ways to add rental income or housing in LA.

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Explore Further

Cities, Models & Projects

Discover where we build, which ADU models fit this service, and completed projects from our portfolio.

City Guide

ADU Builder in Santa Monica

Serving Santa Monica

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City Guide

ADU Builder in Pasadena

Serving Pasadena

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City Guide

ADU Builder in Glendale

Serving Glendale

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City Guide

ADU Builder in Encino

Serving Encino

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City Guide

ADU Builder in Culver City

Serving Culver City

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City Guide

ADU Builder in Burbank

Serving Burbank

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City Guide

ADU Builder in West Hollywood

Serving West Hollywood

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City Guide

ADU Builder in Long Beach

Serving Long Beach

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City Guide

ADU Builder in Torrance

Serving Torrance

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City Guide

ADU Builder in El Segundo

Serving El Segundo

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City Guide

ADU Builder in Woodland Hills

Serving Woodland Hills

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City Guide

ADU Builder in Sherman Oaks

Serving Sherman Oaks

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City Guide

ADU Builder in Studio City

Serving Studio City

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City Guide

ADU Builder in Venice

Serving Venice

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City Guide

ADU Builder in Los Angeles

City of Los Angeles — LADBS Permitted

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ADU Model

Studio 400

A compact, high-efficiency studio designed to maximize rental yield on any LA lot.

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ADU Model

1 Bed 500

A complete one-bedroom ADU in 500 sq ft — private, efficient, and built for strong LA rental demand.

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ADU Model

1 Bed 650

A spacious one-bedroom ADU with room to breathe — designed to attract quality long-term tenants.

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Want to see what your ADU could look like?

Our interactive configurator lets you choose type, size, finishes, and exterior style — and shows you matching floor plans with a live budget estimate.

Design Your ADU

Start Your Permit Process Today

We'll assess your property and outline the permit timeline.

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