Los Angeles region / California
Los Angeles County ADU rules
& permit guide.
LA County’s standard-plan catalog provides three free ADU designs. These resources are for the County permitting path; first confirm the authority for your property.
Editorial review 2026-09-07 · View sources
The local detail to check first
Before you choose a design
The free drawings do not eliminate site review. Your submission needs a parcel-specific site plan and the other materials required by the County’s Land Use Checklist.
Local requirements at a glance
Min/max ADU size
County Plan A: 1,200 sq ft, three bedrooms; Plan B: 1,200 sq ft, two bedrooms; Plan C: 800 sq ft, one bedroom.
Process
Upload the completed standard plan, site plan and other checklist materials with a DRP base application in EPIC-LA.
Your next three steps
- Confirm the property falls under the County permitting process.
- Choose Plan A, B or C and prepare a site plan showing structures, access, setbacks and relevant utilities or trees.
- Complete the plan cover sheet and submit the base application and documents through EPIC-LA.
2026 state-law context
ADUs and JADUs have different occupancy rules
California generally prohibits local owner-occupancy requirements for ADUs. A narrow exception applies to certain separately sold affordable ADUs. For JADUs, owner occupancy generally applies when the bathroom is shared with the main home; separate-bathroom JADUs are treated differently under 2026 law. Check the HCD handbook and your project's permit conditions.
Older local summaries may not reflect the latest state changes. Read HCD’s March 2026 handbook, pages 32–33.
A starting point for your design
Local plan resources
Free County plans A, B and C ↗
Three county-listed designs with one bathroom each. Prepare the required site documentation before applying.
Questions for your first planning conversation
- Which approval path applies to my building and ADU type?
- Do easements, trees, slope, access or fire conditions affect placement?
- Which utility upgrades and agency reviews should be included in my budget?
- Are preapproved plans available, and what site work still needs review?