Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

Definitions

What is an ADU?

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a residential unit that can be added to a lot with an existing single-family or multi-family residence. ADUs can be established from converting existing space or as a new building that is either attached to or detached from the primary residence. ADUs are independent units that have its own kitchen, bathroom, living, and entry areas.

What is a JADU?

A Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) is a unit that can be created on a lot with an existing or new single-family residence and no more than 500 square feet in size. JADUs are established from converting existing habitable area within a single-family residence or when proposed in conjunction with a new single-family residence. A JADU has its own entry and may include its own bathroom or share the bathroom with the single-family residence.

Regulations and Review Process

What are the Regulations for ADUs?

In July 2023, the City adopted Resolution No. 23.030, which establishes updated regulations consistent with state law and Coastal Commission requirements. General regulations (e.g. setbacks, height, parking, etc.) are outlined in the City's ADU handout.

Application Review Process

ADU conversions that comply with the City’s ordinance (click here to view the handout) may be approved over the counter by the Planning Division for immediate Building Plan Check submittal. All other ADU projects will be subject to the standard Zoning Plan Check process prior to Building Plan Check submittal. Please visit a planner first to determine the appropriate process.

*Effective December 7, 2023, ADUs that have the potential to impact public views to and along the ocean and scenic coastal areas require Administrative Design Review approval of a Coastal Development Permit (CDP). Public viewing locations are primarily considered public roads, trails, and parks. The proposed ADU would be reviewed for compliance with the CDP review criteria and findings only, unless the project also requires design review, in which case the design review criteria would also apply. During the Administrative Design Review hearing, the Community Development Director or designee can condition roofline or height changes to the project or require greater setbacks.

The following projects are exempt from this requirement: (1) ADUs and JADUs that would be created through the conversion of enclosed building area only; and (2) projects located within a mapped categorical exclusion area.

ADU Handbook

If you are a property owner or design professional and are just getting started with ADUs in Laguna Beach, we recommend reviewing the ADU Handbook.

The ADU Handbook provides a guide on what you need to know about building an ADU, including rules governing ADUs; how to evaluate your property for an ADU; an explanation of various ADU types and costs; design, permitting, and construction process steps; frequently asked questions, and links to additional resources.

Coming Soon

Additional Resources

ADU Workshop

ADUs 101: A workshop for Laguna Beach homeowners

The City of Laguna Beach’s Housing and Human Services Committee and the Susi Q presented an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) workshop on September 19, 2022. See below for a link to the video recording and presentation slides.

This free workshop was intended to provide straightforward, usable information to Laguna Beach homeowners who want to learn more about what is involved in creating an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on their property.

The workshop provided a practical introduction to:

Benefits and challenges of creating an ADU
Specific kinds of ADU options
Why you should consider creating an ADU
Costs and financial benefits
Steps to creating an ADU, from beginning to end
Permitting an unpermitted unit

A panel of experts* explained the why, what, how, and how much of creating an ADU. The second of the two-hour program was devoted to answer questions from attendees.

* The panel will include an architect, City planner, City building department official, contractor, Realtor, and ADU homeowner advisor. ADU workshop panel members are not compensated for their participation and their appearance does not constitute any endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by the City of Laguna Beach.

Workshop Materials:

Presentation slides
Video recording: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lMaS5rZxak

ADU Statistics

How Many ADUs are in Process?

Project Status	2017	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
PLANNING DIVISION
Pending	1	1	2	5	26	39
Approved	1	8	24	50	70	64
TOTAL	2	9	26	55	96	103
BUILDING DIVISION
Pending	0	1	1	5	35	62
Permits Issued	0	1	3	10	26	44
Permits Finaled	5	4	12	11	10	7
TOTAL	5	6	16	26	71	113

FAQs

Can I add a second-story ADU?

Generally, yes. Some upper-level additions may be subject to design review approval. The additions may also subject to the development standards of the underlying zoning district. Because these requirements will vary based on the ADU type, zone, lot size, lot shape, and other site-specific conditions, please consult with a planner or design professional for more information.
Can I convert my garage to an ADU?

Yes. Per Coastal Commission requirements, when a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished or converted in conjunction with the construction of an ADU or JADU, replacement parking for the primary residence(s) is required. Replacement parking can be uncovered, tandem, and located within the front or side yard setback.
Can I legalize my existing ADU?

In our experience, the answer is often yes! We recommend meeting with Planning and Building Division staff during our counter hours. These informal discussions will usually carry no risk of penalties or code enforcement, unless a potentially urgent life-safety matter is identified. The benefits of legalization are not always well-understood, which include reduced risk of liability and future code enforcement action, increasing property value, and ensuring healthy and safe living conditions. As a result of these conversations, we may encourage you to schedule an inspection with our Building Division staff to preliminarily identify improvements needed to meet Building Code (GFCI outlets, etc.) These inspections are intended to help you understand what may be required during the formal legalization process should you later determine to submit an application for legalization.
Can my ADU be used as a short-term rental?

No. ADUs are intended to create new housing opportunities for the community. Short-term rental is defined as the rental of a lodging unit for a period of thirty consecutive days or less.
Do ADUs require a Coastal Development Permit?

Yes. Coastal Development Permits (CDPs) are required for attached and detached ADUs. CDPs can be approved without a public hearing, however, if a proposed ADU has the potential to impact public views to and along the ocean and scenic coastal areas, then a public hearing will be required. In some cases, the CDP for the ADU could be subject to appeal to the Coastal Commission.

The following projects are exempt from this requirement: (1) ADUs and JADUs that would be created through the conversion of enclosed building area only; and (2) projects located within a mapped categorical exclusion area.
Do ADUs require design review?

Sometimes. ADUs that conform to the City's ADU Ordinance do not require design review. ADUs that do not conform can still be approved with design review (click here to view a handout summarizing key requirements).

Most frequently, ADUs appear before the Design Review Board because they are being proposed in conjunction with a new single-family residence. Attached ADUs require Administrative Design Review approval of a Coastal Development Permit when the Director determines that the proposed attached ADU has the potential to impact public views to and along the ocean and scenic coastal areas. If the project also requires design review, the design review authority would additionally determine whether the project complies with the design review criteria. These standards are summarized in an informational handout available online here.
Do residential impact fees apply to ADUs?

Unlike other housing development projects, ADUs are not assessed impact fees. Fees will vary based on the ADU type (conversion of existing habitable space, new construction to expand the building footprint, etc.), fair market value of the improvements, and other considerations. Please consult with your design professional or inquire with Building Division staff for typical ADU application and permitting costs. A cost estimator tool is currently being developed to assist with your financial planning.
How large can an ADU be?
1. JADU: 500 square feet.
2. ADU detached from any other structures: 850 square feet for one-bedroom units, or 1,000 square feet for units with more than one bedroom or that comply with accessibility standards.
3. ADU attached to the primary dwelling unit: Same as above, however in no instance can the ADU exceed 50% of the floor area of the primary dwelling.
4. Converted ADU: No maximum.
How many ADUs can I have on my property?
1. Single-family properties. Properties improved with a single-family dwelling may have no more than one ADU (attached, detached, or converted) and one JADU.
2. Multifamily properties. Either converted or detached ADUs are allowed, but not both.
  1. Converted ADUs: minimum of one unit, not to exceed 25% of the total number of existing multifamily dwelling units.
  2. Detached ADUs: maximum of two.
What are the parking requirements for an ADU?

One off-street parking space per ADU, which can generally be located on a driveway. However, your project may be exempt from the parking requirements. Exemptions include any converted ADUs or when the ADU would be located within one-half mile walking distance of public transit or within the Downtown Specific Plan area. JADUs are not required to provide off-street parking.

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