Long Beach, California

Long Beach

Long Beach is one of the many cities in California that is encouraging the building of ADUs. ADUs, or accessory dwelling units, are small homes that are built on the same property as a single-family home. They are a great way to add extra living space, income, and even help with housing shortages. The City of Long Beach is offering many incentives for homeowners to build ADUs.

Zoning

All properties zoned for single family and multifamily use may be eligible to build ADUs.

Number of units

The number of ADUs you’re able to build depends on how your lot is zoned:

• Lots zoned for single family use may add 1 ADU and 1 Jr. ADU (JADU).
• Lots zoned for multi-family may add 2 new detached ADUs and at least one conversion ADU (interior conversion of existing building, but no more than 25% of the original number of units. (E.g. an apartment with 4 units may add 2 detached ADUs and 1 conversion ADU.)

Building size

• The maximum size is 500.0 sq. ft. for a JADU
• 850 sq. ft. max for a detached ADU
• Attached ADU Max Size: 850 sq. ft.

Building height

• Building height attached: 25 ft. and 2 stories, or as required by zoning district, whichever is less

Parking

State Law - No requirements for parking if any of the following true:

• The accessory dwelling unit is located within one-half mile walking distance of public transit.
• The accessory dwelling unit is located within an architecturally and historically significant historic district.
• The accessory dwelling unit is part of the proposed or existing primary residence or an accessory structure.
• When on-street parking permits are required but not offered to the occupant of the accessory dwelling unit.
• When there is a car share vehicle located within one block of the accessory dwelling unit.

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