San Fernando Valley, California

Woodland Hills, Tarzana, Encino, Winnetka, Reseda, Lake Balboa, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, North Hills, Northridge, and others

These are just some of the many neighborhoods of the bustling San Fernando Valley. Whether your home is located near Balboa Park, Pierce College, or otherwise, Cottage has you covered.

Most of the San Fernando Valley is governed by Los Angeles City regulations when it comes to your Accessory Dwelling Unit. While the city of Los Angeles does have a Department of Building Services office in the Valley, all permits still follow the city's regulations and building code.

Zoning

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

Number of units

Lots zoned for single family use that have an existing dwelling are permitted to add 1 ADU and 1 Junior ADU (JADU).

Building size

Maximum square footage is determined by your ADU type:

• 500 sq. ft. for a Junior ADU (JADU)
• 1,200 sq. ft. for a detached ADU (unless limited by local zoning rules)
• 50% of existing dwelling, or none if new building. Exception: A 1 bedroom attached ADU with a Floor Area of <850 square feet is always allowed, and a 2+ bedroom attached ADU with a Floor Area of <1000 square feet is always allowed.

Building height

Detached ADUs have a limit of 2 stories, but there may be zoning height limits if the ADU is a new building or addition that are typically 25ft.

Attached ADUs follow the local zoning height limit if the ADU is a new building or addition.

Setbacks

Minimum setbacks of 4 feet from the side and rear lot lines, as well as 10 feet from any existing structures are required for detached ADUs.

Parking

One parking spot required unless 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.

Owner-occupancy

Owner occupancy is not a requirement for permitting an ADU from January 1, 2020 until January 1, 2025. This is a great opportunity for rental property owners to increase their yields in a cost-effective way.

Rental

While long-term rentals are permitted for ADUs, short-term rentals (e.g. Airbnb for less than 30 days) are not permitted in the San Fernando Valley, per Los Angeles city regulations.

Watch-outs

Do you have a utility easement over your property? Are you in a FEMA flood zone? Reach out to us and we’ll help you build a custom ADU to fit your unique property characteristics and local regulations!

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