Can you convert a garage into an ADU in Los Angeles?
Ike Mbelu, Principal Partner · Last checked
On this page: The short answer · What state law guarantees · What it means in each city
The short answer
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Gov. Code §66314
Yes, and the garage keeps its footprint
Yes. On a single-family lot anywhere in Los Angeles County, state law lets an existing garage become an ADU with no setback, no parking for the new unit, and no replacement of the lost garage spaces. You may add up to 150 square feet, for the entry only. Gov. Code §66314(d)(7), (d)(11); §66322(a)(3); §66323(a)(1)(A).
Have a lot in LA County? Send us the address and we'll tell you what it holds.
What state law guarantees
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01
No setback for the existing walls
A garage converted in place needs no setback, and neither does a rebuild in the same location and dimensions. A new ADU gets four feet at side and rear. §66314(d)(7).
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02
The lost spaces stay lost
When a garage or carport is converted, or demolished for an ADU, the city cannot make you replace those spaces. §66314(d)(11).
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03
No parking for the ADU
No parking standard applies to an ADU inside an existing accessory structure, whether or not the city has its own ADU ordinance. That covers the City of Los Angeles too. §66322(a)(3).
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04
150 square feet, entry only
The conversion may grow up to 150 square feet past the garage, limited to ingress and egress. §66323(a)(1)(A).
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05
Sprinklers follow the house
No fire sprinklers unless the main house requires them. §66314(d)(12).
What it means in each city
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Gardena
Garage named in the code
No setback for an existing accessory structure, "including a garage," converted to an ADU, and converted or demolished spaces need not be replaced. GMC 18.13.050.F.1, H.4. See building in Gardena.
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Hawthorne
Footprint, no parking, 150 square feet
No setbacks within an existing footprint, no parking for a garage conversion, and 150 square feet for an entryway. HMC 17.24b.050. See Hawthorne ADU rules.
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Redondo Beach
Same four rules, in its own words
No setback, 150 square feet for ingress and egress, no ADU parking, no garage replacement. RBMC 10-2.1506. See Redondo Beach ADU requirements.
For size, height and unit counts across the county, see ADU requirements in Los Angeles County.
This is a summary of California law and city codes, not legal advice. Confirm the current code for your site.
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