Can an ADU be two stories in LA County?
Ike Mbelu, Principal Partner · Last checked
On this page: The short answer · What state law guarantees · What each city allows
The short answer
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§66321
Attached, usually yes. Detached, it depends on the city.
In Los Angeles County, state law makes every city allow an attached ADU up to 25 feet, or the house's height limit if lower. That fits two stories. A detached ADU is only guaranteed 16 feet, about one story, unless your city allows more. Gov. Code §66321(b)(4).
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
Detached: 16 feet
The floor for a detached ADU. Cities can allow more, not less. §66321(b)(4)(A).
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02
Near transit: 18 feet, plus 2
Within a half-mile walk of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor, 18 feet. Plus two feet to match the house's roof pitch. §66321(b)(4)(B).
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03
Apartment lots: 18 feet
A detached ADU on a lot with a multifamily, multistory building gets 18 feet. §66321(b)(4)(C).
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04
Attached: 25 feet, two stories
25 feet or the zone's limit for the house, whichever is lower. The state does not make a city allow more than two stories. In effect since January 1, 2026 (SB 543). §66321(b)(4)(D).
What each city allows
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01
Torrance
Two stories detached, citywide: 18 feet for one story, 23 for two. Attached: 25 feet for two stories. Hillside Overlay and Coastal Zone: 16 feet, one story. TMC 92.2.10(E)(4)(A). Building in Torrance.
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02
Hawthorne
Detached: 16 feet and one story. Within half a mile of major transit: 20 feet and two stories. Attached: the house's limit, up to 25 feet. HMC 17.24b.050. Building in Hawthorne.
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03
Gardena
Detached: 16 feet. Attached or over an existing garage: 25 feet or the zone limit, never over two stories. GMC 18.13.050(G). Building in Gardena.
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04
Carson
Detached: one story and 16 feet. Over a detached garage: two stories, within the zone's height. CMC 9122.1(E)(3). Building in Carson.
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05
Redondo Beach
Detached: 16 feet, or 18 near transit, plus two for a matching roof pitch. Attached: 25 feet or the zone limit, up to two stories. RBMC 10-2.1506. Building in Redondo Beach.
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06
Size, setbacks and parking
Read the LA County ADU rules, garage conversions or ADU vs JADU.
This is a summary of state law and five city codes, not legal advice. Confirm the current code for your site.
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