1 bedroom
One-bedroom with front porch
1 bed1 bath
Home · Service areas · Calabasas
ADU design-build · CalabasasADUs in Calabasas
Hillside homes, gated communities and the Santa Monica Mountains next door: in Calabasas, a guest house or family ADU is built to fire-zone standards from day one.
What applies to your lot
Building an ADU in Calabasas
Who approves your ADU
City of Calabasas: ADUs are permitted by the city with a building permit, under Title 17 of the Calabasas Municipal Code. The state reviewed the local ordinance in 2026; where rules differ, state ADU law applies. State law applies everywhere: a decision within 60 days of a complete application, no public hearing, and at least 800 sq ft with 4 ft side and rear setbacks.
Fire-zone construction
Much of Calabasas is a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone: Class A roofing, fire-rated windows and doors, and ember-resistant details. Those are construction standards, not a ban.
HOAs and overlay zones
Many neighborhoods have HOAs, and some areas have their own overlay standards. An HOA cannot forbid an ADU, but it can set reasonable rules on its look.
Up to 1,200 sq ft
A detached or attached ADU can reach 1,200 sq ft, enough for a two-bedroom guest house with its own entrance.
California law, everywhere
The rules every city must respect
800 sq ft
Every city must allow at least an 800 sq ft detached ADU with 4 ft setbacks.
4 ft
Maximum side and rear setback for a new detached ADU.
750 sq ft
No impact fees up to this size.
60 days
To approve or deny a complete application, without a hearing.
Ideas for your lot
Plans that suit Calabasas lots
Two-story
One-bedroom above a garage
1 bed1 bath
2 bedrooms
L-shaped family two-bedroom
2 beds2 baths
FAQ
ADU questions in Calabasas
Who approves an ADU in Calabasas?
The City of Calabasas, not Los Angeles or the county.
Can my HOA say no?
Not to the ADU itself. State law limits HOAs to reasonable rules, such as materials or colors. We read your CC&Rs and design around them.
Do you come to my property?
Yes. The visit is free: we look at the lot, the access and the utilities, then give you a realistic estimate.
Nearby areasWoodland HillsThousand OaksEncino
Free feasibility call
Book a free 15-minute feasibility call
A project lead reviews your address, tells you what your lot can hold and gives you a first look at your financing eligibility.
What you get
- Free, with no obligation
- A clear answer on what your lot can hold
- A first look at financing eligibility, by phone or at your property
- A site visit only if it makes sense
Prefer to talk now? (424) 448-4895
Email: [email protected]
Los Angeles, CA · We come to your property
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Service areas
Serving homeowners across Los Angeles
Los Angeles, the South Bay and Orange County, within about 40 miles of Paramount. Farther on request.
Service areas
ADU rules, city by city
Permits, fire and coastal zones, pre-approved plans: see what applies in the 36 cities we serve.
Central Los AngelesSan Fernando ValleyThousand OaksSimi ValleyParamountWest AdamsMid-CityCulver CityLong BeachDowneyWhittierNorwalkTorranceInglewoodComptonCarsonAnaheimSanta AnaIrvineHuntington BeachPasadenaGlendaleBurbankRialto (on request)Garden GroveOrangeFullertonCosta MesaNewport BeachTustinSherman OaksEncinoVan NuysWoodland HillsNorthridgeCalabasas