Studio
Converted two-car garage
Studio1 bath
Home · Service areas · Central Los Angeles
ADU design-build · Central Los AngelesADUs in Central Los Angeles
Bungalows, duplexes and older homes on compact lots, often with a detached garage at the back: Central Los Angeles is garage-conversion and compact-ADU territory.
What applies to your lot
Building an ADU in Central Los Angeles
Who approves your ADU
City of Los Angeles: plans are checked by LADBS (Department of Building and Safety), and zoning is read on ZIMAS for your parcel. LADBS also runs a Standard Plan Program of pre-approved ADU designs.
Garages at the back of the lot
Many older lots have a detached garage near the rear line. Converting it keeps its existing setbacks and needs no replacement parking.
Compact lots, smart plans
A 400 to 600 sq ft unit with a 4 ft setback often fits where a larger one would not. Our plan books show layouts made for narrow lots.
Historic districts
Some neighborhoods are Historic Preservation Overlay Zones (HPOZ): what is visible from the street may need design review. We check this on ZIMAS first.
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 Central Los Angeles lots
1 bedroom
L-shaped one-bedroom
1 bed1 bath
Garage conversion
Two-car garage, 22 × 22
2-car 22×22Legal ADU
FAQ
ADU questions in Central Los Angeles
Who issues the permit in Central Los Angeles?
The City of Los Angeles, through LADBS. We prepare the plans, submit them and follow the plan check until the permit is issued.
Can I convert my old garage?
In most cases yes. A legal garage can become an ADU within its existing footprint, and the city cannot require replacement parking.
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 areasMid-CityWest AdamsCulver City
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
1 · Preferred time2 · Your property3 · Confirmed
Preferred day (Pacific time)
Preferred time
Tell us when to call you. A project lead calls you back at that time of day (Pacific time).
Your call is booked
We’ll confirm by text or phone. No obligation.
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