1 bedroom
Side-by-side one-bedroom
1 bed1 bath
Home · Service areas · Downey
ADU design-build · DowneyADUs in Downey
Mid-century homes on generous lots, a few minutes from Paramount: Downey is one of the most natural places in our area to add a detached one- or two-bedroom ADU.
What applies to your lot
Building an ADU in Downey
Who approves your ADU
City of Downey: Planning gives the “OK to submit”, then the Building & Safety Division checks the plans. 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.
Pre-approved detached plans
Downey publishes pre-approved standard plans for detached ADUs. They are a strong start, but the city notes they always need site-specific additions such as the site plan and utilities.
Solar on every new ADU
A new detached ADU must include solar panels. We size the system with the plans so it does not slow down the permit.
Fire department review
The Downey Fire Department has its own ADU fire plan guide: access path, address and sprinklers when the house has them. We cover it in the drawings.
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 Downey lots
1 bedroom
One-bedroom with kitchen island
1 bed1 bath
2 bedrooms
Two-bedroom rectangle
2 beds1 bath
FAQ
ADU questions in Downey
Who approves an ADU in Downey?
The City of Downey. Planning clears the project first, then Building & Safety reviews the construction plans.
Can I use a pre-approved plan as is?
Partly. The building design is pre-approved, but your lot still needs its own site plan, utilities and foundation details. We prepare those.
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.
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