1 bedroom
One-bedroom with kitchen island
1 bed1 bath
Home · Service areas · San Fernando Valley
ADU design-build · San Fernando ValleyADUs in San Fernando Valley
Wider lots and deep backyards make the Valley one of the best places in Los Angeles for a full one- or two-bedroom detached ADU.
What applies to your lot
Building an ADU in San Fernando Valley
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. A few Valley cities, such as Burbank, Glendale and San Fernando, have their own rules: we confirm which one applies to your address.
Room for a real home
Many Valley lots can take a detached ADU from 800 up to 1,200 sq ft: two bedrooms, a full kitchen and a private patio.
Built for the heat
Valley summers are hot. We size insulation, windows and the mini-split for comfort, and a new detached ADU includes its own solar panels.
Hillsides and fire zones
Lots near the mountains can be in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone and a Hillside Area, where LA adds conditions on road access and safety.
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 San Fernando Valley lots
2 bedrooms
Two bedrooms, two baths
2 beds2 baths
2 bedrooms
Split-bedroom plan
2 beds2 baths
FAQ
ADU questions in San Fernando Valley
Is the San Fernando Valley part of the City of Los Angeles?
Most of it is, so permits go through LADBS. Burbank, Glendale, San Fernando and a few others are separate cities with their own process.
How big can my ADU be?
A detached ADU can reach 1,200 sq ft of interior living space, and the city must allow at least 800 sq ft with 4 ft side and rear setbacks.
Do I need parking for the ADU?
Not within half a mile of public transit, and never as a replacement when a garage is converted.
Nearby areasBurbankGlendaleThousand OaksSimi Valley
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
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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