1 bedroom
One-bedroom with kitchen island
1 bed1 bath
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ADU design-build · Sherman OaksADUs in Sherman Oaks
Flat streets near Ventura Boulevard, hillside lots south of it: in Sherman Oaks and Studio City, the first question is which side of the slope your home is on.
What applies to your lot
Building an ADU in Sherman Oaks
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. Sherman Oaks and Studio City are part of the City of Los Angeles.
Hillside and fire zones
On lots in both a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone and a Hillside Area, Los Angeles adds conditions for larger ADUs, such as sprinklers, parking and street width. The state-protected options remain.
What always stays open
A converted garage or room, a junior ADU, and a detached ADU of up to 800 sq ft with 4 ft setbacks stay available under state law.
LADBS Standard Plans
Los Angeles pre-approves detached ADU designs under its Standard Plan Program, including a free city-owned plan. LADBS then checks only the site: zoning and foundation.
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 Sherman Oaks lots
Two-story
One-bedroom above a garage
1 bed1 bath
2 bedrooms
Two bedrooms, two baths
2 beds2 baths
FAQ
ADU questions in Sherman Oaks
Who issues the permit in Sherman Oaks?
The City of Los Angeles, through LADBS. We read your parcel on ZIMAS first: zoning, hillside and fire zone.
My lot is on a hill. Is an ADU still possible?
Usually yes, but the size and the route depend on the zones. We tell you which options are open before any design.
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 areasEncinoVan NuysSan Fernando 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
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