ADU/JADU

Accessory Dwelling Unit

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is an additional or independent living facility required to provide provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation. It can be detached (separated from primary residence) or attached (sharing walls(s) with the primary residence). An existing space such as a garage, storage building, or an attached room can be re-purposed as an ADU. ADUs are subject to separate life, safety, and fire hazard regulations from the main dwelling.

Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit

A Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) is a separate living facility within an existing single or multi-family dwelling that has its own entrance and cooking facilities but not necessarily required to have its own private bathroom. A sink can be installed but the sanitation facilities can be shared with the primary structure. Unlike ADUs, JADUs are considered part of the main structure and not considered a separate unit for life, safety, and fire hazard regulations. As such, a soundproof fire rated wall separating it from the main dwelling is not requiredd.

Garage Conversion to ADU Program

Adaptive reuse is a concept used as early as 1970's for the process of repurposing existing buildings to encourage sustainable development through conversion while minimizing reconstruction and demolition waste. In response to the Board of Supervisors Emergency Declaration to alleviate the housing crisis, Building and Safety Division is currently promoting adaptive reuse of existing garages into new accessory dwelling units through an expedited permit processing using standardized sheets, pre-construction meetings, and construction guide.

The HOMEOWNER'S GUIDE: How to Successfully Plan and Prepare for Your Next ADU/JADU is the roadmap for your next ADU/JADU project.

Los Angeles County Existing Single-Story Garage Conversion to Accessory Dwelling Unit & Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit Standard Notes and Details

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