Garage Conversion to ADU Program

Garage Conversion to ADU

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

What type of ADU are you looking for?

Steps

Garage Conversion to ADU/JADU

STEP 1
Regional Planning Approval
Submit architectural plans to Regional Planning and get approval.
STEP 2
Screen Permit Application Package for Completeness
Open an application online via EPIC-LA or at the local Building and Safety District Office by submitting the approved Regional Planning architectural plans. Obtain an Agency Referral Sheet from the screening staff.
STEP 3
Plan Rechecked and Approved
Resubmit Approved Regional Planning Architectural Plans with the Standard Notes and Details, T-24 Energy Sheets/Calculations, and completed Agency Referral items online via EPIC-LA or provide 2 copies for in-person submittal.
STEP 4
Project Ready for Permit Issuance
Pay permitting fees, obtain combination permits, and schedule the Pre-Construction Meeting with the BSD staff.
STEP 5
Pre-Construction Meeting
Attend the Pre-Construction Meeting with the County Building Inspector prior to construction.
STEP 6
Start of Construction and Inspection
Visit our Inspection website for more information.

Tell me about Garage Conversion to ADU/JADU

How do I become eligible for the streamlined process?

LA County Planning and Public Works Building and Safety Division have streamlined the permitting process for garage conversion to ADUs and JADU by using BSD Standard Notes and Details. Projects may be eligible if:

ADU is converted from an existing single garage/storage building
JADU is inside an existing single-family dwelling
Less than 1200 SF for ADU and Less than 500 SF for JADU
NO slope, landslide, and/or earthquake liquefaction
NO additional footprint area will be constructed
NO complete demolition of existing structure
NO re-building of the existing structure
NO unpermitted construction within the building.
NO oak trees, utility lines in the way of construction, or accessories 2 ½ ft. from the edge of the property.
NO additional loading on the roofs greater than 5% of the existing.
NO basement conversions, or hillside construction.
ADU or JADU shall be single-story only.
The owner shall meet with the County building Inspector for the mandatory Pre-Construction Meeting prior to construction.

Architectural plan requirements shall be strictly followed. See brochure for more information.

Do I need a Registered Architect/Engineer?

Type of ADU/JADU Construction	Structural Plans & Calcs Required?
Existing Garage Conversion to ADU (attached or detached)	No. Use Standard Notes and Details below.
Existing Garage Conversion to ADU with New Additions	Yes. Discuss with plan check engineer.
Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit	No. Use Standard Notes and Details below.