ADU Rules in Long Beach, CA (2026)
ADU rules, permit requirements, size limits, and fees for Long Beach, CA. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Yes, ADUs are allowed in Long Beach, CA.
Long Beach, CA permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on residential properties. ADUs — also called granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, or secondary suites — are secondary housing units on a single-family or multifamily lot. California state law actively preempts local restrictions, making ADU approval a streamlined ministerial process. In Long Beach, the Long Beach Development Services — Building and Safety Bureau handles ADU permit applications. Below you will find the current size limits, setbacks, fees, and timeline for building an ADU in Long Beach.
ADU Size Limits
ADU Size Limits in Long Beach: Detached ADU: up to 1200 sq ft (max height: 16 feet). Attached ADU: 50% of primary dwelling up to 1200 sqft. Junior ADU (JADU): up to 500 sq ft — must be within the existing primary dwelling or accessory structure. Detached ADU maximum 1,200 sqft per California Gov Code 65852.2(c)(2)(B). JADU maximum 500 sqft within existing or proposed space of single-family dwelling or accessory structure per Gov Code 65852.22. Garage conversions to ADU limited to existing footprint plus 150 sqft. Long Beach Title 21 Section 21.51.085 implements state ADU regulations.
| Type | Max Size | Max Height |
|---|---|---|
| Detached ADU | 1200 sq ft | 16 feet |
| Attached ADU | 50% of primary dwelling up to 1200 sqft | Same as primary dwelling height limit per zone |
| JADU | 500 sq ft | Within existing structure |
Permit Fees
ADU Permit Fees in Long Beach: Plan check fee: $500–$3,000 depending on project value. Building permit fee: $1,200–$5,500 depending on valuation. Impact fees: None. School fees: Exempt for ADUs under 750 sqft. ADUs 750+ sqft subject to Long Beach Unified School District developer fees at California school fee rate.. Total estimated permit cost: $2,000–$9,000 total permit fees. Impact fees waived for ADUs under 750 sqft per Gov Code 65852.2(f)(3). Long Beach Water Department connection fees for new water/sewer service may apply depending on whether ADU has separate utilities. Fee schedule: https://www.longbeach.gov/lbds/permits/
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Plan Check | $500–$3,000 depending on project value |
| Building Permit | $1,200–$5,500 depending on valuation |
| Impact Fees | None |
| School Fees | Exempt for ADUs under 750 sqft. ADUs 750+ sqft subject to Long Beach Unified School District developer fees at California school fee rate. |
| Total Estimate | $2,000–$9,000 total permit fees |
Permit Timeline
Long Beach ADU Permit Timeline: Long Beach Development Services processes ADU permits through the Permit Services Center. Ministerial approval within 60 days for compliant applications per state law. Standard ADU plan review: 3-6 weeks. Long Beach offers a Pre-Application meeting service for complex ADU projects. Construction typically 4-10 months. Apply through the Long Beach Development Services — Building and Safety Bureau online permit portal. Phone: (562) 570-5416.
Setback Requirements
ADU Setback Requirements in Long Beach: Front setback: Same as zone standard. Side setback: 4 feet. Rear setback: 4 feet. State law requires 4-foot side and rear setbacks for new detached ADUs per California Gov Code 65852.2(c)(2)(E). No setback required for ADU replacing existing structure in same footprint. Front setback follows zone standard — R-1 zones typically require 15-20 ft front setbacks. Corner lot setbacks require both street frontage setbacks be met.
Parking Requirements
Parking Requirements: No additional parking required for ADUs within one-half mile of Metro A Line (Blue Line) stations (Downtown Long Beach, 1st Street, 5th Street, Pacific) or Long Beach Transit bus rapid transit routes. No replacement parking when garage converted to ADU. Per California Gov Code 65852.2(d).
Restrictions & Requirements
- ADU must comply with Long Beach Title 21 objective zoning and design standards
- ADU cannot be sold separately from primary dwelling (unless SB 9 lot split qualifies)
- Short-term rental of ADU (fewer than 30 days) requires separate Short-Term Rental license
- ADU must have permanent foundation
- Alley-facing ADU design standards apply for properties abutting a public alley
- Coastal Zone properties (near shoreline) may require Coastal Development Permit in addition to building permit
How Many ADUs Are Allowed?
Number of ADUs Allowed in Long Beach: Single-family lots: 1 ADU + 1 JADU per single-family lot. Multifamily properties: Up to 25% of existing units (minimum 2) as detached ADUs; internal conversion ADUs from non-livable space by-right. Per California Gov Code 65852.2(e): multifamily properties may convert non-livable space to ADUs and add detached ADUs up to 25% of existing units. Long Beach's coastal proximity means some multifamily projects in the Coastal Zone require additional Coastal Commission compliance.
Single-Family Lots
1 ADU + 1 JADU per single-family lot
Multifamily Properties
Up to 25% of existing units (minimum 2) as detached ADUs; internal conversion ADUs from non-livable space by-right
State Law & Preemption
State Preemption: California Government Code Section 65852.2 (AB 68 2019, AB 881 2019, SB 9 2022) preempts local ADU restrictions. Long Beach must permit ADUs by-right on all single-family and multifamily residential lots. Owner-occupancy requirement eliminated statewide January 1, 2020. Long Beach Development Services processes ADU permits ministerially under the state mandate.
Historic District Considerations
Historic District Requirements: Long Beach has 9 historic districts where additional design review may be required for ADU construction. Design review approval is required before obtaining a building permit for properties in historic overlay zones. Long Beach has 9 locally-designated historic districts including Bluff Park, Rose Park, Drake Park/Willmore City, Carroll Park, Cal Heights, and Los Cerritos. Properties in these districts require a Certificate of Appropriateness from Long Beach Development Services for exterior alterations visible from public right-of-way. The Long Beach Heritage organization is active in preservation advocacy. Additional National Register historic districts exist. Look up historic district boundaries at: https://www.longbeach.gov/lbds/planning/historic-preservation/
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Long Beach?
Yes. Long Beach, CA allows accessory dwelling units. On a single-family lot you can build 1 ADU + 1 JADU per single-family lot.
How big can an ADU be in Long Beach?
The maximum size for a detached ADU in Long Beach is 1,200 square feet. A Junior ADU (JADU) can be up to 500 square feet.
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Long Beach?
The typical ADU permit timeline in Long Beach is Long Beach Development Services processes ADU permits through the Permit Services Center. Ministerial approval within 60 days for compliant applications per state law. Standard ADU plan review: 3-6 weeks. Long Beach offers a Pre-Application meeting service for complex ADU projects. Construction typically 4-10 months.. Total estimated permit fees are $2,000–$9,000 total permit fees.
Do I need extra parking for an ADU in Long Beach?
No, Long Beach does not require additional parking for ADUs.
Do I have to live on-site to have an ADU in Long Beach?
No, owner-occupancy is not required for ADUs in Long Beach.
Source: Long Beach Municipal Code Title 21, Section 21.51.085 — Accessory Dwelling Units; California Government Code Section 65852.2. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source