Legal ADU Building Permits for an Unpermitted ADU in Los Angeles

California ADU Law: Legalize Your Unpermitted ADU With Confidence

An unpermitted ADU can lead to headaches. LADU’s architect-led team handles the full path to a legal ADU, including code analysis, drawings, LADBS plan check, and multi-agency reviews, so your unit passes inspections and qualifies for a certificate of occupancy.

We speak the language of ADU building permits in Los Angeles and guide your case from first scan to final sign-off.

• Safer construction for you and your tenants
• Real property value backed by a legal ADU
• Rental income options with fewer headaches

Call LADU at (213) 855-3334 for a fixed-price ADU permitting quote.

ADUs Designed Better. Built Smarter.

Why Permitting an Unpermitted ADU Is Important

An unpermitted ADU in California can lead to citations, fines, forced removal, buyer concerns, insurance denials, and blocked refinancing.

Legal ADU status and a certificate of occupancy protect your rental income and support long-term property value under ADU California law. If you have an ADU without permit approval, quick action helps reduce risk and cost.

Protect Property and Income With an ADU Permit

California rules govern ADU rental legality across Los Angeles. Final inspection and occupancy sign-off open the door to approved rental listings, standard leases, and long-term stability with lenders and insurers. Simply put, a legal ADU gives you a durable asset.

Avoid Costly Enforcement With an ADU Building Permit

Voluntary legalization limits penalties and reduces correction work. LADU identifies violations early, designs the least invasive fixes that meet code, and organizes plan check steps under an ADU building permit to help you reach approval faster.

How AB2533 Makes Permitting an Unpermitted ADU Easier

Assembly Bill 2533 eases the path to permitting unpermitted ADUs in Los Angeles by requiring local agencies to prioritize compliance over punishment. The law restricts cities from imposing excessive fees or demanding unnecessary upgrades unrelated to health and safety.

Instead, homeowners are given a structured process to remedy code issues, such as fire safety, electrical, or structural concerns, without risking demolition orders. This makes legalization more practical, affordable, and predictable for property owners.

Retroactive Permit for an Illegal ADU: Your Path to ADU Legalization

Wondering how to get an ADU permit? Here is the typical path for permitting unpermitted ADUs through the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety and City Planning reviews.

Retroactive Permit Feasibility and Code Scan

We start with a zoning and site review that maps your path to a retroactive permit:

• Zoning and land use review under California ADU law
• Setbacks, lot coverage, height, and fire access
• Parking rules and exemptions near transit
• Utility easements and site constraints
• Eligibility for ADU vs. JADU on a typical LA lot

This scan flags any nonconformities that need correction.

As-Built Documentation for the ADU

We document the unit as it exists today, then prepare a targeted plan set for LADBS:

• Field measurements, as-built drawings, floor plans, and elevations
• Structural notes, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) scope
• Title 24 energy compliance and CALGreen measures

Common corrections flagged and resolved on plans:

• Stair geometry and guardrails
• Emergency egress and window size
• Fire separation from the main house or garage
• Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
• GFCI and AFCI protection

Multi-Agency Plan Check for ADU Permits

Your plans route through the agencies that govern ADU permits in California:

• LADBS: Building, Structural, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing
• City Planning: Zoning and use compliance
• Fire Department: Fire apparatus access and separation
• Sanitation:Sewer capacity and connection
• Los Angeles Department of Water and Power: Power and water service
• Utility easements and right-of-way sign-offs

Digital submittals go through ePlanLA for the City of Los Angeles. Projects in unincorporated areas use EPIC-LA. Hillside or liquefaction sites may need soil and structural reports.

Retroactive Permits and ADU Permit Fees

LADU assembles the package for a retroactive permit and outlines ADU permit fees before submission. Fees can include plan check, permit issuance, and inspections. Some projects trigger school fees based on added area. Scope-based costs can arise for:

• Foundation or framing upgrades.
• Electrical service load increases.
• Sewer upgrades and cleanout locations.
• Water service and backflow devices.

Timeline and Inspections for ADU Legalization

For unpermitted ADU California cases, plan check often runs 3–6 months depending on corrections and agency clearances. Complex structural work or hillside conditions can add time.

For unpermitted ADU California cases, plan check often runs 3–6 months depending on corrections and agency clearances. Complex structural work or hillside conditions can add time.

Why Choose LADU for ADU Permits

LADU is your architecture-led ADU expert in LA. We manage design and permitting under one roof and arrange construction with licensed ADU partners for any required corrections.

From code assessment through permit issuance and final sign-off, we’ll be here for you.

What We Deliver

Our service focuses on speed, clarity, and compliance for ADU building permits:

• Flat-fee design with transparent scope.
• Detailed code analysis and feasibility mapping.
• Clear permit roadmaps and milestone tracking.
• Direct coordination with LADBS and partner agencies.
• Proactive correction lists to reduce plan check cycles.
• Management through final inspection and certificate of occupancy.

This approach supports faster approvals, reliable pricing, and a smoother path to a legal ADU. Need more reasons to choose LADU?

• Architect-led ADU design and permitting.
• Flat fee design with no surprise change orders.
• Local code fluency across Los Angeles jurisdictions.
• ePlan submittals, corrections, and resubmittals handled.
• Construction arranged through vetted licensed partners.
• Turnkey support from feasibility to inspection.

Schedule your free site evaluation today or call (213) 855-3334 now to speak directly with an ADU expert to discuss your situation.

ADUs designed better and built smarter. We make building an ADU simple.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get an ADU permit?

For unpermitted units, plan check often runs 3–6 months based on corrections and agency reviews. Complex sites or structural retrofits can add time. LADU cuts cycles by submitting complete drawings, responding fast to comments, and coordinating clearances early.

What are typical ADU permit fees?

Fees vary by jurisdiction, scope, and valuation. Expect plan check, building permit, and inspection fees. Some projects trigger school or utility fees. Separate costs cover upgrades such as electrical service, sewer, or structural work. LADU scopes fees upfront before submittal.

What if my ADU violates setbacks or height?

LADU first confirms what California ADU law allows on your lot. Some issues can be corrected on plans. Others may need limited alterations. Our team proposes the least invasive path that meets code so you can legalize with confidence.

Which Los Angeles agencies review retroactive ADU permits?

Plans typically route to LADBS for building, structural, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing; City Planning for zoning; Fire Department for access and separations; Sanitation for sewer; and LADWP for power and water, plus any utility easements. Digital submittals use ePlanLA, or EPIC-LA in unincorporated areas.

How does voluntary legalization reduce risk and cost?

Voluntarily legalizing an unpermitted ADU can limit penalties, avoid forced removals, and reduce scope by addressing violations early. LADU identifies nonconformities, designs the least intrusive code fixes, and organizes plan check steps, helping minimize rework, speed approvals, and protect rental income, insurability, refinancing options, and long-term property value in California.

What upgrades are commonly required to pass inspections?

Typical corrections include proper stair geometry and guardrails, adequate egress and window sizes, fire separation from the main house or garage, smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, GFCI and AFCI protection, Title 24 energy compliance, CALGreen measures, and targeted structural, electrical, plumbing, and insulation upgrades documented on permit-ready as-built plans professionally.

I received a violation notice from the city. What should I do?

You will need to resolve the issue with code enforcement before it gets to the city attorneys office. Upon execution of a contract, we will reach out to code enforcement on your behalf and notify them that we are remediating any issues.

Is there any way to speed up the permitting process?

Yes, we can hire a permit expediter to speed up your application. We work with several permit expediters who specialize in working with local permitting offices in Los Angeles County. There is an additional fee for this.

What will the city inspector look for?

The inspector will be assessing the ADU based on the California ADU legalization checklist established under AB2533. The inspection focuses on several key health and safety elements:

• Structural Integrity: Foundation, load-bearing walls, roof condition, and overall structural soundness
• Electrical Systems: Proper wiring, adequate service panel capacity, GFCI protection in wet areas, and smoke/carbon monoxide detectors.
• Plumbing Systems: Water supply, drainage, venting requirements, and fixture functionality.
• Fire Safety: Proper egress windows/doors, fire-rated separations (if applicable), and sprinkler systems (if required).
• Ventilation: Adequate natural or mechanical ventilation in bathrooms and kitchens.
• Ceiling Height: Minimum clearances in habitable spaces.
• Building Envelope: Weather protection and moisture control.

Our team will prepare you for what to expect during your specific inspection based on your property's characteristics and the local jurisdiction's interpretation of the checklist requirements.

You can review the complete California ADU legalization checklist by clicking here.

Do I need to visit city offices?

No! We handle all interactions with city departments, saving you valuable time and hassle. Our full-service approach includes:

• Document Submission: We prepare and submit all required paperwork, plans, and supporting documentation to the appropriate departments.
• Follow-up Communications: Our team manages all emails, phone calls, and in-person meetings with city officials throughout the permitting process.
• Inspection Coordination: We schedule and attend all required inspections, eliminating the need for you to take time off work or rearrange your schedule.
• Addressing Requirements: If city reviewers request additional information or changes, we handle these requests promptly without requiring your involvement.

This concierge-level service is one of the key advantages of working with LADU. Many of our clients are busy professionals who appreciate that we've streamlined the often complex and time-consuming interactions with Los Angeles County permitting offices.

What if my permit application is not approved?

We will work with the permit office and submit revised plans until they are accepted. Because AB2533 (the ADU legalization law) is recent legislation, there are still some uncertainties about exactly how inspectors will evaluate the compliance checklist. The interpretation can vary based on:

• Jurisdictional Differences: Each permitting office within Los Angeles County may have slightly different implementation approaches
• Inspector Discretion: Individual inspectors may focus on different aspects of the code requirements based on their expertise and experience
• Evolving Guidelines: As more ADUs are legalized under this law, permitting offices are continuously refining their review processes

Our team stays current with all implementation developments across Los Angeles County jurisdictions and maintains relationships with permitting offices to understand their specific requirements. If revisions are needed, we'll clearly explain the feedback, make the necessary adjustments, and guide your application through to approval.

LADU has successfully navigated numerous ADU legalizations under AB2533, giving us practical insight into how different jurisdictions are applying these regulations in real-world scenarios.

What does the contract with LADU include?

Our contract includes all professional services required to get your ADU legalization permit approved through plan check:

• Property Assessment: Thorough evaluation of your existing ADU and property conditions
• Custom Design & Engineering: Complete architectural and engineering plans tailored to your specific property and compliance needs
• Document Preparation: Compilation of all necessary documentation for submission
• Permit Submission: Management of the entire application process
• Plan Check Navigation: Handling all communications, revisions, and resubmissions with city departments until approval
• City Permit Fees: These vary by municipality and property specifics. We'll provide you with exact fee estimates for your jurisdiction once we know your property location.
• Construction Costs (if necessary): After permit approval, you'll need to hire a contractor to complete any required corrections identified during inspection. While this is a separate agreement, we can connect you with our trusted contractor partners who are already familiar with your project.

Our goal is complete transparency about what's included in your initial agreement and what additional investments will be needed to complete your ADU legalization.

What happens at the site visit?

1. Survey your property: Our engineers will take measurements and draw a site plan that will be used later to submit your application to your local permitting office.
2. Review the ADU legalization checklist: Our engineers will survey your existing ADU and determine what needs to be remedied in order to pass inspection and secure your permits.
3. Your questions answered: Most customers have questions about the timeline, costs, and next steps. We'll answer all your questions and leave you with a clear understanding of how long the process will take and an estimate of construction costs if any work is needed to get your existing ADU up to code.

LADU manages the entire ADU legalization process for you:

1. Site Visit: One of our engineers inspects your property and reviews the California ADU legalization checklist to determine any changes needed to get your ADU up to code.
2. Documentation & Submission: Our team prepares all necessary paperwork and submits a permit application to your local permitting office.
3. Active Management: We actively track your application, respond to requests, and keep things moving forward.
4. Plan Check Review: The LADBS plan checker reviews the permit application and either approves the plans or issues corrections. We make any necessary corrections and resubmit the plans.
5. Permits Issued: Once the plans have passed inspection, you will receive your permits from your local permitting office.
6. Construction: In some cases, construction may be required to remedy structural issues.
7. Building Inspection: Once construction is complete, the city will do an inspection to verify that the ADU is in compliance.
8. Certificate of Occupancy: After passing the building inspection, the city will issue you a certificate of occupancy. Your ADU is now legal!