Professional permit management that saves you time, money, and stress. Approval Guaranteed.
Comprehensive ADU building permit support
Navigating ADU building permits in Los Angeles can be complex, but LADU simplifies the entire accessory dwelling unit permit process with a streamlined, architect-led approach.
What is an ADU permit?
An ADU permit is an official approval from your local city or county allowing you to legally build an accessory dwelling unit on your property.
This often includes multiple permits: a building permit, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) permits, and sometimes fire department approvals. LADU handles every aspect of ADU permitting, ensuring your project meets all California state and local codes.
Whether you're planning a garage conversion, detached ADU, or a custom residential unit, our team provides comprehensive support for plan preparation, zoning compliance, and direct submission to LADBS.
- Accelerated approvals using permit-ready ADU plans.
- Complete code compliance ensuring legal and safe rental use.
- Full-service coordination with local building agencies.
Accessory dwelling unit permit compliance is non-negotiable
Securing the right accessory dwelling unit permit is crucial. It's your legal pathway to a compliant and rentable ADU.
If you build an ADU without a permit, you may face significant financial and legal challenges, including potential demolition costs or extensive retroactive legalization expenses. LADU ensures your project is fully permitted from the start, eliminating surprises and setbacks.
Without proper permitting
Homeowners risk
- × Hire an expediter who's never seen your zoning.
- × Multiple rounds of corrections.
- × Weeks lost to "we forwarded it to a different team."
- × Surprise fees from utilities, planning, etc.
- × Endless timelines.
- × You manage the paperwork and inspections.
With LADU
Permitted from day one
- Pre-submission review with LADBS plan checkers.
- Every reviewer's preferences mapped.
- Utility & sewer applications run in parallel.
- A fixed-price contract with transparent city fees.
- You sign twice. We do the rest.
- Approval guaranteed.
Schedule a free site visit to get started
30 minutes. We walk the property, figure out what's feasible, and answer any questions you have.
Comprehensive ADU permit process in Los Angeles
Obtaining an ADU permit in Los Angeles involves multiple complex steps. LADU manages the entire process, including the items below. Our deep expertise with local agencies helps avoid common ADU permitting pitfalls and keeps your project moving forward smoothly.
Site analysis & zoning review
Detailed site analysis and comprehensive zoning review.
Architectural plan preparation
Precision architectural plan preparation.
Submission to LADBS
Strategic plan submission to LADBS.
MEP & related permits
Coordinating all required permits: building, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing.
Expedited approvals
Utilizing permit-ready ADU plans to expedite approvals.
Corrections & final approval
Managing corrections and securing final approvals.
How much does an ADU permit cost?
Permit fees vary depending on your city, ADU size, and type of construction. In Los Angeles, ADU permit cost can range from $5,000 to $11,000 or more, depending on the scope of work.
LADU provides a clear breakdown of permit fees and includes them in our fixed-price contracts so there are no surprises.
What happens if you build an ADU without a permit?
Building an ADU without the proper permits is illegal in California and can result in:
- Code enforcement actions.
- Fines and penalties.
- Denial of future permits.
- Forced removal or demolition.
If you have an unpermitted ADU, LADU offers legalization services to bring your unit up to code and secure the necessary ADU building permit retroactively.
Retroactive ADU permits in Los Angeles
Need to legalize an unpermitted ADU? LADU specializes in retroactive ADU permits, managing everything from code compliance and structural upgrades to inspections and approvals.
Our experienced team navigates complex city regulations to legitimize your existing unit efficiently and legally, protecting your investment and ensuring it meets all local zoning and safety standards.
Why choose LADU for ADU permit assistance
LADU offers more than just plan drawing. We provide end-to-end ADU services, including design services, permitting assistance, and arranging construction with fully licensed contractors.
Our architect-led approach ensures your project is thoughtfully designed, fully code-compliant, and positioned for rapid approval. With extensive experience navigating ADU permits in Los Angeles, we understand exactly what it takes to get your project permitted quickly and legally.
LADU's unique advantages
- In-house architects and dedicated permit coordinators
- Full compliance with California ADU regulations
- Expedited approvals through permit-ready ADU plans
- Proven expertise with LADBS
- Specialized legalization services for unpermitted ADUs
Full-service coordination with local agencies
A typical LA County ADU touches multiple agencies and many forms. Here's a partial map of who reviews what—we show you the live filing tracker once your project starts.
Plan check & building permit
Department of Building & Safety. Structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing review.
Will-serve · service upgrades
Water & Power. Service capacity letter, electrical panel upgrade, sewer capacity.
Zoning compliance
Setbacks, FAR, lot coverage, Coastal Commission (if applicable).
Sewer capacity · driveway
Sewer capacity certification, B-permit for any work in the public right-of-way.
Hydrant clearance · access
LAFD review for hydrant proximity and access lane on tight sites.
School-district fees
Filed and paid through escrow — no homeowner forms required.
Start your permitted ADU project today
Whether you’re planning a new build or need help legalizing an existing ADU, LADU is your trusted partner for ADU building permits in Los Angeles.
Our team handles every step, from planning and ADU permitting to arranging construction, with one goal: to deliver a code-compliant, high-quality accessory dwelling unit with no surprises.
Permit questions, answered.
What homeowners ask most often before greenlighting their ADU permit work. Anything else, our team replies within 24 hours.
An ADU permit ensures your accessory unit meets safety codes and zoning laws. Without it, you risk fines, stop-work orders, and even demolition. A permitted ADU also protects rental income, insurance, and refinancing.
A licensed engineer on your lot, free.
30 minutes. We walk the property, figure out what's feasible, and answer any questions you have.
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Explore all of our services.
One accountable team for every step of your ADU project — from initial sketches and city permits to financing, construction, and legalization.
ADU Design
Our ADU design team works closely with each client to create adaptable layouts that fit your site, lifestyle, and goals.
Learn more →ADU Building Permits
We manage every ADU building permit, drawing, document, and approval with your city and county — start to finish.
Learn more →Legalizing Unpermitted ADUs
We help you navigate the legalization process for your existing ADU, ensuring compliance and securing permits.
Learn more →ADU Construction
We oversee the full construction process with care, skill, and clear communication, turning your plan into a beautiful ADU.
Learn more →Modular ADUs
Save money and build faster with a modular ADU. Factory-built, site-installed, and ready in months — not years.
Learn more →ADU Financing
We work with multiple ADU-specific lenders so you can find the right financing — HEA, HEI, HELOC, or construction-to-perm.
Learn more →