We are excited to announce the availability of draft amendments to the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance for unincorporated LA County. An ADU, often known as a granny flat or second unit, is an independent living space located on the same property as a single-family home or apartment building. ADUs can be offered as rental housing or provide space for family members or caregivers. A Junior ADU (JADU) is a smaller version, with a maximum size of 500 square feet, located within a home.

Since the adoption of the County’s ADU Ordinance in 2019, State law has been amended to increasingly emphasize ADUs as a key strategy to address the housing crisis. These changes simplify the review process and expand the potential for both ADUs and JADUs. The proposed changes to the ADU Ordinance ensure that the County’s ADU regulations comply with State law.

We highly value your input and encourage you to review the draft ordinance. Your feedback will help fine-tune the ADU Ordinance, ensuring it is both effective and implementable.

The draft is available for review at https://planning.lacounty.gov/long-range-planning/adu-ordinance-amendment/. Please direct your comments and suggestions to Ken Warner (kwarner@planning.lacounty.gov) by February 1st, 2024. Stay tuned for more updates. We anticipate scheduling the ordinance for a public hearing before the Regional Planning Commission in Spring 2024. The Commission will consider recommending the proposed changes to the Board of Supervisors, which will provide another opportunity for public comment on the ordinance.

Thank you for your engagement and contributions toward shaping our housing policies. Your insights are essential in our ongoing efforts to provide much-needed housing across unincorporated LA County.

Warm regards,

LA County Planning

kwarner@planning.lacounty.gov (213) 974-6425