Verified October 4, 2026

ADU Regulations in Inglewood, California

Los Angeles County · CA · Pop. 110,000

Inglewood's ADU rules are in Article 35 of the zoning code, and the city publishes a 2024 ADU Development Standards sheet. HCD reviewed the ordinance in May 2025, and where local limits such as one-story detached ADUs conflict with state law, state law controls. Parcels near LAX may carry noise overlays or avigation easement requirements.

Max ADU Size

1,000

sq ft detached

Rear Setback

4 ft

Permit Timeline

60 days

Build Cost

$160,000 – $330,000

Local Rules

What's Different in Inglewood

  • ›ADUs and JADUs may not be rented for less than 30 days
  • ›Local code limits detached ADUs to one story and 16 ft; state law allows more near transit
  • ›HCD issued findings on the city's ADU ordinance in May 2025
  • ›Parcels near LAX may need avigation easements or sound insulation

Zoning

Allowed ADU Types

✓Detached ADU
✓Attached ADU
✓JADU (Junior ADU)
✓Garage Conversion
Units per single-family lot: up to 3 (ADU + JADU + detached ADU)✓ No owner-occupancy required

State law requires cities to allow, on a single-family lot, one ADU converted from existing space, one JADU, and one new detached ADU of up to 800 sq ft. Multifamily lots can add up to 8 detached ADUs (not more than the number of existing units) plus conversions of non-livable space for up to 25% of existing units.

State law preempts local owner-occupancy requirements. Inglewood is experiencing one of the fastest appreciation rates in Los Angeles County, driven by SoFi Stadium, Intuit Dome, and LAX proximity. Entertainment and sports industry workers create strong professional rental demand.

Source: City of Inglewood: Planning Division / Accessory Dwelling Units · Inglewood Municipal Code Title 12 (Zoning), Article 35

Dimensions

Size & Setback Requirements

Detached

1,000

sq ft max

JADU

500

sq ft max

Attached

850 sq ft or 50% of primary home, whichever is less (state law still guarantees at least 800 sq ft)

Setbacks

front

Same as primary dwelling

side

4 ft (local multifamily rule of 10% of lot width, 3 to 5 ft, cannot exceed the 4 ft state cap)

rear

4 ft

Max height: One story and 16 ft (detached); up to the primary home's allowed height if attached

State law floor for detached ADUs: 16 ft; 18 ft within half a mile of major transit (plus 2 ft to match the main roof pitch) or on a lot with a multistory multifamily building.

Lot coverage: Per underlying zone; R-1 zones typically permit up to 45% coverage

Inglewood's dense urban lots benefit from state ADU protections that prevent cities from denying ADUs based solely on lot coverage when state minimums are met. Local code caps detached ADUs at 1,000 sq ft or the size of the primary home, whichever is less; state law still allows at least an 800 sq ft ADU.

Permitting

Permit Process

Department

City of Inglewood Community Development Department: Planning Division

Review Timeline

60 days

Permit Fees

$8,000 – $16,000

Impact Fees

Impact fees waived for ADUs under 750 sq ft; proportional fees apply above that threshold

Required Documents

  • ›Site plan (to scale)
  • ›Floor plans
  • ›Elevations
  • ›Title 24 energy compliance (CalGreen)
  • ›Structural drawings
  • ›Geotechnical report (if in designated liquefaction zone)

Inglewood has streamlined its ADU process in response to rapid growth. Proximity to LAX means some parcels may have noise impact overlays; check with Planning for avigation easement requirements. LA County school fees assessed separately.

Infrastructure

Utilities & Requirements

Solar

Required

Parking

Usually none

Separate Meter

Optional

Fire Sprinklers

Only if main home has them

Sewer: City of Inglewood Public Works or LA County Sanitation; connection fees apply
Fire Sprinklers: Not required unless primary structure requires them
Parking: No additional parking required

Financials

ADU Costs in Inglewood

Typical Build Cost

$160,000 – $330,000

Cost per Sq Ft

$225 – $295

Monthly Rental

$1,700 – $2,800/mo/mo

Property Value Added

Adds $220,000 – $400,000 to rapidly appreciating property value

Grants & Programs to Check

  • ★CalHFA ADU Grant Program (closed since December 2023; watch calhfa.ca.gov for any new funding round)
  • ★LA County Community Development Authority programs
  • ★City of Inglewood may offer local housing incentive programs

One of the hottest ADU investment markets in LA County. SoFi Stadium events and sports tourism create short-term rental opportunities (verify local STR rules). Entertainment industry contractors, flight crews, and event staff sustain strong long-term rental demand.

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State Law

California Rules That Apply in Inglewood

Inglewood can be more generous than state law but not stricter. These statewide minimums were last reviewed September 30, 2026.

Units per lot
Single-family lots can have one ADU converted from existing space, one JADU, and one new detached ADU (up to 800 sq ft). Multifamily lots can add up to 8 detached ADUs (never more than the number of existing units) plus conversions for up to 25% of existing units. Gov. Code §66323; SB 1211 (2024)
Size
Cities must allow at least an 800 sq ft ADU with 4 ft side and rear setbacks. Local maximums can be no lower than 850 sq ft (studio or one bedroom) or 1,000 sq ft (two or more bedrooms). JADUs are capped at 500 sq ft of interior livable space. Gov. Code §§66321, 66333
Height
Detached ADUs: at least 16 ft; 18 ft within half a mile of major transit (plus 2 ft to match the roof pitch of the main home) or on a lot with a multistory multifamily building. Attached ADUs: 25 ft or the zone height limit, whichever is lower. Gov. Code §66321(b)(4); AB 2221 and SB 897 (2022)
Setbacks
Side and rear setbacks for new ADUs can be no more than 4 ft. Conversions of existing legal structures need no extra setback. Front setbacks cannot block an 800 sq ft ADU. Gov. Code §66314(d)(7); AB 2221 (2022)
Permit timeline
The city has 15 business days to say whether an application is complete, or it is deemed complete. It must then approve or deny a complete application within 60 days, with no public hearing. Gov. Code §66317; SB 543 (2025)
Impact fees
No impact fees on ADUs under 750 sq ft; larger units pay fees proportional to the main home. ADUs and JADUs of 500 sq ft or less are exempt from school impact fees. Gov. Code §66324; SB 543 (2025)
Owner-occupancy
Cities cannot require the owner to live on site for an ADU. For a JADU, owner-occupancy can be required only if the JADU shares a bathroom with the main home. JADUs cannot be short-term rentals. AB 976 (2023); AB 1154 (2025)
Parking
No parking is required for an ADU within half a mile walk of public transit, in a historic district, or for a conversion, and garage parking lost to an ADU does not have to be replaced. Gov. Code §66322
Fire sprinklers
Sprinklers cannot be required in an ADU unless the main home is required to have them. Gov. Code §66314(d)(12)
Pre-approved plans
Every city must offer a program for pre-approved detached ADU plans, and plans matching a pre-approved design must be approved or denied within 30 days. AB 1332 (2023); Gov. Code §65852.27
Selling an ADU
Cities may choose to let owners sell an ADU separately as a condominium. It is a local opt-in, so check whether your city has adopted it. AB 1033 (2023)
Unpermitted ADUs
ADUs built without permits before 2020 can be legalized. Cities cannot deny them for code violations unless the unit is a health and safety hazard, and fees are limited. AB 2533 (2024)
Disclaimer: Information is compiled from publicly available municipal codes for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, zoning, or construction advice. Regulations change frequently. Always verify with your local planning department. Last verified: October 4, 2026. Verify with City of Inglewood Community Development Department: Planning Division

Inglewood Quick Facts

  • Max size1,000 sq ft
  • Rear setback4 ft
  • Permit timeline60 days
  • Build cost$160,000 – $330,000
  • Rental income$1,700 – $2,800/mo/mo
  • Owner occupancyNot required

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