Verified March 14, 2026

ADU Regulations in Long Beach, California

Los Angeles County · CA · Pop. 466,000

Max ADU Size

1,200

sq ft detached

Rear Setback

4 ft

Permit Timeline

30–60 days for ministerial review

Build Cost

$150,000 – $420,000

Zoning

Allowed ADU Types

Detached ADU
Attached ADU
JADU (Junior ADU)
Garage Conversion
Max per lot: 2 ADUs✓ No owner-occupancy required

Long Beach is part of the LA County metro — similar rules to Los Angeles but with local amendments

Source: City of Long Beach — ADU Program · Long Beach Municipal Code Title 21 (Zoning)

Dimensions

Size & Setback Requirements

Detached

1,200

sq ft max

JADU

500

sq ft max

Attached

50% of primary home, max 1,200 sq ft

Setbacks

front

Same as primary dwelling

side

4 ft

rear

4 ft

Max height: 16 ft detached; attached may match primary dwelling

Lot coverage: Subject to base zone lot coverage limits

ADUs within converted garages may maintain existing zero setbacks. Coastal zone properties require additional review.

Permitting

Permit Process

Department

City of Long Beach Development Services — Building & Safety

Review Timeline

30–60 days for ministerial review

Permit Fees

$4,500 – $18,000

Impact Fees

Waived for ADUs 750 sq ft and under

Required Documents

  • Permit application
  • Site plan with setback dimensions
  • Architectural drawings (floor plans, elevations)
  • Title 24 energy compliance documentation
  • Structural plans (for new construction)
  • Grading plan (if applicable)

Properties in the Coastal Zone require a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) in addition to standard building permits

Visit City of Long Beach Development Services — Building & Safety

Infrastructure

Utilities & Requirements

Solar

Required

Parking

Not required

Separate Meter

Optional

Fire Sprinklers

See note

Sewer: Connect to Long Beach Public Works sewer; connection fees apply
Fire Sprinklers: Not required unless primary dwelling is sprinklered
Parking: No additional parking required within Long Beach per state law

Southern California Edison serves most of Long Beach for electrical; panel upgrade often required for new ADU

Financials

ADU Costs in Long Beach

Typical Build Cost

$150,000 – $420,000

Cost per Sq Ft

$250 – $380

Monthly Rental

$1,700 – $3,800/mo

Property Value Added

Adds $180,000 – $350,000 to property value

Available Grants & Programs

  • CalHFA ADU Grant Program (up to $40,000)
  • LA County programs may apply to unincorporated areas near Long Beach

Coastal and near-beach neighborhoods command premium rents; areas east of the 405 typically have lower build costs

Use the free ADU Cost Calculator →

Free Service

Get Contractor Quotes in Long Beach

Connect with licensed local ADU contractors. Takes 2 minutes, no obligation.

Get Free Quotes
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: March 14, 2026. Verify with City of Long Beach Development Services — Building & Safety

Long Beach Quick Facts

  • Max size1,200 sq ft
  • Rear setback4 ft
  • Permit timeline30–60 days for ministerial review
  • Build cost$150,000 – $420,000
  • Rental income$1,700 – $3,800/mo
  • Owner occupancyNot required

Get Free Quotes

Licensed Long Beach ADU contractors, no obligation.

Get My Free Quotes

Official Source

City of Long Beach — ADU Program

Long Beach Municipal Code Title 21 (Zoning)

Last verified: March 14, 2026

Stay Updated

ADU rules change often.

Get notified when Long Beach's regulations update, plus guides on permitting and financing.