Studio
1 bath · 350 sq ft
Estimated from $140,000 plus site work and installation
A backyard home, designed for your lot.
Enter your address to see which of our models fit your backyard.
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Meet the ADU Program series
Four backyard homes, each drawn for Los Angeles County lots.
Why an ADU
The numbers and the rules, from the agencies that publish them.
From studio to two bedrooms plus an office
Four floor plans from 350 to 1,190 sq ft. Try any of them on your own lot, then talk to an independent builder about the details.
One Bedroom
1 bath · 500 sq ft
Estimated from $170,000 plus site work and installation
Two Bedroom
2 baths · 800 sq ft
Estimated from $265,000 plus site work and installation
Two Bedroom + Office
2 baths · 1,190 sq ft
Estimated from $355,000 plus site work and installation
Final pricing comes from your matched builder once they have seen your lot.
From your address to an estimate
Check your lot
Enter your address and see which of our models fit, placed on a satellite view of your yard.
Check my lotTalk to a pro
Tell us a little about your project and an independent builder reaches out to talk it through.
Contact usGet your estimate
Your builder looks at your lot and the model you like, then prices it with site work and installation.
Get my free estimate
Look around as long as you like. No sign-up needed.
ADU rules in plain language
What California law says about a backyard home, with the source for each. Your builder confirms what applies to your lot.
1,200 sq ft by default, 4 ft from the lot lines
Where a city has no compliant ADU rules of its own, state law allows a new detached ADU of up to 1,200 sq ft of interior living space, and local rules can allow more. A new ADU needs no more than 4 ft of setback from the side and rear lot lines, and converting an existing structure, or rebuilding one in the same place and size, needs none.
SourceHow far local limits can go
Cities and counties can set their own size caps, but not below 850 sq ft of interior livable space, or 1,000 sq ft for an ADU with more than one bedroom. Lot coverage, floor area, open space and front setback rules can't block an ADU of at least 800 sq ft with 4 ft side and rear setbacks, and height limits must allow at least 16 ft for a detached ADU.
SourceA permit decision within 60 days
An ADU permit is reviewed without a public hearing. Within 15 business days the reviewing agency must tell you whether your application is complete, then approve or deny a complete application within 60 days when a home is already on the lot.
SourceImpact fees and utility hookups
An ADU with 750 sq ft of interior livable space or less pays no impact fees to cities, counties, special districts or water companies, and a larger one pays fees in proportion to its size compared with the main home. School districts may charge fees on ADUs over 500 sq ft. A new detached ADU can be required to have its own utility connection, with a fee in proportion to its size or plumbing fixtures.
SourceNo rule that you live on site
On a lot with a single-family home, your city or county can't require you to live on the property to add an ADU. It can require that rentals run for 30 days or longer.
SourceYour city, or LA County
LA County has 88 cities, each with its own city council. In the unincorporated areas outside them, LA County Planning is the planning department. A mailing address can name a nearby city you aren't actually in, and the County's jurisdiction lookup shows which one applies.
Source
Common questions
What is ADU Program?
ADU Program is a private, independent marketing and referral platform. We don't build ADUs ourselves. We help you explore models, check your lot and price a design, then match you with independent builders who quote and build it.
What do the prices include?
Prices on this site are estimates for the ADU itself and don't include site work and installation. Your matched builder sets the final price after looking at your lot and your choices. Getting an estimate is free.
What does the lot check show?
It's a first look: it places the ADU on your lot using LA County lot lines and building outlines, and keeps typical clearances such as 4 ft from the side and rear lot lines. It doesn't check zoning, easements, slopes, trees or utilities, and the county's building outlines can miss recent changes. A pro confirms every lot.
Do you offer financing?
ADU Program doesn't lend money or make financing offers. We can share financing options that independent builders offer, and any terms come directly from them.
Start your ADU journey
Questions about your lot, a model or the cost? Send them our way and an independent builder will follow up.
Get your free estimate
A minute of your time. We only ask what a builder needs to price your ADU.