Long Beach has become a hotspot for ADU development in Southern California. The city has actively promoted ADU construction with streamlined permitting and educational resources for homeowners.
Zoning & Size Requirements
| Allowed Zones | All residential zones; R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and planned development zones |
| Max Size (Detached) | 1,200 sq ft |
| Max Size (Attached) | 1,200 sq ft or 50% of primary dwelling |
| Max Size (JADU) | 500 sq ft |
| Max Height | 25 ft |
| Max Units | 1 ADU + 1 JADU |
Setback Requirements
| Rear Setback | 4 ft |
| Side Setback | 4 ft |
| Front Setback | Per underlying zone |
| Parking Required | No parking required |
| Owner Occupancy | Not required |
| Min Lot Size | No minimum |
Permit Process & Fees
| Approval Process | Ministerial review; streamlined process |
| Review Timeline | 60 days; often 30-45 in practice |
| Permit Fees | $3,000-$10,000 |
| Impact Fees | Waived for units under 750 sq ft |
| Plan Check | Efficient review process |
| Pre-Approved Plans | Yes — city has pre-approved ADU plans |
Get Free ADU Quotes in Long Beach
Connect with pre-vetted ADU contractors in your area. Free, no obligation.
🔒 Your info is secure. We connect you with up to 3 vetted local contractors. No spam, no obligation.
Construction Costs
| Average Build Cost | $120,000-$280,000 |
| Cost per Sq Ft | $180-$330 |
| Garage Conversion | $70,000-$150,000 |
| Prefab ADU (Installed) | $90,000-$220,000 (installed) |
Finance Your ADU Project
Most ADU projects are funded through HELOCs, construction loans, or cash-out refinancing. Compare rates from top lenders in minutes.
Compare ADU Financing Options →Rental Income Potential
| Avg Rent (1 Bedroom) | $1,500-$2,100/mo |
| Avg Rent (2 Bedroom) | $1,900-$2,700/mo |
| Short-Term Rental | Allowed with business license; STR regulations apply |
| Est. Annual ROI | 7-11% annual return |
Explore Prefab ADU Options
Prefab ADUs can save 20-40% vs. traditional construction and cut build time in half. Compare top prefab manufacturers.
Compare Prefab ADUs →Recent Law Changes
What's Changed Recently
- SB 1211 (Jan 2025): Multifamily expansion
- AB 1033 (2024): Separate sale provisions
- City ADU webpage redesigned with better resources (2024)
- Pre-approved plan library updated (2024)
Tips for Building an ADU in Long Beach
- Long Beach has faster-than-average permit processing
- Pre-approved plans are a great way to fast-track your project
- Coastal zones may have additional requirements — check with the city
- Garage conversions are very popular and cost-effective in Long Beach
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Long Beach?
Yes. ADUs are allowed in All residential zones; R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4 and planned development zones in Long Beach. The maximum size for a detached ADU is 1,200 sq ft. No owner-occupancy is required.
How much does an ADU cost in Long Beach?
ADU construction in Long Beach typically costs $120,000-$280,000. Garage conversions run $70,000-$150,000, and prefab ADUs cost $90,000-$220,000 (installed).
How much can I rent an ADU for in Long Beach?
Average ADU rents in Long Beach are $1,500-$2,100/mo for a 1-bedroom and $1,900-$2,700/mo for a 2-bedroom unit.
Do I need parking for an ADU in Long Beach?
No parking required. Check with Long Beach planning department for the latest California ADU parking rules, as many states have relaxed requirements in recent years.
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Long Beach?
The permit review timeline in Long Beach is 60 days; often 30-45 in practice. Fees range from $3,000-$10,000.
Ready to Build in Long Beach?
Get free, no-obligation quotes from top-rated ADU contractors in Long Beach.
Get Free Quotes →