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 [1]
Yes, you can build an ADU in Long Beach. A detached ADU can be up to 1,200 sq ft under current California and Long Beach zoning rules.
| 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 | Detached: 16 ft base (18 ft near transit, on multifamily lots, or built with a new primary dwelling; +2 ft to match roof pitch). Attached: up to 25 ft, matching a two-story primary dwelling |
| Max Units | 1 ADU + 1 JADU |
Setback Requirements [1]
Long Beach requires a rear setback of about 4 ft for a detached ADU, and parking requirements vary by unit size or location. Owner-occupancy is not required — you can rent it out without living on the property.
| Rear Setback | 4 ft |
| Side Setback | 4 ft |
| Front Setback | Per underlying zone |
| Parking Required | No parking required when within 1/2 mile of transit, for conversions, or other state exemptions; otherwise state law allows up to 1 space per ADU or per bedroom, whichever is less |
| Owner Occupancy | Not required |
| Min Lot Size | No minimum |
Permit Process & Fees
An ADU permit in Long Beach typically costs $3,000-$10,000 and takes 60 days; often 30-45 in practice, through a ministerial, by-right review.
| 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 |
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Construction Costs [2][3]
Building an ADU in Long Beach typically costs $120,000-$280,000 ($180-$330 per sq ft); a garage conversion runs $70,000-$150,000.
| 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 |
Finance Your ADU Project
Most ADU projects are funded through HELOCs, construction loans, or cash-out refinancing. Compare rates from top lenders.
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Rental Income Potential [4][5]
A 2-bedroom ADU in Long Beach rents for around $1,900-$2,700/mo, an estimated 7-11% annual return.
| 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.
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Recent Law Changes
What's Changed Recently
- Data accuracy correction (2026-06-28): updated per official city/state sources following a regulatory audit.
- SB 543 (Jan 2026): ADU applications deemed approved if city fails to act within 60 days
- AB 1154 (effective Jan 1, 2026): A locality may require owner-occupancy for a JADU only if it shares a bathroom with the primary dwelling; JADUs with their own bathroom are exempt (matching detached ADU rules)
- SB 1211 in effect (2025-2026): Up to 8 detached ADUs allowed on multifamily lots statewide
- AB 1033 opt-in expanding (2026): More cities allowing separate sale of ADUs as condos
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
ADU Builders in Long Beach
Looking for an ADU builder in Long Beach? ADU projects need a contractor experienced with local zoning, the permit process, and utility connections — not every general contractor has built one. We match Long Beach homeowners with experienced local ADU contractors who provide free, no-obligation quotes. Getting at least three bids typically saves 20-40% on the same scope.
Sources & References
All data on this page is sourced from official government records and verified market data. View our full methodology.
- ADU and SB 9 Development | Long Beach Planning Department — Accessed 2026-02-24
- Angi — ADU Construction Cost Data Market Data — Accessed 2026-02-24
- Angi — Local ADU Contractor Costs Market Data — Accessed 2026-02-24
- Zillow Rental Manager — Market Rent Data Market Data — Accessed 2026-02-24
- HUD Fair Market Rents Government Data — Accessed 2026-02-24
- ADU Zoning Summary — City of Long Beach Planning Department — Accessed 2026-02-24
- California ADU Handbook — HCD Government Data — Accessed 2026-02-24
- California HCD — Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook (updated March 2026) Government Data — Accessed 2026-06-28
- CA SB 543 (2025-2026) — Accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units (full bill text) Government Data — Accessed 2026-06-28
Frequently Asked Questions
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