ADUs in Long Beach, CA
ADU Homes is building accessory dwelling units in your neighborhood!
Whether it’s called a granny flat, casita, backyard home, carriage house, in-law unit, or guest house, an ADU is a small home, built right on your property, that can make a huge impact on your life:
- Generate rental income and boost your property’s value
- Give adult children a private living space while saving money
- Create a comfortable home for elderly family members to stay close by
- A versatile space that can be used as an office, rec room, artist studio; the possibilities are endless
LONG BEACH ADUs
Long Beach is one of the many cities in California that is encouraging the building of ADUs, and ADU Homes is the local expert. We’re dedicated to building thoughtfully designed accessory dwelling units at an affordable price for homeowners, on time and on budget. That’s our mission.
WHAT MAKES OUR
COMPANY DIFFERENT
What makes our company different is our fixed, all-inclusive pricing model and our completion date promise so you know exactly how much your new ADU will cost and when it will be finished.
Our unique design and construction approach greatly simplifies the entire process for homeowners – from design and plan check submittal to permitting and construction.
No time-consuming meetings with architects and contractors.
No cost overrun surprises during construction.
No frustrating delays.
That’s our promise.
WHAT OUR CLIENTS ARE SAYING!
THE ADU
MOVEMENT
ADU’s can serve different uses depending on one’s needs. They can serve as a home for an elderly parent who needs to be closer to family or a private living space for a recent college graduate returning home trying to save for their own home. ADUs can also be used as a rental unit for additional income or as a guest house for family and friends when visiting.
LET'S GET STARTED!
Interested in knowing if an ADU can be built on your property?
Provide us with a few details, and we'll prepare a complimentary ADU Analysis tailored to your property, needs, goals, and budget. This analysis, which typically takes a couple of days, will include a comprehensive property review, recommended ADU floor plan options, estimated costs, and projected timelines. Once it's complete, we'll schedule a call to review our findings with you.
Having analyzed hundreds of properties in Long Beach, we're confident we can help you too.
01
RENTAL INCOME
Generate rental income and boost your property's value
02
ELDERLY PARENT
Create a comfortable, nearby home for elderly family members
03
YOUNG ADULT
Give young adults a private space while saving money
04
GUEST HOUSE
Offer friends and family a stylish guest house
How to Build an ADU in Long Beach: A Step-by-Step Guide
Building an ADU in Long Beach is easier than ever, thanks to streamlined permitting processes and relaxed regulations.
Here’s how ADU Homes can help you bring your ADU project to life
Step 1:
Initial Site Assessment
We begin with a free virtual evaluation of your property. This assessment includes a review of your lot size, zoning district, setback requirements, and utilities access, ensuring your project complies with Long Beach ADU zoning regulations.
Step 2: Design and Planning
Our expert design team works closely with you to craft an ADU that suits your vision and needs, whether it’s for rental income or a family living space. We handle everything from floor plans to architectural drawings, ensuring compliance with Long Beach's ADU size limits and other local requirements.
Step 3: Permitting
Navigating the permitting process can be daunting, but we’ve got you covered. We handle the submission of your ADU plans to the Long Beach planning department, ensuring all required documents are in order. Most permits are reviewed within 60 days, so you can get your project started as quickly as possible.
Step 4: Construction
Once your permits are approved, we begin the construction phase. Our team specializes in site-built ADUs, and construction typically takes between 3 and 6 months depending on the design and project scope. We also offer eco-friendly options, ensuring your ADU is as efficient as possible.
Step 5: Final Inspection & Handover
After construction is complete, we schedule a final walkthrough with the homeowner to ensure everything meets expectations. Once everything is confirmed, we hand over the keys, and your ADU is ready for use!
Long Beach ADU Zoning and Regulations
Navigating local zoning and ADU regulations is crucial to a smooth project. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements specific to Long Beach ADUs:
- Size Limits: Long Beach allows ADUs to be up to 1,200 sq. ft. Detached ADUs are ideal for maximizing privacy, while attached ADUs can be up to 50% of the primary residence square footage.
- Setback Requirements: Side and rear setbacks are 4 feet from the property line.
- Parking: Parking requirements are waived if your ADU is within ½ mile of public transit.
- Permitting: The City of Long Beach has streamlined its ADU approval process, reducing the typical review time to around 60 days. Homeowners also have the option of expediting for an additional fee.
Our award-winning design team at ADU Homes are experts in designing ADUs and navigating the permitting process in the city of Long Beach resulting in significantly faster plan check timeframe that leads to your ADU being completed quicker.
Building an ADU isn’t just about adding space—it’s an investment that can pay off in the short and long term. Here’s how:
- Rental Income: With Long Beach’s high demand for rental housing, rental rates for a one-bedroom ADU can range from $2,200 to $2,800, providing a steady income stream.
- Return on Investment (ROI): Adding an ADU to your property typically increases its overall value significantly. Beyond rental income, an ADU adds long-term value by boosting property resale value. Unlike traditional investments such as stocks, which can fluctuate with market volatility, or CDs, which offer lower returns, an ADU provides a tangible asset that not only appreciates over time but also generates consistent cash flow.
- Financing Options: ADU Homes can help you explore financing options, including home equity loans, cash-out refinancing, and ADU-specific financing programs designed for Long Beach homeowners.
Building an ADU is one of the smartest ways to increase property value while also generating extra income or creating a private living space for family members.
FINANCIAL BENEFITS
OF BUILDING AN ADU IN LONG BEACH
Building ADUs in Long Beach’s Neighborhoods
Long Beach is a diverse city with a variety of colorful neighborhoods. Below are some neighborhoods in which ADUs are very popular. Our deep understanding of historical architecture and the review process allows us to seamlessly integrate ADUs into Long Beach’s historic neighborhoods, ensuring that new construction aligns with preservation guidelines while enhancing property value.
California Heights
California Heights, known for its historic homes, offers a unique opportunity to blend old charm with modern functionality through ADUs. Homeowners here are building ADUs to increase property value while maintaining the character of the neighborhood.
Bixby Knolls
In Bixby Knolls, ADUs can provide extra living space for multi-generational families. With spacious lots, this neighborhood is ideal for homeowners wanting to expand their property with an ADU.
Rose Park
Rose Park is a popular historic neighborhood, known for its Craftsman and California Bungalow homes. The area is named after the circular rose garden at its center and is a designated historic district.
Wrigley
In Wrigley, spacious lots make this neighborhood ideal for adding detached ADUs or converting existing garage spaces. ADU construction here is popular for both rental income and family housing.
Bluff Heights
Famous for its Craftsman-style homes, Bluff Heights is a historic district that showcases homes dating back to the early 1900s. It offers a blend of Craftsman Bungalows and Spanish Revival homes.
Our expertise in Long Beach allows us to tailor your ADU project to match your area's unique character and maximize its potential.
Alamitos Heights
In Alamitos Heights, homeowners benefit from larger lot sizes, perfect for building detached ADUs. This neighborhood provides flexibility for creating family living spaces or rental units while adding significant value to the property.
Downtown Long Beach
Downtown Long Beach is a high-demand area for rental units. Building an ADU here can be a profitable investment, as the neighborhood’s density and proximity to public transportation make it an attractive location for renters.
Lakewood Village
Lakewood Village is a great location for families looking to expand their homes with ADUs. The neighborhood’s suburban setting and larger lots provide ample space for building private guesthouses or rental units.
Stearns Park
Stearns Park is known for its spacious properties, and homeowners here are capitalizing on the area’s potential for ADU construction. Whether you’re adding an ADU for rental income or extra family space, Stearns Park offers the flexibility to design an ADU that fits your lifestyle.
Los Altos
Los Altos is a suburban neighborhood where many homeowners are building ADUs to accommodate aging parents or adult children. Its large lots make it ideal for detached ADUs, and the demand for rental units in this area is growing, making it a smart investment opportunity.
The Plaza
The Plaza neighborhood offers homeowners the chance to build ADUs in a quiet, residential setting. Known for its family-friendly environment, Plaza is perfect for those who want to add a backyard ADU to house relatives or generate rental income.
Frequently Asked Questions About Building an ADU in Long Beach
Zoning, Costs, and Regulations Explained
Covering the most common ADU questions in Long Beach:
Q: Can I build an ADU in my neighborhood?
A: Yes! Long Beach allows ADUs in all residential zones, and the permitting process is faster than ever thanks to state laws that encourage ADU construction.
Q: How much does it cost to build an ADU in Long Beach?
A: Our construction costs typically range from $190,000 to $375,000, depending on size and design. Our ADUs are built on-site, which allows us to customize the design to meet your needs.
Q: Do I need a parking space for my ADU?
A: No parking is required for the ADU if your property is within a ½ mile of public transit.
Q: How long does it take to build an ADU in Long Beach?
A: From design to completion, our ADU projects our typically completed within 6 to 8 months depending on the scope of the ADU design.
ZONING
All properties zoned for single-family and multi-family use may be eligible to build ADUs.
NUMBER OF UNITS
The number of ADUs you’re able to build depends on how your lot is zoned:
- Lots zoned for single family use may add 1 ADU and 1 Jr. ADU (JADU).
- Lots zoned for multi-family may add 2 new detached ADUs and at least one conversion ADU (interior conversion of existing building, but no more than 25% of the original number of units. (e.g. an apartment with 4 units may add 2 detached ADUs and 1 conversion ADU.)
BUILDING SIZE
- JADU: max size 500 sf
- Detached ADU: max size 1000 sf
- Attached ADU: 50% of primary residence or 800 sf
- Multi-family property ADU: max size 1200 sf
BUILDING HEIGHT
- Detached ADU: max height 24 - 25 ft
- Attached ADU: same as primary residence
- Multi-family property ADU: max height 25 ft and 2 stories
SETBACKS
- Side yard setback: 4 ft
- Rear yard setback: 4 ft
PARKING
State Law - No requirements for parking if any of the following true:
- The accessory dwelling unit is located within one-half mile walking distance of public transit.
- The accessory dwelling unit is located within an architecturally and historically significant historic district.
- The accessory dwelling unit is part of the proposed or existing primary residence or an accessory structure.
- When on-street parking permits are required but not offered to the occupant of the accessory dwelling unit.
- When there is a car share vehicle located within one block of the accessory dwelling unit.
