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]
| 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 [1]
| 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 |
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Construction Costs [2][3]
| 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]
| 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
- 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
- Unpermitted ADU amnesty program extended through 2026 for retroactive permits
- New state-funded ADU grant program: Up to $40K for low-income homeowners (2026)
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
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
- HomeAdvisor — 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
Frequently Asked Questions
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