Los Angeles ADU Setback Requirements

Los Angeles ADU setback requirements are just one aspect of the zoning code. Your project proposals might not get approved if you don’t fit within the city’s zoning code. However, by understanding the basic zoning laws, you can ensure your new construction or remodel meets all applicable requirements and make your project eligible for a site plan review with the appropriate city department.

If you’re planning on building an ADU, there are some things you need to know about Los Angeles ADU setback requirements, setbacks for parking, and setbacks for fuel storage. While some of these rules and regulations are subject to change, there are still plenty of things you’ll want to keep in mind when designing your ADU project. Also, you can contact our ADU contractor in Los Angeles for more details.

What Is A Setback?

Let’s first go over what a setback is before we can talk about setback requirements in Los Angeles.

A setback is simply the distance between a structure and the property line. There are various setbacks, such as a front yard setback or a zoning setback for a side or rear yard.

It specifies how much space must be left between a dwelling and a curb, property line, or other structure.

Local governments create setbacks through ordinances, zoning restrictions, and building codes, usually for public policy reasons such as safety, privacy, and environmental protection.

Los Angeles Setback Requirements And Rules

The space between the property boundary and the main building is referred to as a yard in the Los Angeles zoning code. The use of this area is limited to gardening, storage, and maintenance of the property. If you need more space for a garden or yard, consider purchasing an additional lot or building another structure on your property.

To Build An ADU, You Must Also Follow These Guidelines:

• In single-family and two-family zones, a front yard setback runs typically from 15 to 25 feet or the setback must be equal to the average setback along the street)
• ADUs built new must-have 4-foot side and rear yard setbacks.
• Rear yard setback of 15 feet
• Rear-yard detached garages and decks are allowed in yard areas, but there are also restrictions on their position, height, and size
• On the front half of the lot, detached ADUs are not permitted unless placed at least 55 feet from the front line.
• Side yard setback of 5 feet
• The city requires any new home to have a setback of at least 15 feet from the property line unless a waiver of this requirement can be obtained.
• the setback must not exceed 50% of the lot size.
• there must be no more than two homes on an entire lot (one house per lot).
• no houses may be built closer than 30 feet from a public road.
• The minimum height of the building’s construction must be 3 feet in the front and 6 feet in the back.
• The building must have a minimum setback of 12 feet from the property line.

How Do You Calculate Setbacks?

When setback averaging is allowed in a zone, One must follow the following guidelines to calculate the average setback needed.

• The required average setback for the zone multiplied by the averageable width yields the square footage that makes up the average area of the setback.
• The minimum width of a driveway running along the side of the building and the mandatory side setbacks are not considered for determining the averageable width in residential zones.
• Building lines must stay at least as far from other structures as allowed by the zone in which they are located.
• The average width in commercial and non-residential zones must match the building width.
• The total required area of the average setback cannot include any portion of a setback area that exceeds the required average setback dimension by more than six (6) feet.
• Setback zones must be free of obstructions from the ground to the sky, except for permitted building projections allowed under.

Importance Of Los Angeles ADU Setback Requirements

Understanding the importance of setbacks in Los Angeles and how to comply with their rules will help you get the most out of your property and make it inviting for everyone.

Here are some reasons why setbacks are important for any ADU project.

FAQs