Los Angeles · ADU
How long does ADU permitting take in Los Angeles in 2026?
Published 2026-05-25 · Reviewed by Dror Gigi, Co-Founder
Short answer
A custom-design ADU permit in Los Angeles takes 4 to 8 months in 2026, with 2 to 3 plan-check revision rounds typical. Using an LADBS Standard Plan compresses that to 3 to 4 weeks. SB 1211 (effective January 1, 2025) requires the City to complete an initial completeness review within 15 business days of submittal.
The headline number depends entirely on whether you use a custom design or an LADBS Standard Plan. The two paths produce very different timelines and very different fee envelopes.
Custom design permit path: 4 to 8 months
- Pre-submittal site walk and zoning check: 1 to 2 weeks
- Architectural plans, structural engineering, Title 24 energy compliance: 6 to 10 weeks
- Initial LADBS submittal and 15-business-day completeness review (mandatory under SB 1211): about 3 weeks
- First plan check round: 4 to 8 weeks
- Revisions and resubmittal (typically 2 to 3 rounds): 4 to 12 weeks
- Final permit issuance and fee payment: 1 to 2 weeks
LADBS Standard Plan path: 3 to 4 weeks
The LADBS ADU Standard Plan Program offers 20-plus pre-approved designs (studios, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, in detached and attached configurations). Plan check is bypassed because the design has already cleared review. The homeowner pays a plan modification fee and provides a site-specific plot plan. Issuance typically lands inside 4 weeks.
What SB 1211 changed (effective January 1, 2025)
- LADBS must issue a written completeness determination within 15 business days of submittal
- Once deemed complete, the City has 60 days to approve or deny on subsequent rounds
- Local agencies cannot require utility hookup fees beyond the proportionate share for ADUs sharing service with the primary dwelling
- Fee schedules must be published with sufficient detail to estimate total project fees in advance
How to shorten the timeline
- Use a Standard Plan if your lot accommodates one. The 3-month time savings is usually worth the design constraint.
- Submit a complete package the first time. Missing energy calcs, missing soils report on sloped lots, or missing site survey are the top three causes of completeness rejection.
- Pay for an LADBS expediter consultation if you have a constrained or hillside lot. The $1,500 to $3,000 fee typically saves one plan-check round.
- Start LADWP service upgrade application the day you submit, not the day permits issue. Service upgrades run 8 to 14 weeks in parallel.