License: No. #1076712
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Discover what you can build in the City of Carson. This city guide covers essential ADU regulations and zoning laws to help you navigate the process and make informed decisions for your property.
On single-family residential lots in Carson, you may build one ADU, either attached or detached, on your property. You can also build up to one JADU into the existing primary residence.
Multifamily property owners in Alhambra may convert at least one ADU, and additional ADUs not to exceed a maximum number equal to 25% of the existing units out of existing uninhabitable space. Ergo:
No more than two detached ADUs may be constructed on a multifamily lot in Carson.
A detached ADU can be a maximum of 1,200 square feet in Carson, or up to 60% of the size of the main dwelling unit, whichever is smaller.
In Carson, an attached ADUs can be up to 50% of the existing living area of the main dwelling unit, to a maximum of 1,000 square feet.
In Carson, an ADU must be a maximum of 16 feet high unless granted a special exemption by the city.
Two-story ADUs can be permitted in Carson, but they must follow height requirements. Without a special exemption, ADUs are limited to 16 feet. 16 feet is usually too low for two-story buildings, which typically require at least 18 feet.
It is difficult to build “stacked” ADUs (a two-story structure with one ADU on each floor) in Carson. Residential property can only be permitted for one ADU, meaning a second ADU to stack on top of the first one will not be permitted. Multifamily property can be permitted for up to two detached ADUs, but the standard height limitation of 16 feet for detached ADUs usually makes a two-story structure infeasible.
Residential property can only be permitted for one ADU, so you will probably not be permitted for two ADUs, attached to each other or otherwise. However, multifamily property can be permitted for up to two detached ADUs, and it is possible to design those two ADUs to be attached to each other within one new structure.
No, a JADU is defined as a small ADU converted from existing space within the main structure of the primary dwelling unit. As such, it cannot be attached to an ADU.
Generally roof decks would be permitted on an ADU, but must meet the height restrictions for the zone. Roof decks cannot encroach into the required setbacks. As a rule of thumb, railings and access staircases above 42″ need to be included in height calculations.
Carson makes no mention of specific requirements for the exterior of the ADU. However, general guidance is that the exterior roofing, trim, walls, windows and the color palette of the ADU shall incorporate the same features as the primary dwelling unit.
A detached ADU in Carson requires a minimum four-foot side and rear setback.
A detached ADU in Carson requires a minimum ten feet of separation from any existing structure.
ADUs can generally not be permitted in the front yard of a home in Carson.
Yes, the City of Carson requires you submit your ADU plans in person to the Carson Planning Division.
California building codes say you need a soils report if your ADU project involves:
The Long Beach Community Development division might ask for a soils report even if your project doesn’t fit those exact situations.
The City of Carson requires homes to maintain 50% of their front yards as green space, but since ADUs usually cannot be permitted for front yards, this doesn’t affect most ADU plans. Carson does not specify strict requirements for green space or permeable hardscapes in backyards, but residents are encouraged to mind green space and make a significant portion of any hardscapes permeable.
To start the plan check process, you’ll need to submit your ADU plans in-person to the city’s Planning Division.
The length of the plan check depends. It can take anywhere from 60 to 90 days to get your plans approved as they move from one department to the next. This can depend on how busy the city is, if your plans have any issues, and how many corrections you may have to make.
Carson requires that you add one new parking space to your property per ADU. However, several exemptions have been put in place to make it easier to add an ADU. You need not add parking when any of the following apply:
If more parking must be added, it can be placed within the required setbacks. Tandem parking is allowed, unless otherwise restricted by special rules.
Most newly constructed ADUs must comply with California Title 24 Building and Energy Efficiency Standards. If you submitted your permit application later than January 1, 2020, this means you must provide solar panels on new ADUs to offset their reliance on the grid. This does not necessarily mean the solar panels need to be installed on the ADU itself. They can be installed on the primary dwelling unit or a new or existing array.
Some exemptions may apply to certain ADUs. Possible exemptions include:
No, a separate electric and water meter is not required for an ADU. However, you may request one from the city.
Not necessarily. An ADU can be permitted under the existing address. If you want your ADU to have its own address, you can apply to the Mapping and Property Management Division (MPM) for a “½” address designation. In other words, if your address is 1234 Elm Street, your ADU could have a separate address of “1234½ Elm Street.”
Low Impact Development (LID) is an approach to land development or redevelopment that seeks to preserve and conserve onsite water quality and natural features, with minimal detrimental effect to local waterways and ecosystems. The City of Carson may require LID fees for larger ADUs.
Operating an ADU as an Airbnb or short-term rental is prohibited by the City of Carson.
Any ADU built within the last 15 years is exempt from rent control. The City of Carson limits rent increases to 3% per year for older, non-rent-controlled buildings. Newly-constructed ADUs are usually exempt.
You can use gas appliances in an ADU in the City of Carson as long as all building codes, safety standards, and installation guidelines are adhered to. The proper permits must be obtained, and requirements for safety and ventilation observed.
You are not required to put fire sprinklers in your ADU if the main dwelling unit is not required by law to have fire sprinklers.