License: No. #1076712
Menu
Discover what you can build in the City of Culver City. This city guide covers essential ADU regulations and zoning laws to help you navigate the process and make informed decisions for your property.
You can build one ADU on single-family property in Culver City, as well as convert one existing space within the primary dwelling unit to a JADU.
You can build up to two ADUs on multifamily property in Culver City, as well as convert as many existing non-habitable spaces within the structure as feasible into additional ADUs.
In Culver City, a detached ADU can be a maximum of 1,200 square feet.
In Culver City, an attached ADU can be a maximum of 1,200 square feet or 50% of the primary dwelling unit size, whichever is smaller..
In Culver City, an ADU is usually limited in height to 16 feet. However, if the ADU is positioned over an existing structure, like a garage, or part of a two-story structure, specific zoning rules may allow for a taller ADU.
Yes, you are allowed to build a 2-story ADU in Culver City, but the standard 16-foot height restriction is usually insufficient for a viable 2-story building. If zoning variances allow for a greater height limit, a 2-story ADU may be much more feasible.
Since only one ADU is allowed per single-family property in Culver City, it is not possible to get approval for two ADUs stacked on top of each other, one on each story. For multifamily property, which allows up to two detached ADUs, these ADUs can be stacked on top of each other, with one on each story, but height restrictions still apply. If you don’t qualify for an exception to the standard 16-foot height limit, it will be hard to design and permit a viable two-story structure.
Since only one ADU is allowed per single-family property in Culver City, it is not possible to get approval for two ADUs attached to each other. However, since you can build up to two detached ADUs on multifamily property, you can get approval for two ADUs detached from the main structure but attached to each other into one big structure as long as all other zoning and building rules are observed.
No, a JADU by definition is built into existing space within the primary dwelling unit. It would be a contradiction in terms to have a JADU attached to an ADU.
Yes, you are allowed to build an ADU with a roof deck in Culver City. However, keep in mind that the required safety railing will count towards the total height limit of the ADU. The minimum safety railing height on a roof deck in California is 42 inches.
Culver City requires that new ADUs generally conform to the external appearance of the main dwelling unit — color, material, roof pitch, roofline, door and window style, and other general characteristics to help the ADU blend in with the primary dwelling unit and the rest of the neighborhood.
Culver City requires 4-foot rear and side setbacks for new ADUs. ADUs built into existing structures are exempt from setback requirements.
ADUs in Culver City must maintain a minimum of 5 feet of separation from other structures.
No, ADUs cannot be permitted for the front yard in Culver City.
Culver City allows in-person submission of building plans, but you can also submit plans online via the Culver City Citizens Portal.
Culver City may require a soils report for ADU permitting if the ADU will be located on a hillside, an area with significant grading, or if there are special foundation requirements.
While not setting a percentage, Culver City requires that property maintain “sufficient” open and permeable space on the lot. The front yard must be at least 50% permeable, but this doesn’t apply to ADUs since an ADU cannot be built in a front yard.
Plans must be submitted to the Culver City Department of Building & Development. They must then be reviewed by a variety of departments to check for compliance with the California Building Code, zoning, fire safety, and Title 24 energy standards. The plans may be returned several times for questions, corrections, and revisions. The process takes approximately 4-6 weeks.
Culver City requires that residential property include at least one extra parking space per ADU. However, the additional parking requirement may be waived if any of the following apply:
If a new parking space is required, it can be located in the rear or side yard, or in the driveway. Tandem parking is allowed, and the parking space does not need to be covered.
Per California state law, solar panels of appropriate size and capacity are mandatory on new-construction ADUs. ADUs built from converted existing structures are exempt. Smaller ADUs may be subject to reduced or modified solar panel requirements.
An ADU is not required to have a separate water or electrical meter. You can opt for the ADU to share service with the main dwelling unit. However, you can request separate water or electrical meters from the City of Culver City.
Culver City does not automatically assign a new ADU its own address. However, it may assign the ADU a new address if it is intended for rental or independent occupancy.
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. Culver City may require LID fees for larger ADUs.
Culver City does not allow residents to use an ADU as an Airbnb or short-term rental (30 days or less).
Culver City does not impose rent control on dwellings constructed after February 1, 1995. This means most new-build ADUs are exempt. However, if the primary dwelling unit is subject to rent control, it might apply to the ADU as well.
While encouraging the use of electric appliances for efficiency and sustainability, Culver City does not prohibit gas appliances in new ADUs.
In Culver City you are only required to install sprinklers in a new ADU if the primary dwelling unit has them as well. You may also be required to install them if the ADU is located within a special fire hazard zone.