License: No. #1076712
Discover what you can build in the City of Lakewood. This city guide covers essential ADU regulations and zoning laws to help you navigate the process and make informed decisions for your property.
You are allowed to put one attached or detached ADU on single-family property in Lakewood, as well as one JADU.
No more than two detached ADUs may be constructed on a multifamily lot in Lakewood.
An detached ADU can be up to 1,200 square feet in Lakewood.
An attached ADU in Lakewood can be up to 1,000 square feet, or 50% of the square footage of the primary dwelling unit, whichever is smaller.
In Lakewood, an ADU is limited to 16 feet of height.
Due to height restrictions, 2-story ADUs are not allowed in Lakewood.
Generally speaking, in Lakewood detached ADUs cannot be stacked one on top of another, with one ADU on each story. Only one detached ADU is allowed on single-family property, and even on multifamily property height restrictions would prohibiti such a design.
Lakewood rules do not specify whether two detached ADUs can be attached together within one structure, nor does California state law. Keep in mind that only multifamily property is allowed to have two detached ADUs on one property; single-family property is limited to one detached ADU. Plans might get approved on multifamily property for two ADUs in one detached structure, but other ordinances for landscaping, setbacks, and separation. In practice, it is rare.
No, a JADU is defined as an 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.
An ADU must match or harmonize with the exterior of the main dwelling unit, including color palette, roof pitch, architectural style, and other aesthetic characteristics.
ADUs behind the primary dwelling unit in Lakewood require a minimum of 4-foot side and rear setbacks.
The ADU must maintain sufficient distance from other structures on the property to comply with fire regulations — usually at least 4 or as much as 6 feet of separation between buildings.
City regulations do not explicitly prohibit an ADU in the front yard, but in practice it is very difficult, since the ADU must comply with front and side setback, building, landscaping, and aesthetic requirements.
No, Lakewood allows online submission of plans. You will need to submit your plans via the L.A. County Department of Public Works Building and Safety Online Plan Check (BSOP) website.
Lakewood may require a soils report for ADU permitting to make sure the soil can support the new structure, especially if the ADU will be located on a hillside, an area with significant grading, or if there are special foundation requirements.
Specific requirements are not mentioned in the building code, but the building plans must allow for sufficient green space and permeable landscaping surface.
The plan check requires a review by the Building and Safety Division within the Community Development Department for zoning, building standards, and safety compliance. The process takes approximately 4-6 weeks.
One new parking spot is typically required to be added to the lot per new ADU. However, exemptions may apply if:
If a parking space must be added, it can be included on the driveway or any setback areas, and it may be configured as tandem parking.
Per Title 24 of the California Energy Code, solar panels of appropriate size and capacity are mandatory on new-construction ADUs. ADUs built from converted existing structures are exempt, as may be ADUs located under significant shading. 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 Lakewood.
Lakewood 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. The ADU will usually get a “½” designation — for example, an ADU located behind 1234 Pine Street would have the address “1234½ Pine 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 Lakewood may require LID fees for larger ADUs.
No, Airbnbs and other short-term rentals of any kind are not allowed in Lakewood.
Per the Costa-Hawkins Act of 1995, Lakewood 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, Lakewood does not prohibit gas appliances in new ADUs as long as all relevant installation and safety standards are met.
In Lakewood 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.
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