Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Beverly Hills: A Comprehensive Homeowner’s Guide

Overview of ADUs in Beverly Hills

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are independent residential units located on the same property as a primary home. Beverly Hills allows ADUs in all residential and mixed-use zones with an existing or proposed residence. These units are ideal for in-laws, long-term rentals, or adult children. ADUs must be rented long-term and cannot be sold separately.

Zoning & Eligibility

ADUs are allowed on any residentially-zoned or mixed-use lot with a home. This includes single-family (R-1) and multi-family (R-2, R-3, R-4) zones. There is no minimum lot size. Larger lots (13,000+ sq. ft.) may qualify for an additional Incentive ADU (IADU).

Types of ADUs Allowed

• Attached ADU: Built onto the main house.
• Detached ADU: Standalone structure in the backyard.
• Conversion ADU: Converted from an existing garage, basement, or accessory structure.
• Junior ADU (JADU): Up to 500 sq. ft., created within the existing home footprint.
• Incentive ADU (IADU): Additional 800 sq. ft. ADU allowed on large single-family lots.

Size & Floor Area Rules

Maximum ADU size depends on lot type and location:

• Flats – North of Santa Monica Blvd: Up to 1,400 sq. ft.
• Flats – South of Santa Monica Blvd: Up to 1,200 sq. ft.
• Hillside Area: Up to 1,400 sq. ft. (within remaining FAR)
• Trousdale Estates: Max 850 sq. ft. (1-bed) or 1,000 sq. ft. (2-bed)
• Minimum: Guaranteed 800 sq. ft. by-right per state law

Basements are excluded from FAR calculations. Converted structures are limited to their original size plus 150 sq. ft. for access.

Height & Setback Standards

• Central Area (Flats): Detached ADU can be 22 ft (south of SMB) or 25 ft (north of SMB)
• Hillsides/Trousdale: State minimum 16 ft (or 18 ft near transit)
• Estate Lots: Can match height of main home if built within buildable area
• Setbacks: 4 ft side/rear (0 ft if bordering an alley); no ADUs in front yard

ADU Parking Requirements

One off-street parking space per ADU, unless:

• Located within ½ mile of public transit
• Converted from existing space
• In a historic district
• On-site car-share is available

No replacement parking required for garages converted to ADUs. Tandem and setback parking are allowed.

Rental & Occupancy Rules

• No owner-occupancy requirement for ADUs until 2025 (unless it’s a JADU)
• JADUs require owner to live on-site
• Rental minimum: 30+ days for ADUs, 1-year lease for IADUs
• No short-term rentals or separate sale of ADUs
• Mandatory covenant: Deed restriction required after permit approval

Design Guidelines

All ADUs must meet these standards:

• Windows within 10 ft of property line must be high or awning style with frosted glass
• No rooftop decks or balconies above 3 ft
• ADU must have its own entrance
• Design compatibility encouraged but not mandatory
• Historic properties must follow Secretary of Interior’s standards

Permit Process

1. Research zoning & lot specifics
2. Optional consultation with Planning Department
3. Hire a designer or use Preapproved ADU Program
4. Submit electronic application and plans
5. Undergo plan review (Planning, Building, Fire, Public Works)
6. Receive permit and build ADU
7. Pass final inspection and record deed restriction

Special Zones: Trousdale, Hillside, Historic

Additional considerations apply to these areas:

• Trousdale: Size capped at 1,000 sq. ft. max, single-story preferred
• Hillside: 16–18 ft height limit, may need geo/soil reports
• Historic Properties: Must preserve character, possibly reviewed by preservation officer

Examples & Case Studies

Recent ADU trends in Beverly Hills include:

• Garage conversions in the Flats (1–2 bed ADUs)
• Pool cabana ADUs in Trousdale
• Detached 1,200 sq. ft. ADUs with alley access
• Multi-family apartments adding 2–3 ADUs from storage/basement areas

City Resources & Contacts

• Preapproved ADU Program
• Beverly Hills ADU Information Page
• Email Planning: [email protected]
• Call City Planning: (310) 285-1141
• Beverly Hills Municipal Code