Can I build an ADU in Rancho Palos Verdes, California?
Yes. Rancho Palos Verdes approves ADUs ministerially (no hearing) within 60 days of a complete application. Under the standard rules a single-family lot can have one ADU and one junior ADU (JADU); a detached ADU can be up to 850 sq ft (1,000 sq ft with more than one bedroom) and 16 ft tall, with side and rear setbacks of no more than 4 ft. The code's state-exemption rules also guarantee a new detached ADU of up to 800 sq ft, and state law may allow more units than the standard one-plus-one limit.
| Where allowed | Any lot zoned for single-family or multifamily homes with an existing or proposed dwelling [1] |
| Number per single-family lot | One ADU and one JADU (standard rules); state-exemption rules add a new detached ADU up to 800 sq ft [2] |
| Side and rear setback (new ADU) | No more than 4 feet; none for a converted existing structure [3] |
| Max size, detached ADU | 850 sq ft, or 1,000 sq ft with more than one bedroom [4] |
| Max size, attached ADU | Lesser of 50% of the main house floor area, 850 sq ft (1 bedroom) or 1,000 sq ft (2+ bedrooms) [5] |
| Max height, detached ADU | 16 feet (18 ft near major transit; +2 ft for matching roof pitch) [6] |
| Parking | 1 space, waived within 1/2 mile of transit and other cases [7] |
| Max JADU size | 500 sq ft, within the house [9] |
| Owner-occupancy | Not required for an ADU; local code requires it for a JADU (state law may limit this to JADUs sharing a bathroom) [8] |
| Approval timeline | Ministerial decision within 60 days of a complete application [11] |
Where and how many
These rules come from Chapter 17.10 as last amended in June 2024; state ADU law has changed since, so confirm current standards with Planning.
An ADU is allowed on any lot zoned for single-family or multifamily homes that has an existing or proposed house [1]. Under the standard rules a single-family lot can have one ADU and one JADU [2]. Separately, the code's "state exemption" section requires the city to approve a converted ADU and a JADU inside existing space, and one new detached ADU of up to 800 sq ft with 4-foot side and rear setbacks that may be combined with a JADU [12]. State law (Gov. Code §66323) is generally read to allow a converted ADU, a JADU and a detached ADU together, so it may override the one-ADU limit. Starting January 1, 2027, state law (AB 956) will require approval of two new detached ADUs on a single-family lot.
Size, height and setbacks
A new ADU needs no more than 4 feet from the side and rear lot lines, and a converted existing structure needs no setback [3]. A detached ADU can be up to 850 sq ft, or 1,000 sq ft with more than one bedroom [4]. An attached ADU is capped at the lesser of 50% of the main house's floor area or those same limits [5], but the code says its size and lot-coverage rules can't prevent an 800 sq ft ADU with 4-foot side and rear setbacks [14]. Detached ADUs are limited to 16 feet, with 18 feet allowed near a major transit stop and 2 extra feet for a roof pitch that matches the house [6].
Parking
One parking space is required, but none is needed within half a mile walking distance of a public transit stop or in several other cases [7]. A garage converted or demolished for an ADU doesn't have to be replaced.
Junior ADUs and occupancy
A JADU is up to 500 sq ft and must be built within the walls of the house, which can include an attached garage [9]. The code makes owner-occupancy mandatory for a JADU [8]. State law now allows owner-occupancy only for a JADU that shares a bathroom with the house, so state law may override that provision. ADUs and JADUs can't be sold separately from the house or used as short-term rentals.
Approval
ADUs meeting these standards get ministerial approval of a site plan review by the director [10]. A complete application not acted on within 60 days is deemed approved [11]. In the coastal zone a coastal permit still applies, but with no public hearing.
Next steps
- Download the ADU & JADU Development Submittal Checklist and decide whether your project fits the standard ADU rules or the state exemption rules.
- Submit a Uniform Planning Application (signed by the owner) for a Major Site Plan Review to the Planning Division, (310) 544-5228, with a stamped survey, topography, floor, roof and elevation plans, and fees.
- Submit a Building & Safety Plan Check Application and construction plans to the Building & Safety Division, (310) 544-5280.
- Consider the city's Pre-Approved Standard ADU Plans Program for a new detached state-exemption ADU to speed up review.
- Before final occupancy, record the city's use covenant (ADU) or deed restriction (JADU) with the county recorder.
Common questions
- Can I build an ADU in Rancho Palos Verdes, California?
- Yes. An ADU is allowed on any lot zoned for single-family or multifamily homes with an existing or proposed house, and the city approves ADUs ministerially, with no hearing, within 60 days of a complete application. In the coastal zone a coastal permit still applies, but with no public hearing.
- How big can an ADU be in Rancho Palos Verdes, California?
- A detached ADU can be up to 850 sq ft, or 1,000 sq ft with more than one bedroom. An attached ADU is capped at the lesser of 50% of the main house's floor area or those limits, but the code can't prevent an 800 sq ft ADU with 4-foot side and rear setbacks. A JADU is up to 500 sq ft.
- How many ADUs can I have in Rancho Palos Verdes, California?
- Under the standard rules a single-family lot can have one ADU and one junior ADU. The code's state-exemption rules also guarantee a new detached ADU of up to 800 sq ft, and state law may allow more units than the standard one-plus-one limit.
- How tall can a detached ADU be in Rancho Palos Verdes, California?
- Detached ADUs are limited to 16 feet, with 18 feet allowed near a major transit stop and 2 extra feet for a roof pitch that matches the house. New ADUs need side and rear setbacks of no more than 4 feet.
- Can I rent my ADU on Airbnb in Rancho Palos Verdes, California?
- No. ADUs and junior ADUs in Rancho Palos Verdes can't be used as short-term rentals or sold separately from the house.
California's statewide ADU law
California's ADU law (Gov. Code §§66310–66342, recodified from §65852.2; latest amendments effective January 1, 2026) overrides conflicting city rules, including in charter cities. Cities must approve ADUs ministerially (no hearing) within 60 days of a complete application, or the permit is deemed approved.
What cities cannot require or do:
- Owner-occupancy for an ADU.
- A minimum lot size.
- Side or rear setbacks over 4 feet for a new ADU, or any setback for a converted existing structure.
- Size, lot coverage or floor-area rules that block an ADU of at least 800 sq ft. Size caps can't be under 850 sq ft (1,000 for 2+ bedrooms).
- Parking within half a mile walking distance of public transit, or replacement parking for a garage converted to an ADU.
- Impact fees on ADUs of 750 sq ft or less.
By right on a single-family lot: one converted ADU plus one junior ADU (JADU, up to 500 sq ft inside the house), plus one new detached ADU (up to 800 sq ft, 16 ft tall). Owner-occupancy may be required only for a JADU that shares a bathroom.
Short-term rentals: cities may bar ADU rentals under 30 days, and must for by-right ADUs, JADUs and SB 9 units.
Coming January 1, 2027: AB 956 raises the by-right count to two new detached ADUs per single-family lot.
SB 9 (§§65852.21, 66411.7) allows two homes on a single-family lot, or a split into two lots of at least 1,200 sq ft (with a 3-year owner-occupancy affidavit).
What the ordinance says
- Sec. 17.10.020(A), Municipal Code Title 17 Ch. 17.10 Accessory Dwelling Unit and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit Development Standards
An ADU is permitted on any lot zoned to allow single-family or multifamily dwelling residential, and that includes a proposed or existing dwelling; a JADU is permitted on any lot zoned to allow single-family residential, and that includes a proposed or existing dwelling.
- Sec. 17.10.020(B)(1), Municipal Code Title 17 Ch. 17.10 Accessory Dwelling Unit and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit Development Standards
For a lot with an existing or proposed single-family dwelling, no more than one ADU and one JADU.
- Sec. 17.10.020(C)(1), Municipal Code Title 17 Ch. 17.10 Accessory Dwelling Unit and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit Development Standards
No setback shall be required for an existing living area or accessory structure or a structure constructed in the same location and to the same dimensions as an existing structure that is converted to an ADU or to a portion of an ADU, and a setback of no more than four feet from the side and rear lot lines shall be required for an ADU that is not converted from an existing structure or a new structure constructed in the same location and to the same dimensions as an existing structure.
- Sec. 17.10.020(C)(2), Municipal Code Title 17 Ch. 17.10 Accessory Dwelling Unit and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit Development Standards
The total area of floor space for a detached ADU shall not exceed 850 square feet, or 1,000 square feet if the ADU contains more than one bedroom.
- Sec. 17.10.020(C)(3), Municipal Code Title 17 Ch. 17.10 Accessory Dwelling Unit and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit Development Standards
Fifty percent of the primary residence's main building floor area (including any existing primary residence garage area);
- Sec. 17.10.020(C)(4)(a), Municipal Code Title 17 Ch. 17.10 Accessory Dwelling Unit and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit Development Standards
A detached ADU shall not exceed 16 feet in height except:
- Sec. 17.10.020(C)(11), Municipal Code Title 17 Ch. 17.10 Accessory Dwelling Unit and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit Development Standards
A minimum of one parking space, which may be enclosed, shall be provided for the ADU and shall meet the minimum dimensions stated in section
- Sec. 17.10.030(A)(2), Municipal Code Title 17 Ch. 17.10 Accessory Dwelling Unit and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit Development Standards
Owner-occupancy is mandatory. The owner may reside in either the remaining portion of the single-family dwelling or in the newly created JADU.
- Sec. 17.10.030(A)(3), Municipal Code Title 17 Ch. 17.10 Accessory Dwelling Unit and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit Development Standards
The total area of floor space for a JADU shall not exceed 500 square feet.
- Sec. 17.10.030(A)(5), Municipal Code Title 17 Ch. 17.10 Accessory Dwelling Unit and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit Development Standards
A JADU must be constructed within the walls of the proposed or existing single-family dwelling, which shall include an attached garage.
- Sec. 17.10.050(A), Municipal Code Title 17 Ch. 17.10 Accessory Dwelling Unit and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit Development Standards
shall be allowed on any lot zoned for single-family or multifamily residential, on lots with existing or proposed single-family dwelling units, with ministerial approval of a site plan review by the director.
- Sec. 17.10.050(B)(3), Municipal Code Title 17 Ch. 17.10 Accessory Dwelling Unit and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit Development Standards
If the city has not approved or denied the completed application within 60 days, the application shall be deemed approved.
- Sec. 17.10.040(B)(2), Municipal Code Title 17 Ch. 17.10 Accessory Dwelling Unit and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit Development Standards
One detached, new construction, ADU that does not exceed four-foot side and rear yard setbacks for a lot with a proposed or existing single-family dwelling. The ADU may be combined with a junior ADU described in paragraph (1).
- Sec. 17.10.020(A), Municipal Code Title 17 Ch. 17.10 Accessory Dwelling Unit and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit Development Standards
The city shall not impose any requirement for a zoning clearance or separate zoning review or any other minimum or maximum size for an ADU, size based upon a percentage of the proposed or existing primary dwelling, or limits on lot coverage, floor area ratio, open space, front setbacks, and minimum lot size, for either attached or detached dwellings, that does not permit at least an 800 square foot ADU with four-foot side and rear yard setbacks to be constructed in compliance with all other local development standards.