Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)—also known as granny flats, backyard homes, or secondary units—have become one of the most effective ways to add value, generate rental income, and expand housing opportunities across Los Angeles. As the city continues to evolve, ADUs are helping homeowners reimagine their properties while contributing to a more sustainable, flexible, and connected urban fabric.

At Ashok Kanagasundram Architect, we guide homeowners through every step of the ADU process—from design and permitting to construction coordination—ensuring each project maximizes both livability and return on investment.

History of the ADU Ordinance

In 2017, California enacted a series of laws requiring cities and counties to streamline local permitting and ease zoning restrictions for Accessory Dwelling Units. These changes were designed to address the statewide housing shortage by allowing homeowners to add additional dwellings on existing residential lots.

ADUs quickly became a practical solution for creating rental income, housing extended family members, or providing private studio space—all while helping increase Los Angeles’s housing supply without major neighborhood disruption.

Updates Made in 2025

Between 2023 and 2025, new updates to the Los Angeles ADU Ordinance have expanded what homeowners can build. The Los Angeles Zoning Administrator’s Memorandum No. 143 (ZA Memo 143) outlines how City and State ADU laws can be combined to provide greater flexibility for design and placement.

Key highlights include:

• The ability to build Attached ADUs, Detached ADUs, and Junior ADUs (JADUs) on a single-family property.
  
• The potential for up to three separate dwelling units on one lot when local and state provisions are used together.
  
• New allowances for multiple ADUs on multifamily lots, including detached units or conversions of existing non-habitable spaces such as storage rooms or garages.
  

Conclusion

ADUs have transformed how Angelenos think about homeownership and urban living. With supportive laws, flexible design opportunities, and growing neighborhood demand, there has never been a better time to explore adding an ADU to your property.

At Ashok Kanagasundram Architect, we are eager to help you with ADU design, permitting, and coordination throughout Los Angeles. Our team brings deep technical expertise and a design-driven approach to help you create a beautiful, code-compliant, and efficient ADU that fits your site and goals.

Contact us to discuss your ADU project and learn how we can help you bring it to life.