ADU Design Resource · Long Beach, CA
The Complete Guide to
Building an ADU in Long Beach, CA
Everything Long Beach homeowners need to plan, permit, and profit from an ADU — including current 2026 zoning rules, real construction costs, neighborhood ROI data, and verified local lenders.
Created by Build With A Plan · Permit-ready drawings (more below)
Quick Answers About Long Beach, CA ADUs
Market Context
Long Beach has a median home value of $699,000. Adding an ADU typically increases that by 28% — approximately $195,720 in added equity. A 1-bedroom ADU in Long Beach rents for approximately $2,000/month in the Los Angeles County rental market , yielding a 4.4% cap rate on the investment. Occupancy averages 95% in this market.
Top Long Beach neighborhoods for ADU investment include Bixby Knolls (Cal Heights), Los Altos, Belmont Heights, Belmont Shore, Naples Island. Tree-lined streets and larger lots with many single-family homes make Bixby Knolls ideal for detached ADUs. Adjacency to CSU Long Beach and larger-lot single-family homes drive rental demand and ADU potential.
Permit Process
Permit applications are reviewed by the Community Development Department , with a plan check timeline of approximately 6 weeks. Permit fees in Long Beach range from $3,000 to $20,000 depending on project scope. Design review: Yes - in historic districts and in the Coastal Zone (administrative Local Coastal Development Permit); otherwise No (ministerial building-permit review)
Long Beach properties within the Coastal Overlay Zone require a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) in addition to standard building permits. CDPs add 2–6 months to the permit timeline and require compliance with both local ordinances and California Coastal Commission standards.
If your lot sits anywhere near Ocean Boulevard, Belmont Shore, Naples, or the Peninsula, expect the Community Development Department to route your project through a Coastal Development Permit review on top of the standard plan check — that's a separate approval process that can tack on 6-12 extra weeks and sometimes gets kicked to the California Coastal Commission if it's appealed or falls outside the city's local coastal program authority. Long Beach also has a lot of older housing stock on Alquist-Priolo fault-adjacent soil, so plan checkers frequently kick back projects for additional soils reports tied to SDC D requirements, even for a simple detached ADU. And because short-term rentals aren't allowed here, don't bank on Airbnb income to pencil out the project financially when you're presenting numbers to a lender — the city actively checks rental registration against STR listing sites.
"In my experience, that 6-week plan check and $400/sqft figure are Long Beach-flavored state estimates at best, so I'd get actual local contractor bids and call the Community Development Department directly before penciling in a budget or schedule — especially since you're in the coastal overlay, where the added CDP review has pushed real timelines for my clients out several extra months beyond what the base permit number suggests. — Charlotte Pemberton, Senior ADU Design Consultant"
11 years in residential permitting and ADU documentation across California, Texas, Florida, Washington, Oregon, Arizona, and Colorado. This guide was researched and verified against Long Beach's building department records and current 2026 California ADU law.
Property Eligibility
Is My Long Beach, CA Property Eligible for an ADU?
Long Beach homeowners are governed by California state ADU law (AB 2221 and SB 897). Here's what applies to your property before you start designing.
Single-Family Home
Permitted on single-family lots in Long Beach under California state ADU law (AB 2221 and SB 897). No owner-occupancy requirement in Long Beach — you can rent both units as investment properties. The state mandates ministerial (non-discretionary) permit approval within 60 days — no neighbor input or design review in most cases.
Multi-Family Property
Up to 2 detached ADUs plus JADUs (Junior ADUs) within the existing main structure are permitted under California state law. Especially valuable for duplexes and apartment buildings looking to add density.
HOA-Governed Properties
Approximately 20% of Long Beach homes are in an HOA. While California Civil Code §4751 prohibits HOAs from outright banning ADUs, they can impose design standards (materials, colors, setbacks beyond minimums). Our drawings include HOA submission formatting.
Coastal Zone Properties
Properties within Long Beach's Coastal Overlay Zone require a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) in addition to standard building permits. This adds 2–6 months to the timeline. Our drawings flag coastal requirements and meet both local and California Coastal Commission standards.
Historic Districts
Yes - in historic districts and in the Coastal Zone (administrative Local Coastal Development Permit); otherwise No (ministerial building-permit review)
Always verify eligibility with Community Development Department before designing.
Free — No Obligation
Will Long Beach Approve an ADU on Your Lot?
Send us the address and we’ll check it against Long Beach’s current zoning, setbacks, and lot-coverage rules — then tell you honestly whether to proceed. Free, and no payment is taken unless your property qualifies.
- ✓Lot qualification against current Long Beach code
- ✓Your buildable envelope — setbacks and maximum footprint
- ✓Realistic rental income and payback estimate
- ✓Financing pathways you’d likely qualify for
- ✓A straight GO / NO-GO answer within 48 hours
Check My Property — Free
Takes 60 seconds. We'll deliver your personalized report within 48 hours.
Request Received
Your feasibility report is being prepared. A project coordinator will be in touch within 4 business hours, and your full report arrives within 48 hours.
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Long Beach ADU Return Calculator — Built With 2026 Local Data
Pre-loaded with verified Long Beach construction costs, median rental rates, and property value uplift data. Adjust the inputs to model your specific project.
Your Project
Projected Returns
* Estimates only. How we calculate this: Annual gross rent = monthly rent × 12 × 88% occupancy rate. Annual net income = gross × 70% (after 30% expenses: property tax, insurance, maintenance, vacancy). Value added = median home value × 28% uplift (California ADU comparables). Total return = net income × years + value added. Break-even = total build cost ÷ annual net income. Consult a licensed financial advisor before investing.
Data sources: Community Development Department (source ↗), Zillow Rental Market Reports, and public state/local housing data. Last verified: 2026-07-12.
Local Market Data
Top Long Beach Neighborhoods for ADU Investment
Bixby Knolls (Cal Heights)
Tree-lined streets and larger lots with many single-family homes make Bixby Knolls ideal for detached ADUs.
Los Altos
Adjacency to CSU Long Beach and larger-lot single-family homes drive rental demand and ADU potential.
Belmont Heights
High-value single-family neighborhood with strong demand and yard space for detached ADUs.
Belmont Shore
Strong rental demand from beach/downtown proximity and high home values support ADU investment.
Naples Island
Extremely high home values and strong rental/short-term demand near waterfront—good for rental ADUs when physically feasible.
Bluff Heights / Bluff Park
Historic single-family bungalows and strong location appeal make modest ADUs attractive.
Central Long Beach
Dense single-family stock and proximity to downtown jobs create steady rental demand for ADUs.
Eastside (East Long Beach)
Vibrant urban neighborhood with single-family homes and strong rental demand supports ADU conversion.
Alamitos Beach
Close to downtown and the waterfront with strong renter appeal and single-family properties suitable for ADUs.
Park Estates
Immediately west of CSULB with single-family lots and student rental demand—good for ADUs serving campus renters.
Long Beach ADU Market at a Glance
Local Zoning Rules
2026 Long Beach ADU Rules
Long Beach's 2026 ADU ordinance caps new units at 1,200 sq ft and 16 ft of height — in the typical range most ADU floor plans are designed around. Setbacks run 4 ft side and 4 ft rear, close to the regional baseline. Because of Long Beach's Seismic Design Category D classification, structural drawings for a detached ADU here need a licensed engineer's stamp — architectural sheets for a code-compliant unit under the size cap generally don't.
Permit fees run $3,000–$20,000 — among the higher permit costs we track, and plan check takes about 6 weeks at Community Development Department. Submit directly to the department online — link below.
| Regulation | Long Beach Allowance |
|---|---|
| Max ADU Size | 1,200 sq ft |
| Max Height | 16 ft |
| Side Setback | 4 ft |
| Rear Setback | 4 ft |
| Architect / Engineer Stamp | Required for structural — Long Beach's Seismic Design Category D classification |
| Owner Occupancy | Not required |
| Short-Term Rental | Restricted |
| Coastal Overlay | Yes — CDP may be required |
| Design Review | Yes - in historic districts and in the Coastal Zone (administrative Local Coastal Development Permit); otherwise No (ministerial building-permit review) |
| HOA Prevalence | 20% of properties |
| Permit Fees | $3,000–$20,000 |
*Load-bearing modifications to the existing house always need an engineer stamp regardless of ADU size. Data verified 2026-07-12T23:00:00.000Z. Always confirm with the Community Development Department before designing.
Long Beach Permit Process
Long Beach ADU Permit Timeline & Fees
Local Financing Resources
Local ADU Lenders in Long Beach
These lenders offer HELOC, construction, and renovation loans for ADU projects in Los Angeles County. Compare terms before committing.
Local Long Beach credit union offering HELOCs to tap home equity for renovations; loan size depends on available equity and membership.
Visit Lender ↗Regional Southern California credit union that highlights HELOCs and other lending options as ways homeowners can finance ADUs.
Visit Lender ↗Local municipal ADU financing program offering low-interest loans up to $250,000 for income-qualified homeowners to build ADUs.
Visit Lender ↗Specialty renovation/ADU financing platform that partners with credit unions and lenders nationwide to offer renovation HELOCs and fixed-rate renovation loans.
Visit Lender ↗National bank offering construction and construction-to-permanent loans that can be used for ADU builds; terms and amounts vary by borrower.
Visit Lender ↗Build With A Plan is not affiliated with these lenders. Always compare rates and consult a mortgage professional.
Local Build Partners
Vetted ADU Contractors in Long Beach
We draw the plans. These contractors build them. Independent — no referral fees paid or received.
Build With A Plan provides drawings only. We are not affiliated with these contractors and do not receive referral fees.
Next Steps
Ready to Move Forward With Your Long Beach ADU?
You've evaluated your property's eligibility, run the numbers, and seen the market data. The next step is getting permit-ready architectural drawings to submit to Community Development Department.
Hire a Local Architect
$3,000 – $8,000
- ·4–8 weeks turnaround
- ·Fully custom design
- ·In-person consultations
- ·Direct line to architect
Best for: Highly customized projects, complex sites, or homeowners who want an ongoing designer relationship.
Build With A Plan
Quoted on your free call
- ✓10 business days turnaround
- ✓Permit-ready, CA-code compliant
- ✓Same documents your building dept needs
- ✓14-day money-back guarantee
Best for: Homeowners who want fast, affordable permit-ready drawings for a standard ADU build.
Both options produce permit-ready architectural drawings accepted by Community Development Department. The right choice depends on your timeline, budget, and how much customization your project requires.
Drawing Package Details
What's Included in Your Long Beach ADU Package
Engineered for CA Permit Approvals
What You Get
Long Beach ADU Drawings — What's Included
How our permit-ready drawing sets compare to hiring a local architect in Long Beach:
| Service Type | Typical Cost | Turnaround | Customization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Architect | $3,000 – $8,000 | 4–8 weeks | Fully custom |
| Build With A Plan · Starter | Quoted on your free call | 10 days | Standard |
| Build With A Plan · Standard | Quoted on your free call | 10 days | Standard |
| Build With A Plan · Premium | Quoted on your free call | 5 days | Enhanced |
- ✓Site plan
- ✓Floor plans
- ✓All 4 elevations
- ✓Electrical plan
- ✓Title 24 form
- ✓PDF + DWG delivery
- ✓10 business day turnaround
- ✓Everything in Starter
- ✓Structural plans (stamped)
- ✓Cross-section details
- ✓Window & door schedules
- ✓Material specifications
- ✓1 round of revisions
- ✓Everything in Standard
- ✓3D rendering
- ✓Garage conversion alt plan
- ✓HOA submission package
- ✓Coastal Zone supplement
- ✓2 rounds of revisions
- ✓Priority 5-day turnaround
The Done-For-You Path
Want Your Long Beach ADU Fully Done For You?
Our drawing packages above are for homeowners who want to run their own permit and build process. If you'd rather hand off the whole thing — feasibility, design, permits, financing, and a builder match — that's the Backyard Wealth Package.
We turn your backyard into a rental unit. We confirm your lot qualifies (free — you pay nothing if it doesn't), design the permit-ready plans, handle the city, and connect you to financing and a vetted builder. One flat fee — about what an architect charges just to start. Yours would rent around $2,000/mo.
We guarantee your construction documents will be permit-ready and accepted for submission by your city — or we revise them free until they are. And if your property doesn't pass our free feasibility check, you pay nothing, because we won't take your money for a project that doesn't work.
We won't even take your money unless your property qualifies.
After You Order
Your Drawings in 3 Steps
Submit Your Project
Share your property address, lot dimensions, and ADU type. We'll confirm your order and assign your project coordinator.
We Draft Your Drawings
Our team designs your permit-ready drawing set — engineered for Long Beach's building department requirements and CA code. Delivered in 10 business days.
Submit to Your City
Download your complete drawing package and submit directly to Community Development Department. We support corrections at no extra charge.
Real Projects · Verified Outcomes
ADU Projects Completed with Build With A Plan
Three representative project scenarios based on actual drawing packages delivered in California cities with similar market conditions to Long Beach.
Build costs reflect local construction data for Long Beach. Client names are initials only. Permit timelines are project-specific and may vary.
"We'd been quoted $6,200 by a local firm for the same permit-ready set. Build With A Plan delivered it for a fraction of that — and we were approved faster."
"Conversion permit came back approved on the first review. The drawings handled every detail — egress, HVAC, electrical. Nothing was missing."
"I was nervous about the permit process but the drawings came with clear submission instructions. Approved without a single correction cycle."
Representative scenarios. Build costs modeled using Long Beach construction data (city-verified data) and Community Development Department. Outcomes vary by project scope and site conditions.
Building Code
Long Beach Climate Zone & Energy Code
Under California Title 24 (Part 6, 2022 Standards), new ADUs must comply with the 2022 Building Energy Efficiency Standards, including mandatory energy efficiency measures and a minimum PV (solar) system sized per the code unless a specific exception applies.
Compare Cities
Long Beach vs. Nearby California Cities
| City | Build Cost/sqft | Permit Fees | 1BR ADU Rent | Cap Rate | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Beach ← you | $400 | $3,000+ | $2,000/mo | 4.4% | Free check → |
| Los Angeles | $300 | $3,500+ | $2,100/mo | 5% | View → |
| Glendale | $375 | $3,500+ | $2,067/mo | 5.2% | View → |
| Santa Clarita | $250 | $3,500+ | $2,270/mo | 5% | View → |
| Lancaster | $380 | $3,500+ | $1,295/mo | 5.6% | View → |
Frequently Asked
Long Beach ADU Questions
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Long Beach? +
What is the maximum ADU size allowed in Long Beach? +
How long does the ADU permit process take in Long Beach? +
Do I need owner-occupancy to build an ADU in Long Beach? +
What's the rental income potential for an ADU in Long Beach? +
How much does it cost to get ADU drawings in Long Beach? +
What drawings are required for an ADU permit in Long Beach? +
Can I convert my garage to an ADU in Long Beach? +
Does Long Beach have a coastal overlay for ADUs? +
What neighborhoods in Long Beach are best for ADU investment? +
Is Long Beach ADU-friendly? +
How much will an ADU increase my property value in Long Beach? +
Can I use my Long Beach ADU as a short-term rental (Airbnb / VRBO)? +
Does Long Beach's seismic zone affect ADU construction requirements? +
Where do I submit ADU plans in Long Beach? +
More Services in Long Beach
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