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 · Drawings from $997 (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 28.0% — 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 95.0% 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 6.0 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.
11 years in California residential permitting and ADU documentation. 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 benefit from California's state ADU law — one of the most permissive frameworks in the country since 2020. 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 law. No owner-occupancy requirement in Long Beach — you can rent both units as investment properties. Ministerial permit approval — no neighbor input or discretionary design review.
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. California law (AB 670) prohibits HOAs from banning ADUs outright, but they can impose reasonable architectural standards. 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 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 Tool · No Email Required
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. Assumes ~85% occupancy, ~30% expense ratio, 28.0% property value uplift. Consult a financial advisor before investing.
Data sources: Long Beach Development Services Department, Zillow Rental Market Reports, local appraiser records. Last verified: 2026-05-30.
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
Long Beach ADU Zoning Regulations
| Regulation | Long Beach Allowance |
|---|---|
| Max ADU Size | 1,200 sq ft |
| Max Height | 16 ft |
| Side Setback | 4.0 ft |
| Rear Setback | 4.0 ft |
| 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 |
Data verified recently. 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
$997 – $1,997
- ✓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
Transparent Pricing
Long Beach ADU Drawing Costs — Compared
What homeowners typically pay for permit-ready ADU drawings in Long Beach, by service type:
| Service Type | Price Range | Turnaround | Customization |
|---|---|---|---|
| Local Architect | $3,000 – $8,000 | 4–8 weeks | Fully custom |
| Build With A Plan · Starter | $997 | 10 days | Standard |
| Build With A Plan · Standard | $1,497 | 10 days | Standard |
| Build With A Plan · Premium | $1,997 | 7 days | Enhanced |
- ✓Site plan
- ✓Floor plans
- ✓All 4 elevations
- ✓Electrical plan
- ✓Title 24 energy 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 7-day turnaround
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 real project outcomes from clients who used our permit-ready drawing sets across California.
"We'd been quoted $6,200 by a local firm. Build With A Plan delivered the same permit-ready set for $997 — 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."
Client first names and last initials only. Build costs and permit timelines reflect actual project data at time of completion.
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 | Drawings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Beach ← you | $400 | $3,000+ | $2,000/mo | 4.4% | From $997 |
| Los Angeles | $300 | $3,500+ | $2,100/mo | 5.0% | 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 included in the permit set? +
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
Start Your Long Beach ADU Today
Permit-ready drawings from $997. Delivered in 10 business days. Designed for Long Beach's building department. 14-day money-back guarantee.
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