Manhattan Beach

In Manhattan Beach, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs (JADUs) are permitted under state housing laws as part of the city’s housing strategy. ADUs are allowed in both single-family and multi-family residential zones, while JADUs are only permitted in single-family homes. Projects that meet all objective standards are reviewed ministerially, meaning they do not require public hearings.

The city’s ADU regulations are implemented under MBMC Chapter 10.74 in alignment with California Government Code requirements. However, additional rules may apply in coastal zones or overlay areas, where projects could require extra review depending on the property’s location and environmental considerations.

Manhattan Beach aligns with California’s broader ADU legislation but has its own requirements for height, setbacks and design review.

• Detached ADU: A standalone residential unit on the same lot
• Attached ADU: Connected to the main dwelling 
• Conversion ADU: Created from existing space (garage, basement, or interior area) 
• Junior ADU (JADU): A smaller unit within the primary residence with an efficiency kitchen

• Maximum Size:
  
  • Detached: up to 1,200 sq ft (maximum under state standards)
  • Attached: limited by 50% of existing primary home size or city/state maximums
    
    
• Setbacks:
  
  • Standard minimum setback: 4 feet from side and rear property lines
  • Converted structures (like garages) may have reduced or no setbacks if existing footprint is used
    
    
• Height Limits:
  
  • Detached: Generally, up to 16 feet minimum under state law, with possible increases depending on zoning
  • Attached: governed by underlying zoning district height limits
    
    
• Parking Requirements:
  
  • No parking required if:
    
    • Located within proximity to transit 
    • Within coastal or designated qualifying areas 
    • Created through conversion of existing space

To build an ADU in Manhattan Beach, applicants typically must submit:

• ADU building permit application through the City’s permit system 
• Site plan showing setbacks and structure placement 
• Architectural drawings (floor plan + elevations) 
• Structural and safety compliance documents 
• Utility connection details 
• Coastal compliance documentation (if applicable

Homeowners should also review Manhattan Beach current fee schedule, utility connection requirements and fire code compliance.

In Manhattan Beach, ADU applications must be reviewed within 60 days once a complete application is submitted, as required under California state law. However, actual processing times can vary depending on project-specific factors. 

In practice, the total timeline is typically around 2-4 months, with delays often caused by incomplete applications, coastal review requirements in certain areas, or plan check revisions during the approval process.

In Manhattan Beach, ADUs are permitted in most residential and multi-family zones and under California state law there is no minimum lot size requirement. However, all developments must still comply with local zoning and planning standards.

These include the Manhattan Beach Municipal Code Title 10 (Planning & Zoning), specifically Chapter 10.74 which governs ADU regulations, as well as any applicable coastal and overlay district rules that may impose additional review or design requirements depending on the property location.

For the most current and complete information, refer directly to the City of Manhattan Beach.

You should also review MBMC Chapter 10.74 (Accessory Dwelling Units) along with the City Planning & Zoning Division resources and handouts, which provide detailed guidance on ADU standards, application procedures and coastal or overlay district requirements.