West Hollywood

In West Hollywood, ADUs are permitted on most residential properties as part of the city’s housing expansion efforts. They are allowed on both single-family and multifamily lots, with single-family properties typically eligible for one ADU and one Junior ADU (JADU). Multifamily properties may qualify for up to two new-construction ADUs in addition to conversion opportunities, depending on site conditions and regulations.

ADU approvals are generally ministerial, meaning projects that meet all objective standards are approved without discretionary hearings. The city incorporates ADU review into its standard building permit and zoning compliance process rather than requiring a separate approval pathway, helping streamline development for qualifying projects.

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

• Detached ADU: A standalone structure in the rear or side yard
• Attached ADU: Connected to the primary residence or an addition
• Conversion ADU: Created from garages, basements, or existing interior space
• Junior ADU (JADU): A smaller unit within the main home, typically with an efficiency kitchen

• Maximum Size:
  
  • Detached: ADUs may be smaller depending on lot constraints
  • Attached: limited to 50% of primary dwelling or 1,200 sq. ft
    
    
• Setbacks:
  
  • Standard requirement: 4 feet from side and rear property lines
  • Converted structures may be exempt from setback rules
  • Minimum separation between structures may be required (site-dependent)
    
    
• Height Limits:
  
  • Detached: typically limited to 16 feet
  • Attached: Height may vary if built above garages or existing structures
    
    
• Parking Requirements:
  
  • One additional parking space may be required per ADU in some cases
  • Parking is generally waived if:
    
    • Located within ½ mile of public transit 
    • ADU is created from an existing structure (e.g garage conversion)

To build an ADU in West Hollywood, applicants must submit through the city’s permitting system:

• Building permit application via the city portal
• Site plan and architectural drawings
• Zoning compliance review
• Structural, energy and safety code compliance (Title 24)
• Potential supplemental reports (depending on site conditions)

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

In West Hollywood, ADU applications are typically reviewed within about 6-10 weeks during the plan check stage. Once an application is deemed complete, California law requires ministerial approval, meaning it must be processed based on objective standards without discretionary review. 

In practice, the overall timeline usually ranges from 2 to 4 months depending on the number of revisions needed and the complexity of the project. Delays are most commonly caused by plan corrections or incomplete documentation during the review process.

In West Hollywood, ADUs are permitted in most residential zones and, under California state law, there is no minimum lot size requirement. However, development must still comply with local zoning standards that regulate setbacks, height limits and lot coverage, along with practical considerations such as parking feasibility.

Additional restrictions may apply depending on the property’s location, particularly in historic districts or overlay zones, where extra design or development controls may be enforced to preserve neighbourhood character and ensure compatibility.

For the most current and complete information, refer directly to the City of West Hollywood.

This department provides ADU guidelines, zoning information and permitting procedures through its official housing and planning webpages.