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Westside ADU Builder.

We design, permit, and build accessory dwelling units across Greater Los Angeles — detached backyard ADUs, attached additions, garage conversions, and JADUs. One team, one number to call, from the first feasibility walk through the final LADBS inspection.

Westside permits move quickly when the parcel is clearly inside the city of LA or Santa Monica grid — both jurisdictions run ministerial ADU review under state law. The variables are Coastal Zone status (anything west of Lincoln Blvd in Venice / Marina Peninsula), and whether a soft-story or seismic ordinance applies to the existing structure.

Westside cost band — 2026

$475 – $625 / sqft installed

Lot access, slab condition, panel upgrade, and finish level move the number most. Pre-approved plans trim 5–10%.

Westside permit clock

8–12 weeks ministerial

Plan on 3–5 months for design + LADBS permit, then 4–6 months on-site for an 800–1,000 sqft detached ADU.

Scope — start to keys.

  • Site walk, feasibility note, and zoning / LAR1 / RD overlay check
  • Full architectural plan set, structural, MEP, Title 24 energy
  • LADBS or local-city permit submittal and back-and-forth
  • Foundation, framing, MEP rough, finishes, landscape tie-in
  • Final inspection, certificate of occupancy, and warranty

What changes about the permit here.

  1. City of LA parcels: LADBS ePlanLA portal, ministerial ADU review under LAMC §12.22-A,33.
  2. Santa Monica parcels: SMMC §9.31.300 — locally streamlined, similar 60-day clock as state law.
  3. Coastal Zone (Venice west of Lincoln, Marina Peninsula): Coastal Development Permit may be required.
  4. Mello Act applies to demolition or replacement of existing residential units in the Coastal Zone.

What moves the Westside number.

  • Westside labor and dump fees price 8–12% above LA County median.
  • Coastal Zone parcels often add $15–40k in CDP consultant + biology survey costs.
  • Santa Monica seismic retrofit pairing on a duplex can add $35–80k tied to the ADU permit cycle.
  • Tight street parking (Venice, Mar Vista) drives crane / pump days higher than Valley jobs.

In short.

How much does an ADU cost in Los Angeles in 2026?
Most detached LA ADUs land between $300K and $500K all-in. Garage conversions typically run $160K–$260K. We hand over a one-page feasibility note with a real number before any contract.
Do you handle LADBS permits?
Yes — full plan set, structural calcs, Title 24 energy compliance, and the LADBS back-and-forth so the homeowner only signs at the milestones.
Can I build an ADU in a hillside zone?
Usually yes, but Hillside Ordinance grading and access rules add design time. We've built in Silver Lake, Mt. Washington, Hollywood Hills, and the Palisades — geotech and shoring are part of the workflow.
Do I need a Coastal Development Permit for a Westside ADU?
Only if the parcel is inside the Coastal Zone — generally west of Lincoln Blvd in Venice and the Marina Peninsula. Inland Westside parcels (most of Santa Monica, Brentwood, Mar Vista east of Lincoln) do not.
Can I build an ADU in Santa Monica's R1?
Yes. SMMC §9.31.300 mirrors state ADU law on R1, R2, and multifamily lots, with ministerial 60-day review once the submittal is complete.

More we build in Westside.

ADU Builder in nearby LA areas.

Got a Westside project in mind?

Send us the address and we’ll pull Westside zoning, setbacks, and adu builder feasibility before you spend on drawings.

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