California says "60 days" — so why is my ADU still waiting? This is one of the most common ADU questions we get in Los Angeles. State law sounds simple, but the reality on the ground in LA is distinct. Understanding the difference between state timelines and LADBS practice is the key to realistic planning.

An ADU permit in Los Angeles now takes just 30–60 days using pre-approved plans (down from 8–16 weeks), costs $5,000–$10,000 for design and permitting, and generates $2,800–$3,200 monthly rental income. New 2025 California laws (AB 1332, AB 976, SB 1211) eliminated owner-occupancy requirements, parking mandates for garage conversions, and simplified legalization of unpermitted units built before 2020. Pre-approved plans cost $3,500–$5,000; custom designs cost $15,000–$30,000