Legalize an Unpermitted ADU in Los Angeles

If an ADU or JADU on your lot was built without a permit before 2020, AB 2533 gives it a path to a permit in the City of Los Angeles. Here is what the city asks for, and a form to ask a licensed architect to review your unit.

What the city's bulletin says

The Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety sets out its procedure in Information Bulletin P/BC 2026-161, effective July 15, 2026 and revised August 5, 2026. According to the bulletin:

  • It applies to unpermitted ADUs and JADUs constructed before January 1, 2020.
  • The owner provides at least one document proving the unit was built before 2020.
  • The unit may comply with current code, or with the code in effect when it was built.
  • Residential Development Fees, the Dwelling Unit Construction Tax, Park Fees, Affordable Housing Linkage Fees, impact fees, and connection and capacity charges are waived. Connection and capacity charges still apply if utility infrastructure improvements are needed.
  • LAUSD school fees apply to ADUs over 500 square feet.
  • The city can still require correction of conditions that are a health or safety hazard.

The bulletin covers permits in the City of Los Angeles. Other cities and unincorporated county land apply AB 2533 under their own process. For the background, read our explainer on AB 2533.

The documents the city asks for

You need at least one document that shows the unit existed before January 1, 2020. The bulletin lists these as examples:

  • Rent stabilization certificates
  • Contractor bills
  • Utility bills
  • Code enforcement records
  • Signed leases
  • Real estate documents

Listing the unit on A-du afterward

Rental listings on A-du require a permit-finaled unit. A unit going through legalization can be listed only after the city finals its permit.

Ask for a review

Tell us about the unit. Chris Koss, AIA reads every request himself and replies by email. Whether a unit qualifies is for the architect to review and for the city to decide; sending this form does not approve or decide anything.

What kind of unit is it?
Which of these do you have from before 2020?
Does someone live in the unit now?

The review is performed by Chris Koss, AIA, an independent licensed architect (California license C-39677), under a separate written agreement between you and him. It is not performed by A-du.