Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) present a potential solution to the state's housing crisis. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have been known by many names: granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, secondary units and more.

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs):

• ADUs are permitted by right throughout any zone where residential uses are permitted.
• May be contained within the existing or proposed space of a single-family residence or attached to a single-family residence, within the space of an existing accessory structure, or detached from the single-family residence, subject to the requirements and development standards in this Code and State law.

ADU Development Standards can be found in El Segundo Municipal Code § 15-4E-3.

Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs):

• A permitted junior accessory dwelling unit must be constructed within the walls of a proposed or existing single-family residence.
• One junior accessory dwelling unit is permitted per lot zoned for single-family residences (R-1 zone) with an existing or proposed single-family residence on the lot.

JADU General Requirements and Development Standards can be found in El Segundo Municipal Code § 15-4F-2.

 ADU/JADU Planning Requirements

The handout below contains a summary of Planning Development Standards for ADU's/JADU's and a planning submittal checklist. 

ADU Application Handout

To apply for an ADU/JADU Building permit consult the Planning requirements in the above handout and visit the City E-Z Permit Hub for online Building permit applications. 

ADU Permit Fee Calculator - In development

Later this year, residents and property owners will be able to obtain a fee estimate for ADU/JADU construction online through the City's ADU Permit Fee Calculator, which is currently under development.

California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD)

HCD helps to provide stable, safe homes affordable to veterans, seniors, young families, farm workers, tribes, people with disabilities, and individuals and families experiencing homelessness. HCD has developed a list of existing state grants and financial incentives in connection with the expenses for the planning, construction and operation of an ADU with affordable rent for very low to moderate- income households. Potential State Grants and Financial Incentives for ADUs can be found here.

California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Grant Program

The objective of the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Grant Program is to create more housing units in California by providing a grant for pre-development costs and non-reoccurring closing costs associated with the construction of the ADU. The ADU Grant provides up to $40,000 towards pre-development and non-reoccurring closing costs associated with the construction of the ADU. Predevelopment costs include site prep, architectural designs, permits, soil tests, impact fees, property survey, and energy reports. Additional information can be found here.