Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

ADU Handbook(PDF, 13MB)

What are ADUs?

ADU stands for Accessory Dwelling Unit, sometimes called granny flats or mother-in-law apartments. The most common ADUs are smaller housing units built on the same site as a single-family home by converting existing structures (like a garage) or building new in the back yard.

Want some help thinking about ADUs?

The construction or conversion of an ADU can be a daunting concept.  The City of Culver City has produced the ADU Handbook to address the major facets of building an ADU.  Please review the document to get more acquainted with the ADU development process.  Members of Planning Staff are available in City Hall, by phone at (310)253-5710, or email planning@culvercity.org to assist further.

Pre-Approved ADU (PRADU) Program

In conjunction with the ADU Handbook, the City of Culver City is pleased to announce pre-approved plans for those in Culver City considering a new ADU on their property.  The plans are available in PDF format in three different layouts (studio, 1 bedroom, 2 bedroom) and three different styles, Post-War Bungalow, Spanish Revival, and Contemporary.

The program is expanding, in accordance to Assembly Bill 1332, effective January 1, 2025, anyone may submit ADU plans for pre-approval by applying to the PRADU program online. Once the plans are pre-approved, they will be posted on the City website along with the contact information of the applicant.  The posting of the pre-approved plans shall not be considered an endorsement.  The pre-approved plans will be reviewed for compliance with the latest building code cycle and are valid for the duration of the cycle. The drawings submitted shall not be site-specific and an application is required for each option.   The applicant may request the pre-approved plans to be removed from the website at any time.

Pre-approved plans are intended to save homeowners the expense of having custom plans created, simplify the permit process, and are intended for new construction only.  The applicant will be responsible for providing a site plan for the specific property on which the ADU will be located and filling out all applicable portions of the pre-approved plans including project specific information on the coversheet. 

The applicant will have the ability to download the plans using the links below. Site specific plans are still required to be submitted and reviewed for permit issuance. No construction is permitted without an approved Building Permit.  All applicable plan check and development impact fees still apply.

Pre-Approved ADU Plans

The three floor plan options below each come in three different styles: Post-War Bungalow, Spanish Revival, and Contemporary. The applicant will select a floor plan and choose which style they would prefer.  Plan set sheets not relating to that style can be removed from the set.

If you have any questions, please contact the Planner on Duty at (310) 253-5710.

ADUs and JADUs Built Without Required Permits

ADUs or JADUs built without required permits before January 1, 2020, may apply for permits to legalize the ADU or JADU. Before applying for permits with Building Safety, a property owner should obtain a confidential third-party code inspection from a licensed contractor to determine the unit’s existing condition and scope of necessary building improvements. Health and Safety Code 17920.3 establishes a Building Safety Safe ADU & JADU checklist for what deems a building substandard and acts as a tool for the property owner to understand what improvements may be necessary as part of the permit process.

If you have any questions, please contact Building Safety at (310) 253-5800.