Minimum parking for accessory structure in Los Angeles?

Question

Single family residence in Los Angeles (built in 1962) has only 1 covered parking spot, and a second cannot be added.

Do I have to comply with current parking requirements (2 spots) to add a detached accessory structure for storage etc. (NOT a dwelling unit)?

Michael Mueller · Answer

"no" as in "no I do not need 2 parking spots", or as in "no I can't build an accessory structure (that is NOT a dwelling unit)?

Why do you recommend checking local ADU (accessory dwelling unit) requirements, when my question was expressedly about NON-dwelling units (no utilities)? As you are from Sacramento, do you know Los Angeles rules at all?

Michael Mueller · Answer

Thanks Lee, but the Los Angeles (city) building code is very hard to decipher, and the city gives conflicting opinions when asked (after 1+ hours waiting in line), and no authoritative opinions before submitting complete plans. Also, it has proven hard to extract information from local professionals like architects, that is not vague or conflicting. My question sounds simple, but I was not able to easily find an answer. I'm hoping that some "big pocketed" Angelenos on this forum might know the answer ;)

As an aside, while I'm of course grandfathered in the sense of not having to tear down my house, I'm relatively sure that you can not add any square footage or do major remodeling without adding a second spot, i.e. complying with current parking regulations. My question was whether an accessory structure (NOT dwelling unit) triggers this requirement.

As another aside, yes there is a permit exemption for storage buildings below 120 sqft (that are NOT on a hillside or in Fire District 1), but it still has to comply with all zoning and other regulations. Also, I am considering building a storage building larger than 120 sqft.

Lee Bell · Answer

I believe you do not need a permit for a storage shed under a certain size.

You are probably grandfathered on only 1 parking spot. Usually they require at least 2 covered, but there are lots of exceptions. I assume you are in LA City limits.

There is a ton of info here, including links to building dept records, zoning regs, etc etc. Look up your property and read.

http://zimas.lacity.org/

Pavan Sandhu · Answer

no bro, check your local ADU requirements.