All Forum Posts by: Christian Dulu

Hi @Samuel Pavlovcik, yes this is in Highland Park, Los Angeles,CA

Thank you so much for your advice Sebastian! Sent you a private message!

I checked out this planning document Implementation of 2019 Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance and checked out the relevant codes for Detached ADU Options->Two ADUs per State Law.

I saw this - according to CA Govt. Code 65852.2(e)(1)(D) - "Not more than two accessory dwelling units that are located on a lot that has an existing multifamily dwelling, but are detached from that multifamily dwelling and are subject to a height limit of 16 feet and four-foot rear yard and side setbacks."

Does this mean that since there is already a duplex on the property, I can add two ADUs, despite it being zoned R1? The code regarding zoning and ADUs seems vague - 65852.2(a)(1)(D)(ii) - "The lot is zoned to allow single-family or multifamily dwelling residential use and includes a proposed or existing dwelling."

Also LAMC 12.22 isn't clear either - the closest I see is (A)(33)(c)(1) - "Comply with all applicable objective provisions required pursuant to Chapter 1 of this Code, including provisions stated in the underlying applicable zone and height district, Specific Plan, Historic Preservation Overlay Zone, Community Planning Implementation Overlay and other applicable zoning ordinances, policies or other documents established pursuant to Chapter 1, Article 3 of this Code."

Would appreciate any insight to this,

Thanks for the heads-up Matt! I guess I was reading outdated sources, and maybe I was using the wrong search terms.

I did a more specific Google search with ADU and multifamily (rather than ADU and duplex). I found this PDF - Section 65852.2 of the Government Code Amendment and noticed this change:

65852.2.

(D)(ii) The lot is zoned to allow single-family or multifamily dwelling residential use and includes a proposed or existing single-family dwelling.

Looks like they removed the requirement for the existing structure to be a single-family dwelling.

Just skimming through the actual code here: ARTICLE 2. Adoption of Regulations [65850 - 65863.13] seems to confirm it

There's soooo much information out there, it's hard to know which are the current. I will have to keep digging and continue with my homework.

Hi everyone,

I just recently purchased a duplex in Highland Park, and will be owner-occupying one of the units. I learned that out back, the previous owner had some sort of unit that was torn down in the last year or so, and a shed erected in its place. However, where the unit used to be, there is a concrete slab, with electric, water and sewage hookups. I also discovered there was a third electric meter which had a 1/2 address attached to it, and confirmed by LADWP. 

I assume that the previous owner had to tear down his unit because it was unpermitted, but it seems like the basic infrastructure is there to support an ADU. However, I'm not sure whether I would be able to legally build an ADU out back, because from what I've read, you can only build an ADU on land that is zoned R1, with a Single Family Home. I assume that the duplex was grandfathered into the current zone, as it was built in 1924.

I feel my situation is some sort of edge case, so I'm wondering if anyone has any insight or tips on whether this is possible, or even somewhere I can start. My sticking point is nowhere in the regulations does it mention anything about building an ADU on an R1-1 zone with an existing duplex. Could my duplex be regarded as a SFH for zoning Any help would be much appreciated!

Christian