562.570.7174
Rick.DeLaTorre@longbeach.gov
Community Information Officer
Development Services Department
Long Beach, CA – The City of Long Beach is announcing that property owners can now save money and time through its Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (PAADU) Program, which gives owners access to City-approved design plans. Administered by the Development Services Department, the standardized project plans, provided by local registered design professionals, are for residential single-story, freestanding ADUs of less than 1,200 square feet.
“This program can be a great benefit to homeowners across the city in terms of affordability and convenience,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “This is yet another way that the City is helping support and promote the construction of affordable housing.”
Property owners can work directly with the registered design professionals (e.g., architects and engineers) to obtain construction documents for a fee negotiated by and between the professionals and the owner of the ADU, which are also known as granny flats, in-law units and backyard cottages. Property owners can then submit their site-specific plans to the Development Permit Center, Long Beach City Hall, 2nd Floor, for an over-the-counter review and building permit.
The PAADU offers several benefits for property owners and design professionals, including: a reduction of one to three months of working time to develop architectural and structural plans; same day over-the-counter plan reviews from the City in lieu of the normal four- to six-week processing time; timely project approvals; and cost savings due to the repetition and frequency of using the pre-approved design plans.
The recommendation to develop a plan for implementing a PAADU Program was originally brought forth by Councilmember Al Austin and was approved by the Long Beach City Council with a nine to zero vote in January 2022.
“Our new program can be transformational for some homeowners who may find that creating an ADU from scratch on their own to be overwhelming or a financial hardship,” said Eighth District Councilmember Al Austin II. “Well-designed ADUs can go a long way toward addressing our immediate housing needs in Long Beach.”
In January 2020, a new State law took effect to create expanded opportunities for ADUs and junior ADUs. Beyond traditional market-rate construction and affordable housing developments, ADUs provide an alternative, flexible housing model that can help address home supply and affordability in California.
“We believe the PAADU can really provide an incentive to owners and help them to realize the dream of an ADU,” said Superintendent of Building and Safety David Khorram. “This could save weeks if not months from when a plan is submitted to when a building permit is issued.”
For more information about the PAADU Program, property owners may contact Truong Huynh, General Superintendent, at 562.570.6921 or Truong.Huynh@longbeach.gov.
About the City of Long Beach
Home to approximately 470,000 people, the multiple award-winning and innovative City of Long Beach offers all the world-class amenities of a large metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods nestled together along the California coast. As a full-service charter city, Long Beach is home to the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, several museums and theaters, a highly-rated school district, Long Beach Airport, the Port of Long Beach, as well as many award-winning City departments such as Health and Human Services; Parks, Recreation and Marine; Development Services; Public Works and more. The City also has a highly respected university and city college, two historic ranchos, five hospitals, 12 libraries, five golf courses, 169 parks, miles of beaches, marinas, bike paths and a Bike Share program.
For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
About Long Beach Development Services
Serving residents, businesses and the community at large, the award-winning Long Beach Development Services Department sets a standard for high-quality, innovative urban planning and livability efforts that create more progressive and sustainable communities within the diverse City of Long Beach, CA. Through a variety of development, code enforcement, housing and neighborhood services and building activities, the Department builds a better future for the city while also honoring its unique past. For more information, visit longbeach.gov/lbds. Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.