ADU Construction in Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is a prestigious artist colony and coastal city that commands the highest ADU rental rates in Orange County — averaging $4,417 per month. The most critical factor for ADU construction here is that the majority of the city falls within the California Coastal Zone, requiring a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) in addition to standard building permits. The city adopted a March 2025 urgency ordinance to bring its ADU regulations into compliance with state law. Design review is mandatory for all new construction to ensure aesthetic conformity with the community's artistic character. Hillside properties face additional grading restrictions and geotechnical requirements. Despite these complexities, Laguna Beach's premium rental market makes ADU investment here exceptionally rewarding for those willing to navigate the process.

Zoning & requirements

Setbacks

4-foot minimum from rear and side property lines for new detached ADUs. Oceanfront properties require 25-foot setback from bluff top. Properties near watercourses require 25-foot setback from centerline.

Height

16 feet for single-story detached ADUs. Up to 18 feet may be permitted for properties near public transit stops.

Parking

Standard parking requirements with state exemptions. Properties within 0.5 miles of transit, garage conversions, and other state-mandated conditions are exempt from additional parking.

Lot Size

R-1 zoning requires minimum 6,000 sqft lot with 80-foot minimum depth. Other residential zones vary.

Owner Occupancy

No owner-occupancy requirement (permanent per AB 976).

Additional Notes

MOST of the city is within the Coastal Zone — a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) is required for nearly all ADU projects. Design review is mandatory for aesthetic conformity. ADU size is limited to 850 sqft for studio/one-bedroom units or 1,000 sqft for two-or-more-bedroom units. Impact fees are capped at 50% of the fees charged for the primary dwelling.

How to permit your ADU in Laguna Beach

Determine Coastal Zone status

Nearly all properties in Laguna Beach are within the Coastal Zone. Contact Community Development at (949) 497-0712 to confirm. Coastal Zone properties require a Coastal Development Permit (CDP), which adds 4–8+ weeks to your timeline.

Submit for design review

All new ADU construction in Laguna Beach requires design review to ensure aesthetic conformity with the community's artistic and architectural character. Prepare detailed elevations, material samples, and color selections.

Prepare CDP application

For Coastal Zone properties, prepare and submit your CDP application. Include environmental documentation, view analysis if on a hillside, and any required geotechnical reports. This is a separate review from the building permit.

Submit building plans

Submit complete architectural plans including site plan, floor plans, elevations, structural engineering, MEP, and Title 24 energy calculations. Plans must reflect design review conditions and CDP requirements.

Build with premium finishes

Once approved, pull your building permit and begin construction. Laguna Beach expects high-quality construction — invest in premium materials and finishes that match the community's artistic character.

Final inspection & occupancy

Pass final inspection and receive your Certificate of Occupancy. Your ADU enters Orange County's highest-rent market — average ADU rents of $4,417/mo make the investment worthwhile.

Laguna Beach Community Development Department — 505 Forest Avenue • Fees: $10,000–$20,000+ total (plan check, building permit, CDP fees, design review, school fees). Impact fees capped at 50% of primary dwelling fees. Impact fees waived for ADUs under 750 sqft. • Timeline: 8–16 weeks total. Standard plan check 4–8 weeks. CDP adds 4–8+ additional weeks. Design review adds 2–4 weeks.