Bell ADU Regulations & Zoning

In Bell an attached ADU can be up to 1,200 square feet or 50% of the size of the main dwelling unit, whichever is smaller.

In the City of Los Angeles, converting existing structures into ADUs carries no height restriction. The height of new-construction ADUs must be less than 16 feet, although, in certain locations, new-construction or partially new-construction designs may include an ADU as tall as 25 feet. For multifamily properties where the existing structure is at least two stories high or if the property is located within a ½ mile walk of a public transit stop or station, an ADU can be up to 18 feet high.

An attached ADU may be two stories in Bell. However, due to height restrictions you cannot build a two-story detached ADU in Bell.

No, two ADUs attached together are not allowed in Bell.

No, a JADU is defined as an ADU converted from existing space within the main structure of the primary dwelling unit. As such, it cannot be attached to an ADU.

Roof decks are not prohibited for ADUs in Bell. However, California building safety codes about roof deck safety railings apply, and the height of the railing applies to the total height of the building, so the whole structure including the railings must comply with ADU height requirements. California requires that deck rails be 36 inches high on residential dwellings, 42 inches high on multifamily dwellings.

The exterior of the ADU must align with the architectural and aesthetic style of the rest of the neighborhood, using similar materials and design elements to maintain consistency with the main dwelling unit and surrounding dwellings.

Bell may require a soils report for ADU permitting to make sure the soil can support the new structure, especially if the ADU will be located on a hillside, an area with significant grading, or if there are special foundation requirements.

The plan check requires a review by the Planning Department and the Department of Building & Safety for zoning, building standards, and safety compliance. The process takes approximately 3-6 weeks.

An ADU is not required to have a separate water or electrical meter. You can opt for the ADU to share service with the main dwelling unit. However, you can request separate water or electrical meters from the City of Bell.

Bell does not automatically assign a new ADU its own address. However, it may assign the ADU a new address if it is intended for rental or independent occupancy. The ADU will usually get a “½” designation — for example, an ADU located behind 1234 Pine Street would have the address “1234½ Pine Street.”

Low Impact Development (LID) is an approach to land development or redevelopment that seeks to preserve and conserve onsite water quality and natural features, with minimal detrimental effect to local waterways and ecosystems. Bell may require LID fees for larger ADUs.

Per the Costa-Hawkins Act of 1995, Bell does not impose rent control on dwellings constructed after February 1, 1995. This means most new-build ADUs are exempt. However, if the primary dwelling unit is subject to rent control, it might apply to the ADU as well.

While encouraging the use of electric appliances for efficiency and sustainability, Bell does not prohibit gas appliances in new ADUs.

In Bell you are only required to install sprinklers in a new ADU if the primary dwelling unit has them as well. You may also be required to install them if the ADU is located within a special fire hazard zone.