Number of ADUs Allowed in Redondo Beach
- Maximum size: 1,200 sq ft (detached or attached, or 50% of the size of the main dwelling)
- Side/rear setbacks: 4 feet
- Two story: Yes, for both attached and detached ADUs
- Building separation: 6 feet
- Soils Report: Possibly, especially in areas with grading or on hillsides
- Building Verification Survey: Yes
- Coastal permit (in some areas): N/A
- Stormwater Mitigation: Yes
Number of ADUs Allowed in Redondo Beach
You are allowed to put one attached or detached ADU on single-family property in Redondo Beach, as well as one JADU.
Multifamily property owners in Redondo Beach may convert existing uninhabitable space into at least one attached ADU, and additional ADUs not to exceed a maximum number equal to 25% of the existing units. Ergo:
- From 2 to 7 units, you could convert existing uninhabitable space into one ADU
- From 8 to 11 units up to 2 ADUs
- From 12 to 15 units up to 3 ADUs
- And so on.
No more than two detached ADUs may be constructed on a multifamily lot in Redondo Beach.
ADU Redondo Beach – Size & Building Constraints
A studio or 1-bedroom detached ADU can be up to 850 square feet in Redondo Beach. A 2-bedroom detached ADU can be up to 1,000 square feet.
An attached ADU in Redondo Beach can be up to 1,200 square feet, or 50% of the square footage of the primary dwelling unit, whichever is smaller.
A detached ADU can be up to 16 feet tall in Redondo Beach. An attached ADU can be up to 25 feet high or the height of the primary dwelling unit, whichever is smaller.
2-story ADUs may be permitted in Redondo Beach if height restrictions are adhered to. Detached ADU height requirements are generally too low to accommodate two stories, but attached ADUs may be able to be built to two stories, especially if attached to a two-story primary dwelling unit.
No, height restrictions on detached ADUs in Redondo Beach generally prevent two ADUs from being stacked one on top of each other (one on each story of a two-story building). Single-family property also limits you to one detached ADU on the property, which would also eliminate the option of two stacked detached ADUs.
No specific policies restrict two ADUs from being attached to each other on one separate detached structure in Redondo Beach. Keep in mind that only multifamily property is eligible, since multifamily property can have up to two detached ADUs and single-family property is limited to one detached ADU.
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.
Generally roof decks would be permitted on an ADU, but must meet the height restrictions for the zone. Roof decks cannot encroach into the required setbacks. As a rule of thumb, railings and access staircases above 42″ need to be included in height calculations.
An ADU must match or harmonize with the exterior of the main dwelling unit, including color palette, roof pitch, architectural style, and other aesthetic characteristics.
ADU Setbacks in Redondo Beach
ADUs behind the primary dwelling unit in Redondo Beach require a minimum of 4-foot side and rear setbacks.
No specific building separation requirements are specified in Redondo Beach. 6-foot building separation is common throughout California due to fire codes and other regulations, but we will need to check the requirements based on the zoning of your specific property during the planning stage.
ADUs are generally not allowed in the front yard of property in Redondo Beach.
ADU Setbacks in Redondo Beach
No, you can apply and submit plans to the Redondo Beach Community Development Department via the onlineRedondo Beach Permit Center.
Redondo Beach 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.
Sufficient green space and permeable surface must be maintained on the property. City regulations do not specify specific percentages and must be approved on a case-by-case basis in the planning stage.
The plan check process for an ADU in Redondo Beach involves the following steps:
- Confirm eligibility for an ADU
- Submit plans
- Plan check by the Building Division
- Permit issuance
- Inspections
The plan check usually takes about 4-6 weeks, while the permit issuance process can take up to an additional 2-3 weeks.
Parking for Redondo Beach ADU
One new parking spot is typically required to be added to the lot per new ADU. However, exemptions may apply if:
- The ADU was built into an existing structure.
- The property is located within a historic district.
- The property is located within ½ mile walking distance of a public transportation stop.
- The property is located within one block of an established vehicle share stop.
- Off-street parking permits are required but not offered to ADU occupants.
If a parking space must be added, it can be included on the driveway or any setback areas, and it may be configured as tandem parking.
Additional Requirements in Redondo Beach
Per Title 24 of the California Energy Code, solar panels of appropriate size and capacity are mandatory on new-construction ADUs. ADUs built from converted existing structures are exempt, as may be ADUs located under significant shading. Smaller ADUs may be subject to reduced or modified solar panel requirements.
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 Redondo Beach.
An ADU doesn’t necessarily get its own address, but a separate address can be applied for and may be mandated if determined by the city to be necessary for public safety reasons.
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. The City of Redondo Beach may require LID fees for larger ADUs.
California State Law requires that dwelling units can only be used as short-term rentals or Airbnbs for terms of 30 days or longer.
Per the Costa-Hawkins Act of 1995, Redondo Beach 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, Redondo Beach does not prohibit gas appliances in new ADUs as long as all relevant installation and safety standards are met.
In Redondo Beach 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.
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