Step 1: Initial Research and Feasibility — Before doing anything, it’s super important to understand what’s even possible for your property. This usually takes a few days to a couple of weeks. You'll want to look into your local zoning ordinances in Los Angeles County – say, in Burbank or Studio City – and see what’s allowed for ADU conversions. This step helps you figure out the basic size, height, and setback requirements. Often, a good contractor can help you with this preliminary check.
Step 2: Design and Plans Creation — Once you know what’s feasible, it’s time to get those ideas down on paper. This phase can take anywhere from a month to several months, depending on the complexity of your design and how quickly you make decisions. An architect or designer will create detailed blueprints that show the structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical aspects of your new ADU. This is a critical step because these plans will be submitted for permits.
Step 3: Permit Application Submission — With your complete plans in hand, you (or your contractor) will submit them to the local building department in your specific LA area, like Pasadena or Sherman Oaks. This step involves a lot of paperwork and fees. The review process itself can take several weeks to a few months, as the city checks for compliance with all building codes and zoning laws. Patience is definitely key here!
Step 4: Permit Approval and Issuance — After all the reviews, corrections, and re-submissions (which are pretty common!), you'll finally get your approved permits. This means you’re officially good to go with construction! The timing here varies widely, but once approved, you can start building.
Step 5: Inspections During Construction — Throughout the construction process, various inspections will be required at different stages (e.g., foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing, insulation, and final). Your builder will coordinate these with the city inspectors. Each inspection needs to pass before moving on to the next phase, ensuring everything is built to code. This is an ongoing process throughout the build, ensuring quality and safety. Getting professional help from a licensed general contractor like Cali View Builders from the start can really streamline this whole process.