Are ADUs allowed in Long Beach?

Yes. Long Beach permits Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior ADUs on eligible residential lots, following California state ADU law plus the city’s own ADU ordinance and design standards.

Does Long Beach require owner-occupancy to rent an ADU?

Under California law, cities cannot require owner-occupancy for standard ADUs, so a Long Beach ADU can be rented as long-term housing. Junior ADUs generally still require the owner to live on the property.

Can I use a Long Beach ADU as a short-term rental?

ADUs are intended for long-term housing. Short-term rental of an ADU (stays under 30 days) is generally not allowed, and Long Beach regulates short-term rentals separately.

Where can I find legal ADU rentals in Long Beach?

A-du lists permit-finaled ADU rentals across Los Angeles County, including Long Beach, so renters can find legal, inspected units in one place.

ADU Rentals & Regulations in Long Beach

An ADU in Long Beach is an Accessory Dwelling Unit permitted under California state law and the City of Long Beach ADU ordinance, on a residential lot in Long Beach, California.

Long Beach is a charter city in Los Angeles County, so both state ADU standards and local Long Beach rules apply.

ADU rules in Long Beach

Long Beach follows California's statewide ADU framework — ministerial approval, capped review timelines, and no owner-occupancy requirement for standard ADUs — layered with its own ordinance covering setbacks, height, parking, and design in specific zones and the Coastal Zone. Lots near the coast may trigger additional Coastal Commission review.

Renting an ADU in Long Beach

A permitted, finaled ADU can be rented as long-term housing. Because Long Beach is a dense, in-demand coastal market, ADUs are an attractive option for renters who want a private, ground-level home rather than an apartment. If you own an ADU here, see how to rent out your ADU in Los Angeles.

Building an ADU in Long Beach

Homeowners building in Long Beach can speed up permitting by starting from a pre-approved or Standard Plan ADU rather than a fully custom design. Learn how that works in our guide to pre-approved ADU plans, or browse ADU plan sets on A-du Build.

Browse ADU rentals in Los Angeles County — including Long Beach — on A-du.

Frequently asked questions

Are ADUs allowed in Long Beach?: Yes. Long Beach permits Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior ADUs on eligible residential lots, following California state ADU law plus the city’s own ADU ordinance and design standards.
Does Long Beach require owner-occupancy to rent an ADU?: Under California law, cities cannot require owner-occupancy for standard ADUs, so a Long Beach ADU can be rented as long-term housing. Junior ADUs generally still require the owner to live on the property.
Can I use a Long Beach ADU as a short-term rental?: ADUs are intended for long-term housing. Short-term rental of an ADU (stays under 30 days) is generally not allowed, and Long Beach regulates short-term rentals separately.
Where can I find legal ADU rentals in Long Beach?: A-du lists permit-finaled ADU rentals across Los Angeles County, including Long Beach, so renters can find legal, inspected units in one place.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Long Beach zoning, coastal, and rental rules change; confirm current requirements with the City of Long Beach.