ADU Builders in
Long Beach, CA
Compare ADU builders and state-law-driven permit options for Long Beach
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Quick Stats
Directory
- Curated list of ADU builders serving Long Beach.
- Listings are ordered by ADU relevance signals (portfolio evidence, ADU-specific services, clarity, responsiveness).
- Each card shows the clearest city or service-area proof we found for this market.
- Paid placements (when introduced) will be clearly labeled.
4 Builders
Homeplex
Long BeachLocal proof: Homeplex is based at 145 W Broadway in Long Beach and sells prefab ADUs.
John Christopher Construction
Long Beach • Orange CountyLocal proof: John Christopher runs a Long Beach-specific ADU builder page.
GatherADU
Long Beach • Los Angeles CountyLocal proof: GatherADU publishes Long Beach regulations and service pages.
Levi Design Build
Long Beach • Los Angeles CountyLocal proof: Levi lists Long Beach in its ADU service-area roster.
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Long Beach ADU Guide
Long Beach homeowners usually have the same four core ADU paths: convert existing space, build a detached backyard unit, add an attached unit, or create a JADU inside the main house. The best path depends on your lot, utilities, budget, and how quickly you want to get through permitting.
Garage conversion ADU
Detached backyard ADU
Attached ADU
JADU (inside main home)
ADU Rules
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Use these as your first underwriting assumptions, then confirm them with Long Beach Planning and Building before final design.
| Topic | Long Beach baseline |
|---|---|
| Governing rules | Long Beach says it currently applies state ADU law directly while its local ordinance is being updated. |
| How many units can I add? | A typical single-family lot usually starts with the standard California pattern of 1 ADU plus 1 JADU when the site qualifies. |
| JADU size | JADUs are capped at 500 sqft and must be created inside the existing single-family home, attached garage, or attached addition. |
| Owner occupancy | Long Beach states owner occupancy in either the JADU or the main home is required for a JADU. |
| Setbacks and height | The city points applicants to the HCD ADU Handbook and local planning review for setbacks, height limits, and parking standards while the ordinance update is in progress. |
| Historic / coastal review | Historic districts need a Certificate of Appropriateness, and Coastal Zone properties need an administrative Local Coastal Development Permit before building permit submittal. |
| Permit intake | Long Beach requires ADU plans to be submitted in person at the Permit Center with a digital PDF on a USB drive. Online ADU submissions are not currently available. |
| Pre-approved plans | The city has a Pre-Approved ADU Program for new-construction ADUs, not conversions of existing space. |
| Short-term rentals | Long Beach states ADUs and JADUs are not qualified dwelling units for STR registration, so underwrite these units as long-term rentals. |
Cost Breakdown
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Long Beach detached ADUs can move quickly on timeline when the lot is straightforward, but coastal issues, older utility systems, or structural conversion work can still push costs up.
| Project type | Typical all-in cost range (Long Beach) |
|---|---|
| Garage conversion ADU | $115K – $235K |
| JADU (inside main home) | $85K – $155K |
| Attached ADU | $190K – $335K |
| Detached ADU (new build) | $230K – $420K+ |
Biggest budget movers in Long Beach
- Coastal Zone review or added site constraints
- Sewer, electrical, and panel work on older housing stock
- Foundation upgrades on conversions
- Parking and access redesign on tighter urban lots
- Flood, liquefaction, or other site-specific engineering
- Finish level and sound/privacy upgrades
Permit Process
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Typical flow
- Confirm eligibility with Planning – Long Beach asks owners to verify ADU eligibility before building permit work starts
- Screen for overlays – coastal and historic status matter early
- Choose the path – custom plans, garage conversion, or a city pre-approved detached design
- Submit in person – bring the permit application and full digital PDF plan set on a USB drive
- Concurrent plan review – the city says a planner and engineer review the plans together
- Respond to corrections and pull permit
- Build and inspect through final
Realistic timing
- Feasibility + concept: ~2–6 weeks
- Design + engineering: ~1–3 months
- Plan review: Long Beach says typical review time is about 4 to 6 weeks once fees are paid
- Construction: ~4–9 months
- Total: often ~5–14 months
Long Beach-specific advantages
- The city advertises one of the strongest ADU production rates in California
- Plan review is concurrent, not purely sequential
- Pre-approved detached plans can save time on the right lot
Rental Income
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Long Beach ADUs tend to work best as long-term rentals for small households, family, or coastal-adjacent renters priced out of larger units. The short-term rental path is the wrong assumption here because the city excludes ADUs from STR eligibility.
What can an ADU rent for in Long Beach?
| Unit type | Broad monthly range |
|---|---|
| Studio / small JADU | $2,000 – $2,500 |
| 1 BR ADU | $2,350 – $3,100 |
| 2 BR ADU | $3,000 – $3,900+ |
Rental strategy notes
- Underwrite for 30-plus-day use, not Airbnb-style occupancy
- Detached units with parking and privacy usually command the strongest premium
- Coastal and walkable neighborhoods can outperform the range above
FAQs
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Does Long Beach use its own ADU ordinance right now?
Not fully. Long Beach says it is currently applying state ADU law directly while a local ordinance update is still in progress.
Can I submit ADU plans online in Long Beach?
No. Long Beach says plans and permit applications must be submitted in person at the Permit Center, along with a digital PDF set on a USB drive.
How long does plan review take in Long Beach?
The city says typical review time is about 4 to 6 weeks once the fees are paid, assuming the project is straightforward and corrections are limited.
Are there special rules in the Coastal Zone or historic districts?
Yes. Coastal properties need an administrative Local Coastal Development Permit, and historic properties require the relevant historic approval before standard building permit review can move forward.
Can I use a pre-approved Long Beach ADU plan?
Yes, but the city's pre-approved program is aimed at new-construction ADUs, not conversions of existing space.
Can I rent a Long Beach ADU short-term?
No. Long Beach states that ADUs and JADUs are not qualified dwelling units for STR registration.
How much does a Long Beach ADU usually cost?
Many Long Beach homeowners underwrite roughly $115,000 to $235,000 for conversions and $230,000 to $420,000 or more for detached new construction.