Yes, in most cases. As of October 2026, Long Beach applies California ADU law, which allows an existing attached or detached garage to become an ADU, and an attached garage to become a junior ADU. Existing setbacks can usually stay if they are fire-safe, and you do not have to replace the parking.
How big can a garage conversion ADU be?
As of October 2026, Long Beach sets no size limit for a conversion, but it cannot exceed the existing building footprint. You may add up to 150 sq ft only for entry and exit, such as a stair or landing. If you want more space than the garage offers, the project becomes an addition or new construction, with different rules.
Can I keep my garage's setbacks?
Usually. State law exempts converted structures from the 4-foot side and rear setback. Long Beach lets existing non-conforming setbacks stay if they are essential to the project and the building and fire officials find them safe. The non-conformity cannot grow.
Can I raise the roof of my garage when I convert it?
Sometimes. As of October 2026, Long Beach lets a converted building keep its existing height. Where the building meets current setbacks, height may be increased under new-construction rules. Inside an area that encroaches into a setback, height cannot increase.
Can my garage become a junior ADU instead?
An attached garage can. As of October 2026, Long Beach allows a junior ADU of up to 500 sq ft to be created from part of the main home or an attached garage. A detached garage can become a regular ADU, not a junior ADU.
What building work does a garage conversion need?
The California HCD garage conversion guidelines list the usual items: checking the foundation and walls, a moisture barrier over the slab, insulation to the Title 24 energy code, replacing the garage door with wall and windows, fire-rated walls near the house or property lines, an electrical load calculation, and upsized utility lines where needed. See our garage conversion page for detail.
Do I need anything extra in the coastal zone or a historic district?
Yes. As of October 2026, a Long Beach coastal zone ADU needs an Administrative Local Coastal Development Permit, and an ADU in a historic district needs a Certificate of Appropriateness. Both are filed with the building permit and need no public hearing.
Can I tear down the garage and rebuild it as an ADU?
Only when it is essential to the project, as of October 2026, under Long Beach's zoning summary. A rebuilt structure is new construction and must meet new-construction setbacks, height and size limits.
When does it depend?
It depends on the structure and the paperwork. A garage that was never permitted, a slab that is cracked or sloping, a utility easement through the garage, or a lot without an existing home can each change the answer. The city's draft ADU ordinance also aims to formalize how unpermitted units can be legalized. We check these before you pay for plans.
Related
Sources, as of October 2026: City of Long Beach ADU bulletin (IB-PZ-001) and ADU zoning summary; California Government Code §66323; HCD guidelines for garage conversion ADUs.
Updated October 2026