ADU Craft Long Beach

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How we build your ADU, step by step

One team from the first lot check to the final inspection. You always know which step you are in and what comes next.

  1. Lot checkYou send your address. We review zoning, setbacks, coastal and historic overlays, easements and, in Signal Hill, oil well records.
  2. Site visitWe measure the lot and any garage, check the electrical panel, sewer route and access for materials.
  3. Design and quoteWe draw a plan that fits your lot and give you a written, itemized price.
  4. EngineeringStructural, energy (Title 24) and utility load calculations for the permit set.
  5. PermitsWe submit, answer plan check corrections and handle coastal or historic filings.
  6. ConstructionFoundation or slab work, framing, utilities, insulation, finishes.
  7. InspectionsWe schedule city inspections at each stage and fix any items they raise.
  8. Final sign-offFinal inspection and the city's approval to occupy the unit.

How long does ADU approval take in Long Beach?

As of October 2026, state law gives the city 15 business days to decide whether an ADU application is complete, and 60 days from a complete application to approve or deny it when there is an existing home on the lot. Long Beach states it reviews ADU building permits within 60 days of a complete submittal. Each round of corrections adds review time, which is why we aim for a complete first submittal.

What changes if I am in the coastal zone or a historic district?

As of October 2026, Long Beach coastal zone ADUs need an Administrative Local Coastal Development Permit, and ADUs in a historic district need a Certificate of Appropriateness. Both are filed with the building permit and need no public hearing. In Seal Beach, coastal permits come from the Coastal Commission instead. See ADU design and permits.

When do I get a price?

After the site visit and design, before any construction. Your quote is written and itemized, so you can see what each part of the job costs. If the lot check finds something that changes the picture, such as a needed electrical service upgrade or foundation work, we tell you then.

What do I need to prepare?

  • Your property address and any survey or title report you have.
  • Any past permits for the house or garage, if you know of them.
  • How you plan to use the unit: family, long-term rental, office or a mix.
  • A rough budget range, so we can design to it.

How long will my whole project take?

It depends on the ADU type, the city, any overlays and how quickly corrections are turned around. A garage conversion outside any overlay is usually the most direct path; a new detached unit in the coastal zone has more steps. We give you a schedule specific to your project with the quote.

See what fits on your lot

Step one is the lot check. Send your address to start.