SB
1211
Multiple ADUs on Multi-Family Lots
Conversion of Unused Spaces
Bypassing Certain Parking Requirements
AB
1033
ADUs Separately Financed and Sold
Subdivide Existing Lots
Utilize Condominium Ownership
Unlocking the Full Potential of ADU Development with SB 1211 & AB 1033
As a licensed architect and general contractor, I see great potential in small-scale residential projects and ADUs in Los Angeles. With SB 1211 and AB 1033, we have unprecedented opportunities to create high-yield, high-quality housing solutions that are not only financially viable but also streamlined for approval and development.
Los Angeles’ housing laws have changed, and with SB 1211, property owners now have a unique opportunity to build multiple ADUs on multi-family lots—unlocking steady rental income and increasing property value without the hurdles of large-scale development.
We can provide strategic ADU design and design+build solutions that transform underutilized space into high-quality, in-demand rental units. Our process is streamlined—from feasibility studies and permitting to construction coordination—so you can maximize your investment with minimal hassle.
With rising demand for independent rental units and fast-tracked ADU approvals, there’s never been a better time to take advantage of this opportunity. Let’s build smart, efficient ADUs that generate long-term income and future-proof your property.
SB 1211: Expanding ADU Potential on Multi-Family & Underutilized Lots
SB 1211 simplifies the process for building multiple ADUs on multi-family properties, making it easier for developers to increase density without full-scale apartment construction. Here’s what’s possible under SB 1211:
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Multiple ADUs on Multi-Family Lots – Previously, multi-family properties could add up to two detached ADUs. SB 1211 increases the current cap on the number of ADUs on a multifamily property that can be detached from 2 to up to 8, depending on the existing number of multifamily units on the site.
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Conversion of Unused Spaces – Developers can now legally convert underutilized areas—such as parking structures, storage rooms, or basements—into livable ADUs with fewer zoning barriers, up to 25% of the existing units.
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Bypassing Certain Parking Requirements – With proximity to transit corridors and mixed-use areas, ADUs under SB 1211 often qualify for reduced parking mandates, lowering construction costs.
For developers, this means more rentable units on the same lot with significantly less red tape compared to traditional apartment development. With fast-track permitting and increased site flexibility, these projects become attractive, lower-risk investments.
AB 1033: Unlocking ADUs as Separate Real Estate Assets
AB 1033 takes ADU development to another level by allowing homeowners and developers to sell ADUs as independent properties, similar to condominiums. This means:
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ADUs can be separately financed and sold, offering a faster return on investment rather than waiting for rental income to generate cash flow.
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Developers can subdivide existing lots with ADUs, making them individual, standalone properties—creating opportunities for smaller, affordable homeownership models within Los Angeles.
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Investors can leverage fractional ownership structures, making ADU projects appealing to co-housing models and new real estate funding approaches.
For a developer-client, AB 1033 transforms ADUs from rental-only investments into full-fledged real estate assets that can be sold as condos or separate single-family homes, significantly boosting overall project valuation.
Strategic Development for Maximum Returns
By integrating SB 1211 and AB 1033 into an ADU development strategy, developers in Los Angeles can:
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Scale up density on existing multi-family lots while keeping construction costs lower than traditional apartment projects.
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Generate high-value, for-sale ADUs instead of long-term rental-only properties.
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Leverage expedited approval pathways for faster project delivery and reduced risk.
With smart site planning, sustainable design, and streamlined entitlement strategies, we can help turn underutilized properties into profitable, high-quality housing solutions that align with California’s evolving urban landscape. Let’s talk about how we can develop custom ADU projects that optimize space, budget, and long-term value for your portfolio.