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Gardena ADU regulations
Gardena has updated its ADU ordinance to comply with California state law. Here are the current requirements for permitting an ADU in Gardena. In Gardena, a detached ADU can be up to 1,000 sq ft, with a maximum height of 16 ft.
Los Angeles area Local figures last reviewed: May 2024 State law updated: October 2026
Gardena, CA
What you can build in Gardena.
Gardena is one of many California jurisdictions encouraging ADUs: small homes built on the same lot as a single-family home or multi-family building that add living space, rental income and much-needed housing.
Zoning
All properties zoned for single-family and multi-family use may be eligible to build ADUs.
Number of ADUs
Depends on how your lot is zoned.
- Lots zoned for single-family use may add 1 ADU and 1 Junior ADU (JADU).
- Lots with an existing multi-family building may add up to 8 detached ADUs (no more than the number of existing units) plus conversion ADUs in non-livable space, at least one and up to 25% of the existing units. Lots with a proposed multi-family building may add up to 2 detached ADUs. (State law since January 2025; some local codes have not caught up, and state law controls.)
Building size
Maximum floor area by ADU type.
Building height
Maximum height by ADU type.
Setbacks
Minimum distance from property lines.
Parking
California state law.
No parking is required for an ADU if any of the following is true:
- The ADU is within one-half mile walking distance of public transit.
- The ADU is within an architecturally and historically significant historic district.
- The ADU is part of the proposed or existing primary residence or an accessory structure.
- On-street parking permits are required but not offered to the ADU’s occupant.
- A car-share vehicle is located within one block of the ADU.
- No replacement parking is required when a garage, carport or uncovered parking space is removed or converted to build an ADU (expanded by SB 1211, 2025).
Local figures are carried over from our May 2024 review and are being re-verified. State-law items reflect California Government Code §§66310–66342 as of October 2026.
More ADU regulations
Other cities in the Los Angeles area
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