California state law has opened the door for most Beverly Hills homeowners to add an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on their lot. This guide covers the rules, the design choices, and the build process.
State law vs local rules
California Government Code 65852.2 (the state ADU law) sets a floor: every single family lot can have at least one ADU plus one Junior ADU. Cities can add layers on top but cannot block ADUs entirely. Beverly Hills has its own ordinance that further shapes setbacks, height, and lot coverage.
Site feasibility
Before design, walk the lot for setbacks, sewer capacity, electrical service capacity, slope, and easement constraints. Detached new build ADUs need a footprint and yard space. Garage conversions reuse an existing structure. Junior ADUs sit inside the main house. Each path has its own cost basis and construction timeline.
Permits in Beverly Hills
ADU submittals are ministerial in California, meaning the city reviews them administratively without discretionary review. City of Beverly Hills Community Development Dept, Building & Safety Div. Code: BHMC Title 9 (Building) and Title 10 Chapter 3 (Zoning). Permit Center at 455 N Rexford Dr. typically completes plan check in 60 to 120 days. Beverly Hills has its OWN ADU ordinance (Article 50, last amended Dec 2024), separate from City of LA. ADUs capped at 1,400 sf in the Central Area north of Santa Monica Blvd and in the Hillside Area. Garage conversions usually clear faster than detached new builds.
Construction window
Site clearance, foundation, framing, MEP rough, exterior dry in, interior finish, fixture install, final inspection. ADU builds in Beverly Hills typically run 4 to 7 months of construction. From signed design contract to final inspection most projects total 8 to 14 months.
ADU rules specific to Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills has its OWN ADU ordinance (Article 50, last amended Dec 2024), separate from City of LA. ADUs capped at 1,400 sf in the Central Area north of Santa Monica Blvd and in the Hillside Area. Lots 13,000 sf and bigger qualify for a third unit (Incentive ADU). Under SB 543 effective Jan 1 2026, the city must determine completeness in 15 business days and act within 60 days.
How Paradigm Builders Can Help in Beverly Hills
Paradigm Builders runs design, permits, and construction across the full residential scope in Beverly Hills. Browse our service pages for what fits your project:
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