Multiple ADUs on Multifamily Housing

Los Angeles Now Allows Multiple ADUs on Multifamily Housing – What This Means for Apartment Owners

The City of Los Angeles has officially updated its local ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) ordinance—making it significantly easier for multifamily housing owners to add new residential units as  multiple ADUs to their existing apartment buildings.

This new policy is a response to California’s ongoing housing crisis and aligns with recent state mandates encouraging infill housing development. At PQNK, we see this as a major opportunity for apartment owners to increase their property’s value and rental income—without the costs and complexities of ground-up development.

What’s New in the ADU Ordinance?

Previously, multiple ADUs on multifamily housing were limited and often subject to interpretation. With the updated ordinance, the City has now clearly defined what is allowed:

(1) Attached/Conversion ADUs

The ordinance also allows the conversion of existing non-livable spaces—such as recreation rooms, garages, storage rooms, boiler rooms, or laundry facilities—into multiple ADUs. The total number of these attached or conversion ADUs is capped at 25% of the existing unit count. For example, a 40-unit building may be eligible for up to 10 attached ADUs.

(2) Detached ADUs

Owners of multifamily housing are now allowed to add up to two detached ADUs per lot. These can be newly built structures located in rear yards or other underutilized spaces.

Reduced Parking Requirements

In most cases, no additional parking is required if the multiple ADUs are located within half a mile of a public transit stop—an advantage for urban sites.

Why This Matters for Apartment Owners

This update provides a rare opportunity to add units without new land acquisition. For owners of apartment buildings, especially those with underused backyards or unused spaces, this ordinance opens the door to:

• New rental income streams

• Improved cash flow and NOI

• Higher long-term property value

• Greater flexibility for family or staff housing

With the right design approach, these multiple ADUs can be seamlessly integrated into your existing property layout while enhancing the overall character of the site.

How PQNK Can Help

At PQNK, we specialize in multifamily and adaptive reuse projects across Los Angeles and Southern California. Our team provides:

• Site-specific feasibility studies

• Code-compliant design solutions

• Permit expediting and plan check coordination

• Construction documentation and support

We understand the nuances of ADU code interpretation, zoning overlays, and local plan check requirements.

For professional guidance on multi-family housing development, feel free to reach out to PQNK INC. PQNK is a leading Korean-American architecture firm in Southern California specializing in multifamily residential, commercial, food & beverage, and healthcare design.