A detached 750 SF ADU squeezed onto a narrow Highland Park lot with exact 4-ft setbacks — approved by LADBS with a single label revision.
An LA investor wanted a detached 750 SF ADU on a narrow 4,800 SF R1 lot in Highland Park. LADBS required proof of 4-ft side and rear setbacks, a dedicated access path from the street, and separation from the primary dwelling — with almost no room to spare.
We modeled the lot from the county assessor parcel map and positioned the ADU footprint to hold exactly 4'-0" clearances on both required sides, documented the 36-inch access path, and labeled the 6-ft separation from the main house. Every dimension was called out so the reviewer never had to scale anything.
LADBS asked for one label change on the electrical panel location; we turned it around the same afternoon and the plan was approved.
Use these free planning tools for an early check, then confirm every limit, definition, and submittal requirement with the local authority having jurisdiction.
Local-rule reminder: tool results and project examples are planning aids, not an approval guarantee. Your building or planning department makes the final determination.
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