ADU Amnesty Programs
Legalize your unpermitted ADU without a full rebuild. California's AB 2533 plus local programs in LA and San Francisco.
California AB 2533: Statewide Amnesty
Effective January 1, 2025
Applies to ADUs and JADUs built before January 1, 2020 across all California cities and counties.
AB 2533 (Government Code §66332) provides amnesty for unpermitted ADUs. Local agencies cannot deny permits for building standard violations unless the issues involve “substandard conditions” under Health & Safety Code §17920.3:
Fixes Required (Health & Safety)
- • Structural decay or deterioration
- • Inadequate sanitation (plumbing/sewer)
- • Fire hazards (smoke detectors, egress)
- • Faulty electrical systems
- • Unsafe heating/ventilation
Not Required (Waived)
- • Full building code compliance
- • ADU ordinance conformance
- • Impact fees or connection charges
- • Penalties for unpermitted status
- • Setback or lot coverage requirements
Key Protections Under AB 2533
- • No penalties for being unpermitted — cities must process your application without punitive action
- • Cities must approve correction permits for any required health/safety fixes
- • Cities must post a §17920.3 checklist on their website
- • Option for confidential third-party pre-application inspection
Los Angeles Programs
City of LA: Unpermitted Dwelling Unit (UDU) Ordinance
Ordinance 184,907 — Active since May 2017
The city's UDU program lets homeowners legalize qualifying unpermitted units if life safety standards are met and one affordable unit is provided per legalized unit.
Process: 6-step process through City Planning, LADBS, and LAHD.
LA County: AB 2533 Process
Updated February 2026
LA County has a detailed 7-step process through EPIC-LA for legalizing pre-2020 unpermitted ADUs. Requires site plans, affidavits proving pre-2020 construction, inspections, and a Certificate of Occupancy.
Costs: Permits $1,500–$3,000 plus utilities $5K–$15K in total soft costs.
San Francisco: Dwelling Unit Legalization
Planning Code §207.3 — Active since 2014
San Francisco's program covers one unauthorized dwelling unit per lot that existed before January 1, 2013. The city offers waivers for yard, parking, and open space requirements if life-safety standards are met.
Screening: Free initial screening form to DBI
Timeline: 2–4 months for plan review after application
Fee waivers: Partial plan review fee waivers available for permits filed 2020–2024
Combinable: Can be combined with the ADU program for additional units
How to Legalize Your ADU
Optional: Get a Third-Party Inspection
AB 2533 allows a confidential pre-application inspection to assess what fixes (if any) are needed before you apply.
Check Your City's Program
Look for your city's AB 2533 implementation page and download their health/safety checklist.
Gather Documentation
Prepare site plans, evidence of pre-2020 construction (aerial photos, utility records, tax records), and any existing building permits.
Submit Permit Application
File your application. The city inspects using the §17920.3 health/safety checklist only — not full building code.
Complete Required Corrections
If the city finds health/safety issues, they must approve correction permits. Fix only what is necessary for safety.
Receive Certificate of Occupancy
Once corrections pass final inspection, the unit is legally permitted. You can now insure, finance, and legally rent the ADU.
Why Legalize?
Insurance Coverage
Unpermitted units are typically uninsurable. Legalization enables full property insurance.
Legal Rental Income
Collect rent legally and report income properly for tax purposes.
Property Value
Permitted ADUs add 20-30% more to property value than unpermitted structures.
Refinancing
Fannie Mae and other lenders can now count ADU income toward mortgage qualification.
Track Every Dollar of Your ADU Build
TerraLine is the construction finance cockpit that shows your loan balance, budget burn, and forecast at completion — all on one screen. No more spreadsheets.
Your Next Steps
Keep planning your ADU project