ADUs in Lakewood: Permits and Local Data
ADUs in Lakewood: permit activity and next steps
Lakewood issued 99 ADU permits in 2025, as reported so far; the city ranks 16 of 79 reporting Los Angeles County cities.
Lakewood at a glance
- ADU units with building permits issued in 2025, as reported so far, City of Lakewood
- 99
- ADU units completed in 2025, as reported so far, City of Lakewood
- 112
- Rank by ADU units permitted in 2025 among 79 reporting LA County cities, City of Lakewood
- 16 of 79
California HCD, Housing Element Annual Progress Report (APR), Table A2 · data as of
- Numbers from HCD public records
- Up to three local contractors, never a long list
- Free, no obligation
What do permits say an ADU costs?
From City of LA building permits, last 12 months. Not a contract price. How we calculate this
Declared values on City of Los Angeles building permits, last 12 months. The dataset covers the City of Los Angeles only, so treat it as a regional reference for Lakewood. A declared value is what the permit states, not your contract price. How we calculate this.
Source: LA Department of Building and Safety, Building Permits Issued 2020 to Present (data.lacity.org), permits on one- and two-family homes issued to ; fire rebuilds excluded. ZIP medians need 20+ permits.
Lakewood ADU numbers from official state data
Lakewood ADU numbers from official state data
Local numbers for Lakewood, each with its source and date.
- Change in ADU units permitted, 2022 to 2025, City of Lakewood1
- -19.5%
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 20 |
| 2019 | 42 |
| 2020 | 40 |
| 2021 | 83 |
| 2022 | 123 |
| 2023 | 162 |
| 2024 | 128 |
| 2025 | 99 |
16th of 79 LA County cities for ADU permits in 2025
* 2025 counts can still rise as late reports come in. Source: California HCD, Housing Element Annual Progress Report (APR), Table A2, data as of .
Planning your project
Lakewood homeowners are building ADUs. The city issued 99 ADU permits in 2025, as reported so far, and recorded 112 ADU completions in 2025, also as reported so far. For 2025 permits, that places Lakewood 16 of 79 among reporting Los Angeles County cities. The permit count changed by -19.5% from 2022 to 2025, so read that trend with care. Many owners build a detached backyard unit, an attached addition, or a garage conversion, depending on lot size and setbacks. Owners often rent the unit for extra income or to house family. Lakewood runs its own permit process, so the city's review decides what your lot allows.
How an ADU gets built in Lakewood
How an ADU gets built in Lakewood
Check feasibility
Start by checking your lot, setbacks, and utility access. Decide whether you want a detached unit, an attached unit, or a garage conversion.
Prepare design and plans
A designer or builder turns your goals into drawings that show the unit layout, site plan, and structural details the city will review.
Plan check and permit
The plans go to the city for plan check. Expect comments and revisions. The permit is issued once the plans meet the city's requirements.
Build with inspections
Construction moves through several stages. The city inspects key work, such as foundation, framing, and utilities, before the next stage can start.
Final sign-off and move-in
After the final inspection and sign-off, the unit is ready for occupancy and move-in.
Questions homeowners ask about ADUs in Lakewood
Do I need a permit to build an ADU in Lakewood?
In most cases yes. Lakewood runs its own permit process, so confirm the requirements with the city before any work starts. The city's review decides what your lot allows.
Can I convert a garage into an ADU?
It can be possible, depending on zoning, the structure, and utility access. A local builder can review your garage and explain what the city's rules mean for your lot.
Can I rent out an ADU I build?
Many owners rent their ADUs for extra income, but local rules on rentals and occupancy apply. Check with the city before you plan around rental income.
How many ADUs does Lakewood permit each year?
The state report shows 99 ADU units with building permits issued in 2025, as reported so far. Late reports can still add to that count, so treat it as a current snapshot.
How do I start an ADU project in Lakewood?
Check your lot and your goals, talk with the city about the permit path, and request a free estimate from a local builder. You can also check any contractor's license status with the CSLB.
Compare ADU activity across LA County
Where LA County is building ADUs
ADU units permitted in 2025, city by city. Select a city to open its guide.
- 0–21
- 22–28
- 29–56
- 57–99
- 100+
- No report
- Unincorporated
Most ADU permits in 2025
- 1Los Angeles7,446
- 2Long Beach644
- 3Glendale371
- 4Burbank241
- 5Pasadena222
- 6Lancaster209
- 7South Gate154
- 8Inglewood147
- 9Downey146
- 10Santa Monica143
Planning an ADU? A local builder can price yours.
Get my free estimatePermits: California HCD, Housing Element Annual Progress Report (APR), Table A2, data as of ; 2025 counts can still rise. Boundaries: Los Angeles County, City and Unincorporated Boundaries (Legal) (mainland only (islands omitted). simplified to about 300 m.)
Recent work by a contractor in our network
Photos from the contractor's own projects, used with permission. Captions name the type of work.
Bathroom in an ADU 
Addition / ADU interior 
Addition / ADU interior 
Addition / ADU bathroom
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Service areas as listed by the contractor ()