ADUs in Lancaster, CA: Official Local Numbers
Building an ADU in Lancaster
The city issued 209 ADU units with building permits in 2025, as reported so far; 270 units were completed in 2025, as reported so far.
Lancaster at a glance
- ADU units with building permits issued in 2025 in the City of Lancaster, as reported so far
- 209
- ADU units completed in 2025 in the City of Lancaster, as reported so far
- 270
- Rank by ADU permits in 2025 among 79 reporting Los Angeles County cities, City of Lancaster
- 6 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 Lancaster. 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.
Official ADU numbers for the City of Lancaster
Official ADU numbers for the City of Lancaster
Local numbers for Lancaster, each with its source and date.
- Change in ADU units permitted, 2022 to 2025, City of Lancaster, as reported so far1
- 242.6%
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 12 |
| 2021 | 192 |
| 2022 | 61 |
| 2023 | 231 |
| 2024 | 320 |
| 2025 | 209 |
6th 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
Lancaster homeowners are building ADUs at a steady pace. The city's official HCD figures show 209 ADU units with building permits issued in 2025, as reported so far, and 270 units completed in 2025, as reported so far.
Lancaster ranked 6 of 79 reporting Los Angeles County cities for ADU permits in 2025. Permits rose 242.6% from 2022 to 2025, from 61 units to 209 units, as reported so far. Those late-year numbers may still change, so read them as a snapshot.
Homeowners here often build an ADU to rent out or to house family. Common types include detached backyard units, attached additions, and garage conversions. The right type depends on your lot, your budget, and what the city's review allows.
From idea to move-in
From idea to move-in
Check feasibility
Start by listing what you want the unit to do. Walk the lot, check setbacks and utilities, and confirm what the city allows on your property.
Design and plans
Your builder turns your goals into drawings. Expect a set of plans that shows layout, structure, and utility routes for the city to review.
Plan check and permit
The plans go to the city for plan check. Reviewers may ask for changes. Once the plans pass, you apply for the building permit.
Construction and inspections
Work starts after the permit is issued. The crew builds the unit in stages, and the city inspects key stages such as foundation, framing, and systems before work continues.
Final sign-off
When the work passes its last inspections, the city signs off. Only then can the unit be finished for use and move-in.
Questions about building an ADU in Lancaster
Do I need a permit to build an ADU in Lancaster?
Yes, in most cases. Lancaster runs its own permit process, so confirm the rules for your lot and project with the city before you start. Your local builder can explain what the city will ask for.
Can I convert a garage into an ADU in Lancaster?
Often yes, but it depends on the garage, the lot, and what the city's review finds. A local builder can check the space and tell you what changes a conversion would need.
Can I rent out an ADU in Lancaster?
Many homeowners build an ADU to rent out or to house family. Whether renting is allowed for your property depends on city rules and any other agreements that apply, so check those first.
How do I start planning an ADU in Lancaster?
Start by writing down what you want the unit to do and what space you have. Then share those details with a local builder, who can review feasibility and outline the steps with the city.
How many ADU permits has Lancaster issued recently?
The city's HCD reports show 209 ADU units with building permits issued in 2025, as reported so far. That count can still rise as late reports arrive, so treat it as a current figure.
How can I check a contractor's license status?
Ask for the contractor's license number and check its status with the CSLB (Contractors State License Board) before you sign anything.
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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