ADU Planning in West Covina
ADUs in West Covina's Older Homes
76.6% of West Covina housing units were built before 1980 (Census 2020–2024), so plan your electrical, water and sewer checks early.
West Covina at a glance
- Housing units built before 1980 (2020–2024 estimates)
- 76.6%
- Median year structure built, all housing units (2020–2024 estimates)
- 1967
- Owner-occupied share of occupied housing units (2020–2024 estimates)
- 60.3%
U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020–2024 5-year estimates · data as of
- Numbers from US Census 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 West Covina. 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.
West Covina housing facts (U.S. Census)
West Covina housing facts (U.S. Census)
Local numbers for West Covina, each with its source and date.
- Median value of owner-occupied homes (2020–2024 estimates)1
- $779,800
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2020 | 12 |
| 2021 | 56 |
| 2022 | 128 |
| 2023 | 55 |
| 2024 | 101 |
| 2025 | No report |
* 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
What West Covina's homes mean for your ADU
76.6% of West Covina housing units were built before 1980, and the median year built is 1967 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020–2024). That makes older-home checks a central part of planning an ADU here. Start with the existing electrical panel, the water and sewer lines shared with the main house, and the age of the structure you plan to convert.
If you plan to convert an old garage, test for lead-based paint before work starts. Structures built before 1978 often need this check, and older materials can contain asbestos. These are things to check, not certainties for every house.
Most homeowners in West Covina live in the home they own: 60.3% of occupied housing units are owner-occupied. If you are improving the home you live in, plan the ADU around your own needs and budget. If you own a rental, check how the ADU will affect your tenants and your rental plans before you commit.
The median value of owner-occupied homes is $779,800. Use that figure only as a general frame: decide how much to put into the property relative to its value, and keep room in your budget for surprises in an older home. It is not a prediction of resale value.
The typical path for an ADU in West Covina
The typical path for an ADU in West Covina
Check what your lot allows
Confirm what your lot allows with the city before you spend on design. Ask about setbacks, parking and utility connections, and note the age of the main house.
Design and plans
Work with your builder on a layout that fits the lot. Ask for a plan that shows the existing electrical panel, water and sewer routes, and any garage walls you plan to convert.
Plan check and permit
Submit plans to the city for review. Expect questions about older structures, such as lead-based paint testing for pre-1978 buildings and the capacity of the existing electrical service.
Construction with inspections
Build the unit in stages that match the city's required inspections. Ask your builder to open walls where older wiring, plumbing or materials need a closer look.
Final sign-off
Once the work passes its final inspections, the city gives final sign-off. Keep all permits, inspection records and test results with your home papers.
Common questions about ADUs in West Covina
Why does the age of West Covina's homes matter for an ADU?
76.6% of West Covina housing units were built before 1980, and the median year built is 1967 (Census 2020–2024). Older homes may have electrical panels, water lines or sewer lines that need review before adding a unit. Ask your builder to check these early.
Should I test an old garage before converting it?
Yes, if the structure was built before 1978. Lead-based paint testing and an asbestos check are common steps to plan for. Your builder and the city can tell you what applies to your property.
Can I build an ADU if I rent out my West Covina home?
60.3% of occupied housing units in West Covina are owner-occupied (Census 2020–2024), so many owners live in their homes. If you rent out your home, review your lease, rental plans and local rules with the city before you start.
How does the $779,800 median home value affect my budget?
The median value of owner-occupied homes is $779,800 (Census 2020–2024). Use it only as a general frame for how much to invest relative to your home's value. It does not predict the cost or resale value of your ADU.
How do I check a contractor's license?
You can check any contractor's license status with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Ask your local builder for their license number and check it yourself.
What should I bring to a quote request?
Bring your property address, a short description of the space you want, photos of the garage or area, and any plans you have. The local builder who receives your request can use these details to scope your project.
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
Request a free estimate from a local builder for your ADU
Tell us about the project. It takes about 30 seconds.
- You send a short request. Project type, ZIP code, timing and how to reach you.
- We match it. A local contractor for your project gets your request. Up to three may contact you, and we email you each one's name.
- You talk about your project. The estimate is free, with no obligation to hire.
Thanks — your request is in.
We're matching your project now. When a contractor takes it, we email you their name and phone number so you know who is calling.
We're matching your project now. A local contractor will call you at the number you gave us to talk about the next step.
Who gets your request
Your local match
Your project · works in Los Angeles County
Matched to your project. We check the project type and ZIP first. Up to three local contractors may contact you, and we email you each one's name.
Service areas
- Los Angeles
- Bel Air
- Brentwood
- Hollywood
- +36 more
Service areas as listed by the contractor ()