ADU Guide for Studio City, CA (2026)

For Studio City homeowners, an ADU can add flexible living space, a rental unit, or a long-term family housing option without selling the property. A strong plan starts with the lot, the jurisdiction, the budget, and a builder who has handled ADU work in Studio City.

ADU permit activity in Studio City

LADBS records show 499 ADU permits filed since 2020 for Studio City. Typical permitted size is about 753 sq ft. Average LADBS project valuation is $73,071. Those permits added 370 ADU units in the yearly rows.

Annual LADBS activity is down, from 50 permits in 2020 to 42 permits in 2026.

Source: LA Dept. of Building & Safety.

What an ADU costs in Studio City

Use $280-$420 per sq ft as the local planning range for a first pass. That puts a 600-1,000 sq ft ADU around $168,000-$420,000, while many California projects still fall in the broader $150,000-$450,000 range. The current CityStat permit valuation signal is $73,071, which is useful for comparing permit records but should not be treated as a full turnkey construction bid.

Permitting and timeline

Studio City ADU permits are handled through LADBS under California's 60-day ministerial review rules for compliant ADUs. Confirm lot-specific setbacks, height, parking, and utility details before submitting plans. California law gives cities 60 days for ministerial review of a complete, compliant ADU application. Plan extra time before submittal for survey work, drawings, utility checks, and any corrections your designer or builder needs to resolve.

Financing

Most Studio City homeowners compare renovation loans, construction loans, HELOCs, and cash-out refinancing. ADU-focused lenders can underwrite against after-build value when the new unit materially increases rent or resale potential. Compare monthly payment, draw schedule, appraisal approach, and whether rental income from the future ADU can support underwriting.

Vetted Studio City ADU builders

• 1 Degree Construction - 4.9★ (442 reviews)
• NEO Builders ADU - 4.9★ (137 reviews)
• Olympia Construction by Design - 4.9★ (112 reviews)
• Quality First Builders - 5.0★ (92 reviews)
• Ground Up Builders - 4.9★ (89 reviews)
• TOGETHER IS BETTER DESIGN & BUILD - 5.0★ (82 reviews)

Get matched in Studio City

See if your property qualifies →

The city page includes the property qualifier form and the live builder shortlist for Studio City. You can also compare the Los Angeles ADU builder hub. Nearby city guides: Los Angeles, Sherman Oaks, Valley Village, North Hollywood, Hollywood.