ADU and Garage Conversions in Santa Monica

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) can house family, give a grown child a place of their own, or bring in rental income, all on a lot you already own. In Santa Monica, a detached garage is often a practical starting point: the structure, slab and utilities may already be in place. 770 Construction is a licensed general contractor (CSLB #1050542, Class B) with more than 35 years in construction. We take Santa Monica ADU projects from the first site visit to final inspection.

Types of ADU projects we build

• Garage conversions. We turn an existing detached or attached garage into a studio or one-bedroom unit with a kitchen and bathroom.
• Detached ADUs. A new backyard structure where there’s room and the setbacks work.
• Attached ADUs and additions. New living space joined to the main house.
• Junior ADUs (JADUs). A smaller unit created inside the existing home.

How permitting works in Santa Monica

Santa Monica handles its own permits through the City of Santa Monica, separate from the City of Los Angeles. According to the city’s ADU guide, ADUs and JADUs are ministerial projects: there is no design review and no public hearing, and they need only a building permit. That is a big part of why ADUs have become practical here.

Coastal Zone. Part of Santa Monica lies in the California Coastal Zone. The inland boundary runs generally along 4th Street north of Pico Boulevard and along Lincoln Boulevard south of Pico. If your lot is in the Coastal Zone, a Coastal Development Permit or waiver may also be required through the California Coastal Commission, which can add a step and some time. We check where your lot sits before design starts, so the schedule reflects it from day one.

Historic properties. Under the city’s ADU guide, properties listed on the California Register of Historical Resources may have additional standards or review. We check this early too.

What a garage conversion actually involves

Converting a garage means turning it into a legal, comfortable home, not just finishing the inside. Depending on the building’s condition, the work typically includes:

• Checking the existing slab and foundation, and repairing or reinforcing where needed
• Framing new walls and adding windows and an entry door to replace the garage door
• Insulation and energy-code compliance
• New or upgraded plumbing, sewer connection, electrical and, where required, a separate panel
• A kitchen, a bathroom, flooring, drywall and finishes
• Fire separation and egress as required by code

Many Santa Monica garages are decades old, since about three in four homes in the city were built before 1980. Before we price a conversion, we look at the condition of the structure. Sometimes rebuilding is the better value, and we’ll tell you if that’s the case.

Our ADU process

1. Site visit and feasibility. We look at the lot, the garage, utilities, setbacks and access, and confirm whether Coastal Zone or historic steps apply.
2. Design and plans. We draw a layout that fits your goals and your budget. See our engineering and 3D design services.
3. Permits. We submit the plans to the City of Santa Monica, and handle the Coastal Commission step where it applies.
4. Construction. One point of contact at 770 Construction from demolition through finishes.
5. Final inspection. The unit is signed off and ready to live in or rent.

Our office is at 12509 Oxnard St #208, North Hollywood, and we serve Santa Monica and the Westside. Office hours are Monday–Thursday 8 AM–6 PM and Friday 8 AM–4 PM.

Learn more

• ADU builders, our main ADU page
• Room additions and new construction
• Home remodeling in Santa Monica

Frequently asked questions

Can I convert my garage into an ADU in Santa Monica?

In many cases, yes. California law and Santa Monica’s ADU rules support garage conversions, and the city treats ADUs as ministerial projects that need only a building permit. Whether your particular garage qualifies, and whether it’s worth keeping or rebuilding, depends on its condition and your lot. We check both during the site visit.

Does the Coastal Zone affect my ADU?

It can. Santa Monica’s Coastal Zone generally runs inland to 4th Street north of Pico Boulevard and to Lincoln Boulevard south of Pico. If your lot is inside it, a Coastal Development Permit or waiver may also be required through the California Coastal Commission. We confirm your lot’s status before design.

Do I need to replace the parking I lose when I convert my garage?

Generally, no. Under California’s ADU law (Government Code section 66314(d)(11)) and Santa Monica’s ADU guide, parking eliminated by converting a garage to an ADU doesn’t have to be replaced. If your lot is in the Coastal Zone, the city asks owners to check parking with the California Coastal Commission, so we confirm how the rules apply to your property during plan review.

Thinking about an ADU? Call (818) 876-2220 or request a consultation.