City of Chatsworth ADU Regulations
Everything you need to know about building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Chatsworth, CA.
Overview
The city of Chatsworth recently passed an ordinance allowing accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to be constructed. This is significant because it will provide more housing options in an area with high housing costs and limited inventory.
Building an ADU is a great way to add extra living space to your home, but the process can be complex and confusing. At Eazy ADU, we specialize in helping homeowners in Chatsworth build beautiful and functional ADUs. We'll work with you to figure out the best design for your needs and budget, pull all the required permits, and manage the construction process from start to finish.
Type of ADUs
The following type of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are allowed in Chatsworth, California.
Attached ADU
An Attacched ADU connects to an existing house, typically through the construction of an addition along the home’s side or rear.
Detached ADU
An Attacched ADU connects to an existing house, typically through the construction of an addition along the home’s side or rear.
Garage Conversion
An Attacched ADU connects to an existing house, typically through the construction of an addition along the home’s side or rear.
Junior ADU
An Attacched ADU connects to an existing house, typically through the construction of an addition along the home’s side or rear.
Chatsworth Property Requirements
Several rules and regulations must be followed when building an ADU in Chatsworth. These include:
Number of ADUs Allowed
Single-family lots can build 1 attached ADU or 1 detached ADU with 1 JADU.
Multi-family lots are allowed a maxium of 2 detached ADUs.
ADU Size
850 square feet of floor area for a studio/1 bedroom.
1,000 square feet for 2 bedrooms (no more than two bedrooms are allowed)
Height Limit
The maximum height is 16 feet, measured to the top of the roof ridge, and the unit shall not exceed one story.
Number of Bedrooms Allowed
Chatsworth allows a maximum of 2 bedrooms.
Setbacks
4 feet from the property line is the minimum side and rear setbacks required for an attached or detached ADU. There are no minimum setbacks requirements for garage conversions or JADUs unless it is needed to ensure fire safety.
Parking
1 uncovered or covered parking structure is required unless the property has physical limitations. An alternative parking arrangement may be made subject to a parking waiver in such a case.
Owner Occupancy
JADUs are subject to an owner-occupancy requirement, the property owner must live on the property. All other ADUs built in Chatsworth after January 1, 2020, but before January 1, 2025, are not subject to any owner-occupancy requirement.
Rental Guidelines
You can rent out your ADU on a long-term basis. Short-term rentals such as Airbnb or anything less than 30 days may not be allowed in your neighborhood.

Chatsworth is a neighborhood in the northwestern San Fernando Valley region of Los Angeles, California. Notable landmarks in Chatsworth include Chief Vann House Historic Site and Stoney Point Park. Twin Lakes is a man-made lake located in central Chatsworth. The lakes are two former reservoirs that were remodeled in 1968 and are now owned by the City of Los Angeles Department of Recreation and Parks.