ADU / Guest House Permit Requirements in Beverly Hills, CA
Beverly Hills enforces the 2022 California Residential Code (2021 IRC with CA amendments) via the Beverly Hills Municipal Code. Permits are handled by the Community Development Department (CDD). Beverly Hills is known for stricter-than-typical design review, historic preservation, and neighborhood compatibility requirements — projects visible from the public right-of-way often require a Design Review Commission sign-off in addition to the standard building permit. Contractors must be licensed with the CA Contractors State License Board; owner-builder permits are allowed for primary residences. Many simple residential permits can be applied for online via the city's Accela-powered portal.
By Joey, Founder · Last verified April 16, 2026 · How we research →
When you need a ADU / Guest House permit in Beverly Hills
Detached ADUs (new separate structures) require full building permits including electrical, plumbing, and mechanical. California has state-level ADU preemption laws that may streamline the process.
Converting an existing space (garage, basement, or other area) to an ADU requires building, electrical, and plumbing permits. The conversion must meet all residential building code requirements for habitable space including egress, insulation, ceiling height, and ventilation.
Attached ADUs (additions to the existing house) require full building permits including all trades. This is treated as a room addition with the additional requirement of meeting ADU-specific zoning rules for independent living space.
ADU / Guest House Permit Costs: Beverly Hills vs. Nearby
Beverly Hills comes in on the low side for California. You're looking at $862 – $8,625 here, compared to the state average of $1,155 – $6,003.
| City | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|
| Beverly Hills | $862 – $8,625 |
| Los Angeles | $750 – $7,500 |
| Sacramento County | $750 – $7,500 |
| San Diego | $750 – $7,500 |
Fees shown are estimates based on local building code data. Actual fees may vary based on project scope and valuation. See all Beverly Hills permit costs →
Zoning & HOA Considerations
ADU regulations vary dramatically by state and city. Many states (CA, OR, WA) have preemption laws that override local zoning restrictions. Check both state law and local zoning before designing.
If you live in an HOA community: hOAs have traditionally restricted ADUs, but state preemption laws in CA, OR, WA, and other states now limit HOA authority over ADUs. Check your state's ADU laws, your HOA may not be able to block construction even if CC&Rs appear to prohibit it.
Estimated Project Timeline in Beverly Hills
Here's a typical timeline for a adu / guest house project in Beverly Hills, CA:
Timeline is based on Beverly Hills's typical about 6 weeks permit processing time. Actual timelines vary by project complexity, completeness of application, and current department workload.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Estimated permit fees for ADU / Guest House projects in Beverly Hills, CA range from $862 – $8,625. Fees vary based on project scope and valuation.
It depends on the specifics of your project. Some smaller ADU / Guest House projects may be exempt from permit requirements, while larger ones typically require a permit. Use our free lookup tool to check your specific situation.
Working without a required permit in Beverly Hills can result in fines, stop-work orders, being required to remove completed work, and complications when selling your home. It's always best to check first.
Typical approval time for ADU / Guest House permits in Beverly Hills is about 6 weeks. More complex projects may take longer if plan review is required.
If you live in an HOA community, you may need architectural review approval in addition to a building permit. HOA rules and city building codes are separate, you may need to satisfy both. Review your CC&Rs and submit to your HOA's architectural review committee before starting work.
Learn More About ADU / Guest House Permits
Read our complete guide covering permit requirements, costs, common exemptions, and the application process.
Read ADU / Guest House Guide →