Legalizing Unpermitted Dwelling Units (UDU)
As of May 17, 2017, unpermitted units may be eligible for legalization through the Unpermitted Dwelling Unit (UDU) Ordinance (Ord. No. 184,907). The ordinance established a voluntary program that allows property owners to legalize qualifying unpermitted units, assuming all life safety conditions are met. These existing units may legally join the housing market if the owner follows the stipulated process, including providing at least one low- or moderate-income affordable housing unit for each legalized unit. Once legalized, UDUs add much-needed affordable housing to the City of Los Angeles.
For more information about the program, or to apply, please visit Los Angeles City Planning’s Development Services Center on the fourth floor of 201 N. Figueroa, or email planning.priorityhousing@lacity.org.
UDU Legalization Process
Applicants who have been cited for an unpermitted unit as a result of a building inspection, or who wish to legalize a previously created unit, may be eligible to legalize units through a streamlined application process. To legalize qualifying unpermitted units, applicants must complete a six-step process with City Planning, the Department of Building and Safety (LADBS), and the Housing and Community Investment Department (LAHD).
