ADU Builder in Calabasas

Calabasas sits just west of our Woodland Hills office, but when it comes to permits, it's a different world. Calabasas is its own city, with its own planning and building departments and its own ADU rules. It is not part of the City of Los Angeles.

Tehran Construction & Remodeling helps Calabasas homeowners plan and build ADUs, from conversions of existing structures to new detached units, with design in-house or with partners. Our team speaks English and Farsi.

How ADU Permits Work in Calabasas

The City of Calabasas reviews your project

Calabasas ADU projects are reviewed by the City of Calabasas Community Development Department, not by LADBS. The city asks applicants for any development project to contact its Planning Division first, which reviews the project against the Calabasas Municipal Code. The city's ADU standards are in Calabasas Municipal Code Section 17.12.170. After that, the Building and Safety Division handles plan check and permits. Its building permit applications are submitted online through the city's portal.

California's statewide ADU law applies in Calabasas too, alongside the city's own standards. The city makes the final permit decision.

Pre-approved plans or custom plans

The City of Calabasas offers two paths:

Pre-Approved ADU Plans: the city offers three pre-reviewed plans (a studio, a one-bedroom and a two-bedroom), each with three exterior styles. They can be downloaded at no cost and tailored with site-specific details. The city says they can shorten plan review.

Custom ADU Plans: for owners who want a unique design or are converting existing space. These plans must be prepared by a California-licensed design professional, and the city provides a Custom ADU Checklist to check feasibility before you apply.

We can help you decide which path fits your lot and goals.

Fire safety review

Fire protection in Calabasas is provided by the Los Angeles County Fire Department under contract. The city's agency referral list notes that Fire Department plan approval is required for detached ADUs, among other projects. For new construction in a Fire Hazard Severity Zone, fuel modification landscape plans also go to the County Fire Department's Fuel Modification Unit.

The City of Calabasas notes that CAL FIRE published the latest Fire Hazard Severity Zone map for Calabasas on March 24, 2025. Properties in high or very high zones may be subject to wildfire-resistant building standards and defensible space requirements. We check your property's zone early, because it affects materials and design.

ADU Starting Prices

2-car garage conversion: from $90k
Ground-up ADU: from $290 per square foot
Build timelines: from about 3 months

These are build-only starting prices. Design, permits, city fees and utility upgrades are extra. A starting price isn't a quote, and your final price is set in your written estimate.

Other fees can still apply, including permit and plan check fees, school fees for ADUs of 500 square feet or more, and any utility connection charges.

Our Approach in Calabasas

We start with a free, no-obligation feasibility review: your lot, the existing structures, fire-zone status and your goals. From there, we help with design, the City of Calabasas review steps and the Fire Department approvals your project needs. Then we build, with city inspections along the way.

We bring 10 years of experience, 237+ clients and $52M+ in projects, and we serve homeowners across Los Angeles and neighboring cities like Calabasas. Licensed, bonded, and insured (general liability).

Calabasas ADU FAQ

Is Calabasas part of the City of Los Angeles?

No. Calabasas is its own city. ADU permits are handled by the City of Calabasas, not by the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety.

Does Calabasas offer pre-approved ADU plans?

Yes. The city offers three pre-approved plans (a studio, a one-bedroom and a two-bedroom) at no cost. You still submit site-specific details for review.

Will the fire department need to review my ADU?

For a detached ADU, the city's referral list says Fire Department plan approval is required. Other approvals depend on your project and your property's fire hazard zone.

Where is your office?

19903 Ventura Blvd #2, Woodland Hills, CA 91364, a short drive east of Calabasas. We're open Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 6 PM, and closed Sunday.

Ready to Explore an ADU in Calabasas?

Call (818) 818-8366, WhatsApp https://wa.me/18188188366, email info@tehranconstruction.com, or send us a message to set up your free, no-obligation feasibility review.

Licensed contractor: Bardia Ekrami, CSLB #1143589.