
Gardena is one of the most ADU-friendly communities in the South Bay, with many properties that qualify for garage conversions, detached ADUs, and two-story units. Our team works extensively in Gardena, Harbor Gateway, Lawndale, Torrance, and surrounding neighborhoods - guiding homeowners through zoning rules, setbacks, utility connections, and the full permit process so the entire ADU journey becomes predictable and stress-free.
El Camino Village
Hollypark
South Gardena
Rosecrans Corridor
Pacific Square

Garage conversions work well in Gardena, where many homes include detached garages ready for repurposing. We build legal ADUs with upgraded utilities, insulation, and complete interior finishing.

Detached ADUs provide excellent flexibility for Gardena homeowners seeking rental income or private living space. These standalone backyard units offer comfort, long-term value, and strong usability across many local properties.

Second-story ADUs allow Gardena residents to expand upward while preserving outdoor yard space. This elevated design creates a complete unit above garages or single-story structures on smaller neighborhood lots.

Attached ADUs blend seamlessly with Gardena homes and add efficient square footage for family needs or rental opportunities. They maintain a connected layout while supporting practical, flexible room configurations.

Two-story ADUs maximize living space on Gardena properties by building vertically instead of outward. This design supports multiple rooms, comfortable layouts, and excellent versatility within a compact building footprint.

We prepare architectural plans, engineering documents, and Title 24 reports specifically for Gardena requirements. Our team manages permit submissions, corrections, and coordination to streamline your ADU approval and review process.

Gardena Permits & Zoning
Gardena allows a wide range of ADU configurations, including detached units, attached additions, garage conversions, and two-story ADUs. Many properties qualify due to favorable lot widths, driveway access, and existing garage structures. During your free ADU review, we evaluate setbacks, lot coverage, access, and utilities to determine exactly what you can build on your property.

Site evaluation & zoning review

Architectural & structural plans

Engineering & Title 24 energy

Permit processing with LA County

Construction scheduling

City inspections
What type of ADU can be built on your land
Whether your garage can be converted
Estimated construction cost and timeline
Yes. Most detached and attached garages in Gardena are eligible for conversion, as long as they meet basic structural, safety, and fire-separation requirements. We review your garage during the ADU consultation and tell you what upgrades are needed to make it a legal living unit.
Most ADUs in Gardena can be 400–1,200 sq. ft., depending on your lot size, zoning (R-1 or R-2), distance from property lines, and whether the ADU is attached or detached. Garage conversions are typically between 350–500 sq. ft., while detached backyard ADUs can go up to 1,200 sq. ft.
In most cases, no additional parking is required, especially if your home is within ½ mile of a bus stop or transit route - which includes most of Gardena. Detached, attached, and garage conversion ADUs usually qualify for parking exemptions.
Yes, two-story ADUs are allowed in many parts of Gardena, as long as they meet height limits and privacy screening requirements. These are especially useful for smaller lots where backyard space is limited.
Gardena operates under California’s AB 68/AB 2221 laws, which require cities to review ADU applications within 60 days. However, real processing time may vary from 6–12 weeks, depending on your property and submittals.
We handle everything - including architectural plans, structural engineering, Title 24 compliance, interior layout, permit submittals, city corrections, and full construction. You won’t need to hire separate designers or engineers.
Although our main office is based in Hawthorne, our project managers and construction teams work throughout Gardena, Lawndale, Torrance, Inglewood, and the surrounding South Bay communities. This local presence allows us to coordinate inspections quickly and maintain smooth communication throughout the entire ADU process.
Direct ADU is a Los Angeles County-based design-build firm specializing in ADUs, garage conversions, and complete ADU construction. From planning and permitting to full turnkey construction, we deliver functional and beautiful living spaces for homeowners throughout Hawthorne, Inglewood, West LA, Torrance, and surrounding areas
Direct ADU - Headquarters
11853 S Inglewood Ave,
Hawthorne, CA 90250
Areas We Serve: Hawthorne, Inglewood, Torrance, Gardena, Redondo Beach, Long Beach, El Segundo, West Los Angeles, Culver City, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Pasadena, and nearby communities across Los Angeles County.
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