
Direct ADU works with Gardena homeowners to design, permit, engineer, and build Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) that add living space, increase property value, and generate rental income. From detached ADUs to garage conversions and two-story ADUs, we manage everything - site planning, architectural plans, engineering, city permits, and full construction.
El Camino Village
Hollypark
South Gardena
Rosecrans Corridor
Pacific Square

Convert your detached or attached garage into a legal living space, with plumbing, insulation, and full interior finishing.

Ideal for income rental, family housing, or guest homes. Built in backyards of single-family and multi-family homes.

Add a livable second floor over an existing garage or over a single-story structure where zoning allows, to create a second story ADU.

An addition that is physically attached to your existing home, often sharing one wall. Great for adding extra bedrooms, rental space, or multi-generational living areas while keeping a connected floor plan.

A standalone ADU built on its own foundation with two full levels of living space. Ideal when you want to keep more open space in your yard.

We manage architectural plans, engineering, Title 24, construction reports, permit submission, and corrections with the city or county.

Gardena Permits & Zoning
In most parts of Gardena, homeowners may build a detached ADU, attached ADU, garage conversion ADU, or two-story ADU. Your allowed size depends on zoning (R-1 or R-2), setbacks, driveway access, and lot size. During your free ADU consultation, we evaluate your property and tell you what is realistically possible in Gardena.

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.
This page is for homeowners in Gardena, CA. Our main ADU office is located in Hawthorne, and we serve all
of Los Angeles County.
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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