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Legal Consultation for Property Development

Navigate complex zoning laws, permitting processes, and legal requirements with our expert guidance.

Key ADU Regulations

Stay informed about the latest laws and regulations affecting ADU development in Southern California.

AB 68 & SB 13 (2020)
Streamlined ADU approvals, eliminated minimum lot size requirements, and reduced impact fees for ADUs under 750 sq ft.

Key Points:

  • Permits must be approved or denied within 60 days
  • No owner-occupancy requirement until 2025
  • Allows for Junior ADUs (JADUs) in addition to ADUs
AB 670 (2020)
Prevents HOAs from unreasonably restricting or prohibiting the construction of ADUs on single-family residential lots.

Key Points:

  • HOAs can impose reasonable restrictions on appearance
  • Cannot outright ban ADUs
  • Applies to all common interest developments
AB 881 (2020)
Removed barriers to ADU development including impact fees, replacement parking, and setback requirements.

Key Points:

  • No replacement parking required when garage is converted to ADU
  • Maximum 4-foot side and rear setbacks
  • Reduced impact fees proportional to main dwelling

Our Legal Process

A systematic approach to navigating complex regulations and securing necessary approvals.

Initial Assessment

We evaluate your property and project goals to identify potential legal and zoning challenges or opportunities.

Typical Timeline: 1-2 weeks

Regulatory Research

Our legal team researches all applicable regulations, including local zoning laws, state ADU legislation, and HOA restrictions.

Typical Timeline: 2-3 weeks

Strategy Development

We create a customized legal strategy to navigate regulatory requirements and maximize your property's potential.

Typical Timeline: 1-2 weeks

Permit Application

Our experts prepare and submit all necessary permit applications and supporting documentation to relevant authorities.

Typical Timeline: 2-4 weeks

Regulatory Navigation

We manage communication with regulatory bodies, respond to inquiries, and address any concerns or requests for additional information.

Typical Timeline: 4-12 weeks

Approval & Compliance

Once approvals are secured, we ensure all conditions are met and provide ongoing compliance guidance throughout your project.

Typical Timeline: Ongoing

Our Legal & Real Estate Experts

Our team of legal and real estate professionals helps California homeowners navigate complex situations and unlock the full potential of their property.

Ellie Dominguez

Ellie Dominguez

Broker of Record & Legal Advisor

Ellie brings over two decades of legal and real estate experience to the table, serving as the bridge between opportunity and protection. Whether you're dealing with probate, trust sales, litigation, or family disputes, Ellie ensures your transactions are fully compliant and strategically sound. Her expertise protects clients from risk while helping them unlock equity in sensitive or high-stakes situations.

Specialties:

  • Probate & Trust Sales
  • Property Litigation Support
  • Legal Risk Mitigation for Buyers & Sellers
  • ADU Zoning & Permitting Oversight
Javier Feria

Javier Feria

REALTOR® & ADU Specialist

CA DRE #02125445

As a licensed REALTOR® and real estate strategist, Javier works closely with Ellie to guide clients through complicated legal sales with confidence and clarity. From trust-owned homes to ADU development potential, he understands how to position properties for the best possible outcome—while ensuring all legal boxes are checked. Together, they create a seamless experience between legal compliance and market execution.

Specialties:

  • ADU Opportunity Identification
  • Legal Sale Preparation (Trusts, Probate, Court Orders)
  • Strategic Selling of High-Complexity Properties
  • Buyer Education on Legal Processes

Legal & Zoning FAQs

Answers to common questions about regulations, permits, and legal considerations for ADUs.

Zoning requirements for ADUs typically include setbacks (distance from property lines), height restrictions, lot coverage limits, and parking requirements. In California, recent legislation has relaxed many of these requirements to encourage ADU development. Our legal team conducts a thorough analysis of your property's specific zoning classification and applicable regulations.

Have more legal questions about your property?

Schedule a Legal Consultation

Need Legal & Zoning Guidance?

Our legal experts can help you navigate complex regulations and secure the necessary permits for your property development projects.