Brentwood ADU & Home Addition Architects
Our Architectural Services
ADU Design & Permits
We specialize in Brentwood ADU design, helping homeowners create functional and stylish accessory dwelling units that comply with local zoning and building codes.
General Services
As experienced architects in Brentwood, CA, we offer full-service solutions for ADUs, home remodels, new construction, and SB9 lot splits.
Remodels
Thinking of renovating your home? Our team has completed numerous Brentwood home remodels, from kitchen upgrades to full second-story additions.
Soft-Story Retrofits
Soft-story retrofits strengthen existing buildings with weak or open ground-floor areas, helping improve structural stability and seismic performance while meeting Los Angeles retrofit requirements.
Local Knowledge
With in-depth knowledge of Brentwood zoning laws and permit processes, I Arch Studios makes it easy to get your project approved and built.
Permit-ready architectural plans for ADUs, garage conversions, SB9 projects, and custom home additions throughout Brentwood and West Los Angeles.
Get Started on Your Brentwood Project Today
Contact us today to get started on your Brentwood ADU project or residential design in Brentwood.
Architectural Design & Permit Expertise Throughout Brentwood
Homeowners throughout Brentwood work with iArch Studios for practical architectural design, permit-ready plans, and guidance through the Los Angeles approval process. Our team regularly coordinates with LADBS and understands the zoning, permitting, and site challenges that can affect residential projects throughout West Los Angeles.
From detached ADUs and garage conversions to home additions and SB9 developments, we focus on creating plans that balance design, functionality, and city compliance. Many Brentwood properties feature unique lot conditions, hillside grading considerations, and older structures that require thoughtful planning before construction begins.
We coordinate closely with engineers, consultants, and city departments throughout the permitting process to help projects move efficiently from concept to approval.
ADU & Garage Conversion Design in Brentwood
Brentwood properties often provide strong opportunities for ADUs, garage conversions, and second-story additions due to larger lot sizes, detached garages, and evolving California housing regulations. Our team helps homeowners evaluate site conditions and design options while navigating Los Angeles zoning and permitting requirements.
- Detached ADUs
- Attached ADUs
- Garage Conversions
- Second-Story Additions
- Multifamily ADUs
- Pool Houses & Guest Units
Many homes throughout Brentwood, neighboring Westwood, and nearby West Los Angeles feature older residential layouts that can be adapted for additional living space. Properties near transit corridors may also qualify for parking exemptions under California ADU regulations, depending on site location and project scope.
Our team works closely with homeowners to maximize usable square footage while considering setbacks, privacy, utility locations, and overall neighborhood compatibility.
SB9 Lot Split & Duplex Opportunities
California SB9 regulations may create new development opportunities for qualifying single-family properties throughout Brentwood and surrounding Los Angeles neighborhoods. Depending on lot size, zoning, and existing site conditions, homeowners may be able to add additional units or pursue urban lot split opportunities.
Our team provides preliminary zoning analysis, feasibility studies, and architectural planning for SB9 projects throughout Los Angeles. We evaluate factors such as access requirements, setbacks, utility coordination, slope conditions, and existing structures before moving into the design process.
- Preliminary Feasibility Review
- Lot Split Planning
- Duplex Conversions
- Site Planning & Layouts
- Zoning & Code Review
- Permit Coordination
Common Design & Permitting Challenges in Brentwood
Brentwood properties can present unique architectural and permitting challenges depending on lot configuration, topography, neighborhood overlays, and existing building conditions.
- Hillside & Sloped Lots
- Older Foundations
- Utility Coordination
- Narrow Driveways & Access
- Parking Requirements
- LADBS Plan Check Corrections
- Drainage & Grading Concerns
- Neighborhood Compatibility Reviews
Identifying potential issues early in the planning phase helps reduce delays during permitting and construction. Our team works through common zoning and plan check challenges regularly throughout Los Angeles residential projects.
Architectural fees in Los Angeles and surrounding cities (Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena) typically range from 5%–10% of the total construction cost for residential projects. For smaller projects like ADUs or garage conversions, some architects may offer a flat-rate design package. Hiring an architect ensures your plans meet city code and pass permit approval smoothly.
Adding an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) or a home addition in Los Angeles often increases property value based on the average price per square foot in your neighborhood. For single-family homes and properties with fewer than four units, an ADU not only raises resale value but can also generate rental income, making it one of the best investments for California homeowners.
Most architectural projects in California follow these stages:
Consultation & Site Analysis – reviewing property conditions, zoning, and project goals.
Rough Design – initial sketches and layout concepts.
Design Development – refining the floor plans, elevations, and materials.
Prepare Documents – preparing detailed plans for permits and builders.
Permit Submittal – submitting to LADBS (Los Angeles Department of Building & Safety) or your local city’s planning department.
Construction Administration – optional, where your architect coordinates with contractors during the build.
In Los Angeles, Glendale, and Burbank, plan check approval usually takes 3–6 months. Timelines may be longer if your property is in a Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ), hillside area, or near utility easements. Working with an experienced architect can speed up approvals by submitting a complete, code-compliant set of plans.
A wall can be removed only if it’s not load-bearing. Load-bearing walls support the roof, ceiling, or floor above and require a new beam or structural support to replace them. An architect or structural engineer in Los Angeles can determine if your wall is load-bearing and prepare safe, permit-ready plans for removal.
You can check eligibility for SB9 lot splits or duplex projects in Los Angeles by using the ZIMAS (Zone Information & Map Access System) tool or your city’s zoning map. Properties in very high fire zones, historic overlays, or environmental restrictions may not qualify. A licensed architect can review your parcel and confirm if SB9 applies to your property.
Under California state law, every single-family property has the right to build an ADU up to 800 sq. ft., even if local zoning would otherwise restrict it. In Los Angeles, detached ADUs can be as large as 1,200 sq. ft., depending on Residential Floor Area (RFA) limits. Glendale and Burbank also follow California ADU law but may enforce local design standards.
Always check with a local architect to confirm the latest ADU regulations for your city.
Los Angeles – Two-story ADUs are allowed if they meet height limits (generally up to 25 ft. for detached units).
Glendale – Detached ADUs are limited to single-story, though attached conversions may be possible.
Burbank – A second story is usually permitted only above an existing structure, such as a garage.
