Conversions in the building
Turn storage rooms and garages into homes
The roof and walls are already there. Space in an apartment building that nobody has lived in can become new homes, and they stack on top of SB 1211.
Gov. Code 66323(a)(3)
In force.
See what this means for your lotThe rule
- Only space that isn't lived in today: storage rooms, boiler rooms, passageways, attics, basements, garages.
- The City has to allow at least 1, and up to 25% of the homes in the building.
- Each new home has to meet the state building code for dwellings.
The numbers
1always allowed25%of the homes, at most0parking spaces
| Homes there now | Conversions allowed |
|---|---|
| 4 | 1 |
| 8 | 2 |
| 12 | 3 |
| 20 | 5 |
| 40 | 10 |
25% rounded down, and never fewer than 1.
What you can build
- Add these on top of the detached ADUs SB 1211 allows.
- Convert a garage without replacing its parking.
What it doesn’t allow
- Split an existing apartment and call half of it an ADU.
- Round up. 25% of 10 homes is 2.
- Sell the new homes on their own.
Check first
- Ceiling height and an egress window for each sleeping room.
- Inside an apartment building these are R-2 dwellings: 1-hour fire separation and sound ratings of STC and IIC 50.
- If tenants use the storage or laundry room, ask LAHD before you take it.
The official text
A plain-English summary, checked against the code text in November 2026. It isn’t legal advice; the code text controls.
Your lot · $49.99
What does Conversions in the building mean for your lot?
The lot report gives the most conversions your building can take, then asks whether such space exists, since public records don't show it.
See what this means for your lot