Santa Monica is one of the highest-demand ADU rental markets in all of Greater Los Angeles. With median home values above $1.8 million, a large professional and tech worker population, and proximity to the beach, Santa Monica ADUs command some of the highest rents in the metro area. APLA Construction (CA Lic #1136359) is a licensed ADU contractor building garage conversions, detached ADUs, and Junior ADUs throughout Santa Monica.
Santa Monica has its own Building and Safety Division completely separate from LADBS. ADU permits in Santa Monica are submitted to the City of Santa Monica, which has a dedicated ADU permit track. Typical ADU permit timelines in Santa Monica are 6–10 weeks. Santa Monica also has specific coastal zone and rent control considerations that APLA evaluates at project start for every Santa Monica ADU.
Santa Monica’s Rent Control Ordinance can apply to new ADUs in certain configurations on properties with existing rent-controlled units. APLA walks every Santa Monica ADU client through the rent control analysis before design begins. See our full ADU timeline guide.
Santa Monica delivers among the highest ADU rental rates in Greater Los Angeles. A one-bedroom ADU in Santa Monica rents for $2,400–$3,500/month. A well-finished two-bedroom ADU commands $3,000–$4,500/month. The combination of beach proximity, walkability, and strong tech and entertainment industry employment makes Santa Monica ADU rentals consistently competitive. Payback period on a garage conversion ADU is typically 4–6 years.
See our complete ADU cost guide for Los Angeles.
A garage conversion ADU in Santa Monica costs $90,000–$155,000 in 2026 — higher than the City of LA average due to Santa Monica’s own permit fees and Westside labor rates. A detached new-construction ADU runs $155,000–$310,000. ADU rental income of $2,400–$3,500/month makes Santa Monica one of the strongest ROI ADU markets in California.
Santa Monica’s Rent Control Ordinance is one of the most complex in California. New ADUs built after specific dates are generally exempt from rent control, but the interaction of your property’s existing rental units, the ADU’s configuration, and recent ordinance changes can create nuanced situations. APLA walks every Santa Monica ADU client through the rent control question before design — and recommends consulting a Santa Monica real estate attorney for a definitive opinion.
Yes. APLA Construction builds garage conversions, detached ADUs, and JADUs throughout Santa Monica. Call (818) 818-4419 for a free on-site evaluation.
Call: (818) 818-4419
Email: info@aplaconstruction.com
CA General Contractor License #1136359
Serving Santa Monica, Brentwood, Pacific Palisades, Mar Vista, Venice, and the Westside of Los Angeles. Learn more about our ADU construction services.