Cerritos Zoning and ADU Guide for Homeowners

Last updated November 13, 2026. Reviewed by the Cash Home Buyers CA team.

Cerritos requires Planning Division approval before any home improvement or construction begins, and the city says it is accepting accessory dwelling unit plans for pre-approval under Assembly Bill 1332. This guide explains how zoning and planning approval work in Cerritos, what California law says about ADUs, and how an unpermitted unit affects a sale.

Cerritos zoning and planning at a glance

Department	Department of Community Development, Planning Division
Phone	(562) 916-1201 (Community Development); (562) 916-1209 (Building and Safety)
Approval rule	Planning Division approval is required before commencing any home improvement or construction activity
Zoning code	Development must comply with local zoning requirements in the city’s municipal code
Property lookup	City GIS mapping tool shows property information and planning approval history
ADUs	City accepting ADU plans for pre-approval under AB 1332 (2023)
Applications	Cerritos Permit Hub at permits.cerritos.gov

How zoning works for a Cerritos homeowner

The city says all proposed development and uses must comply with local zoning requirements and meet its development standards.

For a homeowner that means the zone your lot sits in decides what you can build, how large it can be, how close to the property line and what you can use it for.

The city offers a GIS mapping tool where you can look up your property and see its planning approval history, which is the quickest way to check whether past additions were approved.

Specific numeric standards, such as setbacks and height, are in the municipal code and can differ by zone, so confirm them with a planner at (562) 916-1201 before you design anything.

Planning approval, then building permit

Cerritos uses a two-step process. The Planning Division approves the project first. If it applies, the application and plans then go to the Building and Safety Division for plan check. Both steps are handled through the Cerritos Permit Hub. Our Cerritos building permits guide covers the permit and inspection steps.

ADUs in Cerritos

The city states that, in compliance with Assembly Bill 1332 (2023), it is accepting accessory dwelling unit plans for pre-approval, and it directs interested people to the Department of Community Development. Pre-approved plans can shorten design work because the city has already reviewed the basic design, although you still need to fit the plan to your lot.

Beyond the city’s own program, California law sets a floor for what cities must allow.

In general terms, state law requires cities to approve qualifying ADUs through a ministerial process within 60 days of a complete application, allows an ADU of at least 800 square feet with four-foot side and rear setbacks, allows junior ADUs of up to 500 square feet inside an existing home, and limits impact fees on smaller units.

Details depend on lot type and design, and the rules have been amended several times, so ask the city or read the current Government Code before relying on any number.

Questions to ask the planner

Which zone is my lot in? Are there pre-approved ADU plans that fit my lot? What are the height and setback limits for a detached unit? Does my lot have any overlays or easements? What fees apply, and are any waived by state law for my unit size? Write the answers down with the planner’s name and date.

Unpermitted units and conversions

Garage conversions, converted sheds and rooms rented out without permits are common in older neighborhoods. They can create fire, electrical and egress problems, and they can be flagged by buyers, appraisers and insurers. Some can be legalized if they meet current rules, while others cannot. See our Cerritos code enforcement guide for how the city handles violations.

Zoning, ADUs and selling a Cerritos house

California sellers generally disclose known unpermitted work, and buyers using a mortgage may not be able to finance a home whose extra unit cannot be appraised as legal living space. Our statewide guide to selling as-is with unpermitted work explains what to disclose. A checklist before you decide:

• Look up the property in the city GIS tool and note its approval history.
• List every room or structure added without approval.
• Ask Planning whether each item could be legalized and at what cost.
• Get a contractor estimate for any required work.
• Compare the cost and time with a no-repairs cash sale.

How to sell a house in Cerritos

1. Identify any additions, conversions or units that lack approval.
2. Collect plans, permits and city letters.
3. Request a no-obligation cash offer for the house as it stands.
4. Choose your closing date.
5. Close with no repairs, legalization or showings required.

Our We Buy Houses in Cerritos page explains how we work with Cerritos homeowners.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need Planning approval for a remodel in Cerritos?

The city says Planning Division approval is required before commencing any home improvement or construction activity.

Does Cerritos have pre-approved ADU plans?

The city says it is accepting ADU plans for pre-approval under Assembly Bill 1332. Contact Community Development at (562) 916-1201 for the current status.

Where do I apply for an ADU in Cerritos?

Applications go through the Cerritos Permit Hub at permits.cerritos.gov.

How can I see what has been approved on my Cerritos lot?

Use the city’s GIS mapping tool for property information and planning approval history.

Can I sell a Cerritos house with an unpermitted unit?

Yes. You can disclose it and sell as-is, including to a cash buyer.

More guides

• We Buy Houses in Cerritos
• We Buy Houses in Los Angeles County
• Cerritos Building Permits Guide
• Cerritos Code Enforcement Guide
• All California Guides

Sources

• City of Cerritos: Apply for a Residential Permit/Planning Approval
• City of Cerritos: Planning, Building, and Development

This guide is general information from public sources, not legal advice. Confirm current rules with the city.