Southern California · Land Surveying

ADU Setback Surveys in Southern California

Planning an ADU, JADU, or garage conversion? Our surveyors locate your structures and property lines and measure the setbacks your jurisdiction requires — so your design and permit submittal start on solid ground.

Tell us what the city, county, architect, or engineer requested — we’ll help determine whether you need boundary, topo, setback, hillside, or permit survey support. Call now to discuss your project.

Verifying ADU placement against required setbacks.

What is an ADU setback survey?

An ADU setback survey is a focused survey for homeowners adding an accessory dwelling unit. We locate your existing buildings and property lines in the field, then measure the distances between them so you can confirm the required setbacks. The result is a scaled plot plan that shows where a new or converted unit can sit on your lot. If you are still working out whether your project needs this at all, start with our guide to whether your ADU needs a land survey.

When you need one

What's included

Our process

  1. QuoteTell us about your lot and the ADU you have in mind; we scope the work and send an estimate.
  2. ResearchWe review available records and your parcel information before heading out.
  3. FieldworkOur crew locates your structures and property lines on the ground.
  4. Measure setbacksWe calculate the distances between buildings and lot lines.
  5. Deliver plot planYou receive a scaled plot plan ready to support your permit submittal.

What to have ready before requesting a quote

A little information up front helps us scope the right survey and quote it accurately:

Related services

ADU setback surveys across Southern California

We help homeowners with ADU projects throughout the region. Explore service by county:

Frequently asked questions

What is an ADU setback survey?

An ADU setback survey locates your existing structures and property lines and measures the distances between them, so you can confirm the required setbacks for a new or converted accessory dwelling unit.

Do I need one for an ADU permit?

Many jurisdictions ask for a scaled plot plan showing structures, property lines, and setback dimensions. An ADU setback survey provides the measured information your designer or plan checker needs to support a permit submittal.

How is it different from a full boundary survey?

An ADU setback survey focuses on locating structures and lines and measuring setbacks for a specific building project. A full boundary survey researches the deed and sets monuments at every legal corner, which is a broader scope.

How long does an ADU setback survey take?

Most single-lot projects involve a short field visit followed by drafting the plot plan. Timelines vary with lot size, access, and scheduling, but many are turned around within about one to two weeks.

What affects the cost?

Cost depends on lot size, the number of structures to locate, terrain and access, available records, and the level of detail your jurisdiction requires on the plot plan. Request a quote to scope your property.

Scoped to Your Project

Survey scope and deliverables depend on title records, site conditions, and what your project requires. Call (213) 787-3342 to discuss the property and the survey you need.

Where we provide this service

Available throughout Los Angeles County and our full service area, including:

Ready to verify your ADU setbacks?

Request a quote for your lot — send the address and project details and we will scope the work.

Call Now: (213) 787-3342 Get a Quote