ADUs are allowed in Lake CharlesTypes:DetachedInternal
Types:DetachedInternal
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules for Lake Charles, LA
Is your property eligible for an ADU?
# of Parcels
36,867
Zoning districts
14
Zoning Districts:
36,863 parcels · 14 districts
RES
50%(18,491)
N
25%(9,332)
MU
10%(3,820)
B
7%(2,696)
Other
7%(2,524)
ADU Rules
What can you build in Lake Charles, LA?
Lake Charles, LA follows state and local rules for Accessory Dwelling Units. Here is a concise overview of the local rules.
Eligibility
- –Internal / Attached ADU: Conditional Use Permit
- –Detached ADU: Conditional Use Permit
Interior / Attached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size of 600 sq ft for an internal or attached accessory dwelling unit
Detached ADU Size Limits
- –Maximum size of 600 sq ft in the Lakefront Downtown Development District and in Traditional Neighborhood Developments.
- –Maximum size of 40% of the principal structure’s total floor area in residential and neighborhood districts.
Max Units
- –1 outbuilding per lot (Lakefront Downtown Development District). Ancillary/Accessory Unit ≤600 sq ft. Secondary Dwelling Unit ≤600 sq ft.
Owner Occupancy
- –Owner-occupancy not required for ADUs.
Parking
- –1 off-street space per ADU; on-street may count in TND; may be located within 2,000 ft (5-minute walk) and accessed via alley or rear lane; citywide standards superseded by the 1-space ADU rule.
What's allowed on your lot?
These are the municipality-wide rules. What's allowed on a specific property also depends on state laws, setbacks, floor area ratio, lot coverage, environmental constraints, topography, and other property-specific factors. Search your address on FutureLot to see what's allowed on your property.
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ADU rules in other Louisiana municipalities
Rules change at the town line. Check the municipality your property is actually in.
Calcasieu County