Legal Disclaimer
Last Updated: January 1, 2026
CRITICAL: Read Before Using ZoningOS
ZoningOS provides INFORMATIONAL ANALYSIS ONLY and does NOT constitute legal, architectural, engineering, or professional advice of any kind.
1. Not Professional Advice
ZoningOS is an automated software tool that provides preliminary screening and analysis of zoning regulations related to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Berkeley, and Oakland.
Our Service does NOT replace:
- Legal Counsel: Consult a licensed attorney for legal advice on property rights, zoning appeals, or regulatory compliance
- Architect: Hire a licensed architect for building design, site planning, and construction drawings
- Engineer: Engage a licensed engineer for structural, civil, or mechanical engineering requirements
- Contractor: Work with a licensed contractor for construction planning and cost estimates
- City Officials: Verify all information with Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) before proceeding
2. No Guarantee of Accuracy
While we strive for accuracy, zoning regulations are complex and subject to frequent changes. ZoningOS reports may contain errors, omissions, or outdated information.
Potential Limitations:
- Parcel data may be outdated or incorrect
- Zoning codes change frequently; our database updates periodically
- AI-generated analysis may misinterpret complex regulations
- Site-specific conditions (slopes, easements, utilities) are not evaluated
- Historic districts, coastal zones, and special overlays may have additional restrictions
- HOA rules and CC&Rs are not analyzed
3. Official City Approval Required
All ADU projects require official city permits and approvals. A "PASS" result from ZoningOS does not guarantee:
- Your project will be approved by LADBS
- You can legally construct an ADU on your property
- Your design will meet all building codes
- You will receive a Certificate of Occupancy
Required Steps:
- Verify zoning with LADBS Zoning Counter
- Conduct professional site survey
- Hire licensed professionals (architect, engineer)
- Submit plans to LADBS for review
- Obtain building permits
- Pass inspections during construction
- Obtain Certificate of Occupancy
4. No Warranty
ZoningOS is provided "AS IS" and "AS AVAILABLE" without any warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to:
- Warranty of merchantability
- Fitness for a particular purpose
- Non-infringement
- Accuracy, reliability, or completeness of data
- Uninterrupted or error-free operation
5. Limitation of Liability
ZONINGOS AND ITS AFFILIATES SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR:
- Permit application rejections or delays
- Incorrect zoning determinations
- Construction cost overruns or schedule delays
- Property devaluation or inability to sell
- Fines, penalties, or legal fees imposed by authorities
- Project abandonment or financial losses
- Any consequential, indirect, incidental, or punitive damages
BY USING ZONINGOS, YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT ALL RISK AND RESPONSIBILITY FOR ADU DEVELOPMENT DECISIONS RESTS SOLELY WITH YOU.
6. User Responsibility
It is YOUR responsibility to:
- Verify all information with official government sources
- Hire licensed professionals for design and engineering
- Obtain all required permits before construction
- Ensure compliance with building codes, fire safety, and accessibility standards
- Notify your insurance company of ADU construction
- Comply with tax and financing regulations
- Understand neighbor notification requirements
7. AB 2533 Amnesty Program Disclaimer
Information about the AB 2533 ADU Amnesty Program is provided for informational purposes only.
Important Notes:
- Eligibility criteria are subject to city interpretation
- Amnesty program rules and deadlines may change
- Each application is evaluated individually by LADBS
- No guarantee of amnesty approval
- Consult with the city or legal counsel for specific guidance
8. Standard Plans Disclaimer
References to LADBS Standard ADU Plans are informational. "Matching" plans are based on estimated buildable area calculations and may not fit your actual property due to:
- Site topography (slopes, drainage)
- Utility easements or setback encroachments
- Trees, landscaping, or existing structures
- Access requirements (fire department access, pathways)
- Soil conditions or foundation requirements
Always verify plan compatibility with a licensed architect before purchasing plan sets.
9. Third-Party Data Providers
ZoningOS relies on data from third-party providers (Regrid, Google Maps, government sources). We do not control or guarantee the accuracy of third-party data. Errors in source data will propagate to our reports.
10. Changes to This Disclaimer
We reserve the right to update this disclaimer at any time. Continued use of the Service after changes constitutes acceptance of the updated disclaimer.
11. Questions
If you have questions about this disclaimer, contact us at:legal@zoningos.com
Acknowledgment
By using ZoningOS, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to this disclaimer. You further acknowledge that ZoningOS is a preliminary screening tool and that all final decisions regarding ADU development should be made in consultation with licensed professionals and government authorities.