Category: ADU

Who can build an ADU - Accessory Dwelling Unit on their property?

10/15/2018

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU's) are a great way to enhance the value of your home. They can provide independent housing for family members and caregivers or can be rented to supplement monthly income. There is also the option for homeowners to downsize and live in the ADU while renting out the main house.

ADU's can be located in a variety of places on the property. Typically, they are a garage conversion, a re-vamping of existing space within the home, or a separate structure on the property which has been converted or built specifically for use as an ADU.

The size allowable for the ADU is determined by a number of factors including the lot size, the current lot coverage and the square footage of existing structures. The State of California sets limits, however, local zoning regulations apply that ultimately determine the maximum size ADU for each property.

The following apply to all ADU's :

Lot must be zoned for single-family or multifamily use and contain an existing, single-family dwelling.
ADU must have independent exterior access from the existing residence
ADU must have a minimum size equivalent to that of an efficiency dwelling unit (150 square feet)
ADU is limited to a maximum size of 50% of the existing structure - but cannot exceed 1200 square feet
ADU cannot be sold separately from the main home
Only one ADU is permitted on a property
Owner occupancy is not required by the state; however, local governments can require an applicant to be an owner occupant.
If the property is within half a mile of public transportation, additional parking for the ADU will not be required.

If you are interested in adding an ADU to your property, contact S K Architects and we will help figure out what can be done on your property.

Contact S K Architects

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How do you increase your property value & your monthly income? Build an ADU!

8/3/2018

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What is an ADU?

California is facing a statewide housing crisis so the demand for new housing is causing the governing bodies to take a look at new ways to satisfy the demand. One strategy is to allow homeowners to build ADU's (Accessory Dwelling Units) on their properties. These are separate living spaces that can function independently of the main home and can provide living space for family - as in a "mother-in-law suite" - or can be rented out to create additional income for the home owner.

The City of Los Angeles describes an ADU as:
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a residential unit that can be added to a lot with an existing single family home. ADUs can be detached (a separate building in a backyard), attached to or part of the primary residence, or a garage conversion. ADUs are independent rental units that have their own kitchens, bathrooms, living areas, and entrances.
Why build an ADU?
ADUs can provide additional space for caregivers, grown children, elderly parents, or renters. Because ADUs are rental units, they produce additional household income. “Empty nesters” can stay in their neighborhoods by moving into a smaller ADU and renting their larger existing home to pay the mortgage. An ADU can be built to house a relative or caregiver. There are many reasons for building an ADU on your lot.
New State Law:
The new state law (AB 2299, effective January 2017) applies to LA and makes it easier to build an ADU on a single family lot. The state law encourages the construction of accessory units because the City needs more housing.

As with any project, strict building codes apply to the construction of ADU's within Los Angeles and the surrounding cities. Every city can adopt their own variations of the code that will apply to ADU's in their neighborhoods, but since it is a State law, all California cities are required to allow ADU's if the property meets the basic requirements to conform with zoning regulations.

Additional information about ADU's will be addressed in a follow-up post. If you would like more information about adding an ADU to your property please contact S K Architects.

Contact S K Architects

1 Comment

Who can build an ADU - Accessory Dwelling Unit on their property?

How do you increase your property value & your monthly income? Build an ADU!

What is an ADU?

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