Are you thinking about building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in Los Angeles in 2024? You are not alone! Increasing your total square footage or earning rental money are the two main reasons why most homeowners build an ADU. And thanks to new California legislation that temporarily removes the owner-occupancy requirement, building an ADU has never been easier. We’re here to guide you on how to get it done, faster than ever. We hope all of your pressing questions will be answered in this ADU FAQs, but if not, don’t be shy and give us a call, we love to talk about ADUs.
Here’s what we cover:
General ADU FAQs
What is an ADU?
Are ADUs Good for First-Time Buyers in Los Angeles?
Are ADUs Good for Seniors and Retirees?
Why are Los Angeles Homeowners Building ADUs?
Did the State ADUs Laws Recently Change?
It is true that California has enacted a number of legislation, including ones that make building ADUs simpler in 2018 and 2020. These laws eased parking regulations, increased permitted sizes, and expedited the approval process. ADUs are becoming an easier option than in the past because city governments now have limited authority to deny permits as long as the project adheres with state guidelines.
As of 2023, all cities and municipalities in the state of California are required by California’s AB 1332 to produce pre-approved ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) designs by January 2025. The goal of this initiative is to streamline the homeowner’s permit request process. Making it simpler and faster to receive approval for the construction of an ADU. This is mentioned on the Lake County website. The time and expenses usually related to the plan review procedure will be decreased by these preapproved plans. Although officials will still have to make sure the ADU satisfies site-specific regulations, having these pre-approved designs available will make the process easier overall.
Do You Have to Live on the Property to Build an ADU in California?
Why Are ADUs So Popular?
ADUs are becoming more and more common because they solve several problems property owners have. When you compare purchasing a new property, they are less expensive to build, generate rental revenue, and let homeowners use existing land more wisely. For growing families or people in need of additional space, they are a sensible option in locations like Los Angeles where housing costs are extremely expensive and space is scarce. Additionally, it is now easier than ever to build ADUs because to recent regulatory relaxations.
What Kind of ADUs Are There?
There are generally three main types of ADUs:
Garage Conversion: Making a living space out of your current garage.
Detached ADU: A newly developed, standalone building was constructed in the backyard.
Attached ADU: An addition to the primary residence. Depending on the needs of the homeowner and city restrictions, these can differ in size and style.
What is the Difference Between an ADU and a Tiny Home?
How Does Building an ADU Affect the Resale Value of My Home?
ADUs are a smart investment, especially in places like Los Angeles where housing is so expensive. ADUs offer customizable space for families, renters, or just increasing value. The National Association of Realtors says that a home’s value can rise by 20%–35% with the addition of an ADU. This is because they offer more room for living and the possibility of rental income, which draws in a lot of people looking for ways to invest or multigenerational living.
What kind of property qualifies to build an ADU?
Is there a minimum lot size necessary to build an ADU on your property?
In California, there is no minimum lot size needed to construct an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on your property. ADUs are permitted by state law on any residentially zoned property, whether it is single-family or multi-family, and there are no minimum lot size requirements. This rule is a component of California’s endeavors to promote more housing options and facilitate the addition of ADUs by homeowners, no matter the size of their land. Setback standards, such as maintaining the ADU at least 4 feet from the side and back property lines, must still be met, though.
Always verify the rules of your county or city, as they can have extra restrictions or standards.
Where on my property can I build an ADU?
Los Angeles supports the building of ADUs. In Los Angeles, homeowners are permitted to construct attached or detached ADUs up to 1,200 square feet in size, and there is no minimum lot size requirement. If the property is within half a mile of public transportation, Los Angeles also waives parking limits for ADUs. Additionally, landlords and investors now have more latitude to build ADUs because the owner occupancy rule has been deferred until at least 2025.
The opposite extreme of the regulatory spectrum is represented by the city of San Marino, which is also in LA County. San Marino has more stringent ADU regulations and is well-known for its stringent zoning and aesthetic restrictions. The city, for example, has more stringent design approval procedures for ADUs, requiring that the design adhere to the primary residence’s architectural style. San Marino restricts the kinds of properties where ADUs can be constructed, usually restricting them to single-family residential zones, in contrast to Los Angeles. Additionally, there are more stringent setback regulations and restrictions on the ADU’s size in comparison to the main house.
ADU regulations in Santa Monica are more focused on green building practices, so while ADU construction is allowed, it must comply with sustainability standards. The city also has specific regulations about historic preservation if the main property is a historic building.
Pasadena is more restrictive when it comes to ADUs near utility poles or areas with power lines, requiring specific clearances to ensure safety, as opposed to the more lenient Los Angeles regulations.
Ready to Start Your ADU Project?
At Go Home Builders, we’re here to turn your vision into reality. Our team of experienced architects, contractors, and specialists is ready to guide you through every step of your ADU construction process. Don’t navigate the process alone—let Go home Builders help you create the perfect space on your property.