ADUs – Accessory Dwelling Unit / Mother-In-Law Suite

Construction, Design Tips, Remodeling

There are many reasons why homeowners consider building an accessory dwelling unit, also known as an ADU or mother-in-law quarter. With the high rising cost of housing in urban areas, finding affordable housing has become difficult. Building an ADU is an excellent long-term investment that will increase your property value and provide a desirable space. It can be rented out for extra income or used for multi-generation families. The latter has become a relief to families looking to keep aging parents nearby or helping boomerang children get on their feet. During the pandemic, ADUs became a fantastic option for a home office. California is now trying to make it easier to add an ADU to your property. If you are looking to add one, please gives us a call and check out our creative space-saving ADU ideas.

Los Angeles Bohemian Dream

Location: Los Angeles, CA
Size: 700 sqf
Designer & Builder : Lux Builders & Remodeling, Inc

With a new college graduate on the way, this family decided to give their graduate some space to call her own. The garage was converted into a small, vibrant space that feels warm and inviting. The bright, eclectic colors chosen pays homage to the California lifestyle. This ADU is equipped with a full kitchen that opens up to a dining/living combo area. Just outside, the kitchen sits a patio to entertain guests.

The tiles chosen for the bathroom make the room seem bigger and brighter. Subway tiles accented with the floor tiles give this room a sense of joy

We would like to share with you valuable information about ADUs. If you consider building one, please do not hesitate to reach out to Lux Builders & Remodeling Inc. 310-796-1700 / 888-335-0777

hello@luxbuilders.com

California Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Law as of January 1, 2020

Reduced Costs and Burdens for Developing ADUs

ADU applications must be approved within 60 days without a hearing or discretionary review if the requirements are met.
For ADUs permitted by 2025, cities/counties cannot require the owner to live at the property
No impact fees are required for ADUs under 750 sqft; proportional fees apply to larger ADUs
An ADU can be developed at the same time as a primary dwelling, under most of the same rules
A city/county must delay code enforcement on an unpermitted ADU to allow it to be legalized
Single-family HOAs must allow the development of ADUs, subject to reasonable standards
Single-family homeowners can also develop JADUs—units under 500 sqft within a residence, which has to be occupied by the owner and added to the title; there are additional restrictions on JADUs; please check and consult when considering.

ADUs are subject to Automatic Approval — No Local Limits when all code and State requirements are met.

Cities/counties must permit certain categories of ADUs without applying any local development standards if proposed on a single-family lot. ADUs eligible for this automatic approval include:
An ADU or JADU converted from existing space in the home or another structure (e.g., a garage), so long as the ADU has exterior access and setbacks sufficient for fire safety
A new detached ADU under 800 sq ft in size, 16 feet in height, with 4-foot side/rear setbacks
Both of the above options in combination, creating one internal JADU and one detached ADU

ADUs Subject to Ministerial Approval — Minimal Local Limits

Cities/counties must generally approve an attached or detached ADU under 1,200 sq ft unless it adopts local development standards. Local standards have the following limitations:
No minimum lot size requirement
No maximum unit size limit less than 1,000 sq ft for a two-bedroom ADU
No required replacement parking when a parking garage is converted into an ADU
No required parking for an ADU created through the conversion of existing space or located within a half-mile walking distance of a bus stop or other public transit
No height limit under 16 feet or side/rear setbacks requirements over 4 feet
No setbacks requirements for conversions/replacements of existing legal structures
Design standards must be objective and are assessed by staff, not elected officials
Floor area ratio (FAR) and similar restrictions must be relaxed to allow the development of an 800 sq ft ADU

Lux Builders & Remodeling Inc. 310-796-1700 / 888-335-0777

hello@luxbuilders.com / www.luxbuilders.com / www,houzz.com/pro/luxbuilders