ADUs: What You Need To Know and Why Build One?

https://www.attomdata.com/news/affordability/promise-pitfalls-adus-affordable-housing-panacea/

Almost two years ago the former Governor of California signed three very important bills that affected residents all over the state. These bills clarified and improved the already existing law regarding the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) or Granny Flats. For starters, it legalized ADUs in all California cities. The new, relaxed legislation also makes it much easier for owners of single-family dwellings to build ADUs on their property, and addresses areas such as: parking, zoning and design requirements, the permitting process, and more. These bills follow the tension and complaints that have built up over the California Housing Crisis, alleviating some of the issues it has caused.

Previous restrictions made it very difficult for homeowners to build affordable ADUs on their property. While there are still regulations on ADUs, the path to building them has become a lot easier and more efficient, notably the permitting process and parking. Ever since the reform, applications for ADUs have skyrocketed, proving the need of them and the minor role they play in easing the housing crisis and making room for the future of California.

WHAT IS AN ADU?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit can be classified by 3 key features:

1. It has its own separate entrance
2. It contains at least one bathroom
3. It has a kitchen

http://www.yimby.wiki/wiki/Accessory_Dwelling_Unit

ADUs do NOT have to be detached from the home
ADUs can exist inside the main structure (internal) or attached to it. This includes transforming garages, pool houses, or an unused part of the home into a granny flat. ADUs can even be built on top of garages, pool houses, or the main part of the home as well. As long as they have their own entrance an ADU can be attached or detached from the home.

Specific Restrictions
Even with the improved bill there are still some restrictions:

• ADUs must be at least 10 feet away from the main residence and 5 feet away from all property lines.
• Limited to 24 feet in height
• The size of an attached ADU can be half the size of the main residence or a maximum of 1,200 square feet, which ever is smaller. Detached ADUs are limited to a maximum of 1,200 square feet, but some cities call for them to be smaller. 
• In most cases, permits and certificates of occupancy will need to be obtained before anything can happen or anyone can move in.
• An ADU cannot exist on a property that already possess guest living quarters or an accessory apartment.
• The ADU can be rented out, but cannot be sold as a separate entity from the existing residence.

Attached ADU

WHY BUILD AN ADU?

Many different reasons exist for why homeowners build ADUs on their properties.The 2 main reasons are these: Family and Income.

As discussed in a previous post, multi-generational living has become increasingly popular today. Some families and homeowners are struggling to adjust to situations they didn't see coming; situations that their current living positions are not prepared for. Life events such as taking care of aging parents or children who have become part of the boomerang generation and are moving back home after getting their college degrees have contributed to the multi-generational living trend. Some people just like to keep their families close by or have friends stay with them.

Whatever the case, this multi-generation trend is sweeping the country and is showing no signs of slowing down. That coupled with the limited land opportunities and housing shortage here in California make ADUs a highly sought after alternative to buying a bigger house or moving out of the state all together. ADUs offer the privacy and independence desired to all parties involved without sacrificing connectivity and comfort.

Gaining income via rent is another popular reason people are building ADUs in their backyards.

ADUs Are Homes Too!

Although granny flats are small in comparison to a home, they can still be costly because, well, they are a mini-home. Even though they may not be cheap to build, especially here in Southern California, they are definitely a cheaper alternative to building or buying a home to suit your family's needs.

When building your ADU it is vital to think about who is going to live in it, after all you are building for generations. For California families in particular, it is not one-size-fits-all, so it's important that each specific need is customized, personalized, and incorporates your creative vision. Aging parents may need more room and spacious hallways to move around, easily accessible cupboards, and an open floor plan design. However, when designing your ADU keep it versatile and flexible as well, because parents and kids may move out and you may decide to rent it out or rent your main residence out and then move into the ADU yourself! Whatever situation it may be, ADUs are the answer.

As many families and homeowners are selecting to build ADUs on their properties, or concurrently build them with their new homes, McCullough Design has evolved their business model to accepting remodels, renovations, and add-ons as part of its building services, which includes the designing and building processes of ADUs. Contact us today for more information at:
lori@mddhomes.com OR (858) - 431 - 9622.