ADU LAWS AND HOW THEY AFFECT HOMEOWNERS
Since new regulations which began in 2017, California has seen ADU permits rise sharply.
However, many homeowners were still unable to add a unit because of some restrictive regulations.
Now, as of this January 2020, 6 new California laws came into effect that help almost any homeowner add this wonderful investment unit to their home.
The most impactful changes are:
- No longer require replacement parking
When converting a garage either attached or detached as long as you have a driveway you do not have to replace it– that’s a huge money savings.
Maximum side and rear set backs are 4 feet.
Set backs for the side and rear of any property have been anything from 5 foot to 20 feet in the past which is super restrictive if you wanted to add a building to your lot. Now with the new 2020 laws in place the largest a city can require is 4 feet. This makes your building area much bigger.
*No requirement for minimum lot size
No city cannot impose a minimum lot size for an ADU – all homes in California can add at least one adu to their property
- No more impact fees for units under 750 square feet
Previously anyone adding an ADU would need to pay city impact fees of at least $15,000 usually more – now this is ZERO if you are under 750 square feet and is proportional if you are over that number
- Owner occupancy no longer required
If you have a rental house you want to add an extra unit to – now you can – you no longer need to live on the property. This will change in Jan 2025.
So whether you want to use your ADU for a rental income, an aging parent, an office space or various uses over time we are here to help you make a decision on the type, size and impacts of each.