Focus On: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUS)
In January of 2020, a series of laws went into effect temporarily relaxing the zoning requirements and limiting the fees related to the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units, or ADUs, in California. The goal of these laws is to add much-needed housing to the California housing market. As a firm primarily focused on housing projects, this is a goal LMD stands behind.
ADUs can have many benefits, including allowing families to be near each other while maintaining independent living spaces, providing rental income for homeowners, offering caretaker space so an elderly person can remain in their home, and providing more affordable student housing. In addition, ADUs are more cost-effective to develop because utilities are already in place and do not require the purchase of additional land.
In the nearly two years since the laws went into effect, LMD has designed upwards of fifty ADUs. We have worked on a range of ADU projects from single-family garage conversions, to ground up new construction, to multi-family conversions. The new ADU laws have allowed many of our clients to add tremendous value to their properties that wouldn’t have been achievable a few short years ago. We’ve highlighted some general ADU guidelines, as well as a few of our past and current ADU projects below. If you’re interested in adding an ADU to your property, reach out using the link below and we’ll be in touch!
ADU Guidelines:
· No minimum lot size requirement
· No unit size limit less than 800 sqft
· No height limit under 16 feet or side/rear setbacks requirements over 4 feet
· No setback minimums or size restrictions for ADU conversions
· Multi-Family property owners can convert existing non-living space to ADUs
· Fire sprinklers are only required if they are required in the main residence
New Construction ADU: This 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom Accessory Dwelling Unit takes its design ques from the craftsman style main residence. With alley access and a private backyard, it’s the ideal income property.
New Construction Detached & Junior ADU: We’re increasing the density of this property zoned for a single duplex by splitting the lot and adding a Junior ADU to both of the front buildings and a detached ADU to the rear of both lots. A lot that would have had 2 units will now have 8, a density increase of 400%.
Single-Family Conversion: A detached garage in East Sacramento is being transformed into a caretaker’s cottage. Converting the existing structure allows for maintaining minimal setbacks, a definite bonus on this narrow lot.
Multi-Family Conversion: In most jurisdictions, a property owner can create up to 25% of the existing apartment units in ADUs. Converted spaces must be non-living spaces such as garages and storage areas. LMD has designed 4 ADUs at this downtown Sacramento property that will convert existing maintenance shops into two-story loft-style ADUs. The 4 units will add a 10% density increase to the property.