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What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit is an extra dwelling found on the same lot as a single-family or multi-family construction. An Accessory Dwelling Unit may be connected to the primary residence, detached from the primary residence, or included within an existing residence or accessory structure. A Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit is a unit that is no more than 500 square feet and contained totally within the single-family structure
What is a Jr ADU?
According to ADU builders, A Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit or Jr ADU is contained totally within the Primary Unit except for adding an entrance hallway. A Jr ADU must have a separate entry and an efficient kitchen but may share a bathroom with the Primary Unit. The minimum size is 70 square feet and the maximum size is 500 square feet.
Can I construct an ADU and Jr ADU on my property?
If your lot is a legal lot of record that has an existing single-family residence as the Primary Unit (or a single-family residency is proposed through a separate permit request) in a residential or mixed-use place, California State Law permits you to build one ADU and/or one Jr ADU if there are sufficient water and wastewater services, smallest setback requirements are maintained, and fire and life security standards are met. ADUs are subject to building code standards and require building permits.For more information about ADUs visit ADU statistics.
Do I have to give parking for an ADU?
Parking requirements for accessory dwelling units shall not exceed one parking space per unit, whichever is less. These areas may be provided as tandem parking. The accessory dwelling unit parking space(s) may not be located in the required front yard setback.
Parking is not required in any of the following situations when the applicant demonstrates that:
- The accessory dwelling unit is found within one-half mile of public transit, including transition stations and bus stations. Distance is measured by walking distance.
- The accessory dwelling unit is found within an architecturally and historically significant historic area.
- The accessory dwelling unit is built completely within the proposed or existing primary dwelling unit or an accessory structure.
- When on-street parking permissions are required by the city but not allowed to the occupant of the accessory dwelling unit.
- When there is a car share vehicle found within one block of the accessory dwelling unit.
- If a required garage, carport, or covered parking structure for the primary unit is demolished or turned in conjunction with the construction of an accessory dwelling unit, required parking for the primary unit shall be granted on the property, outside of the front yard setback, and on a city-approved structure.
What if I have an existing ADU that violates building codes?
A buyer may request a five-year delay in enforcement of the building codes, which will be given unless the violation impacts health and security requirements.
ADU in a Multi-family Structure?
State law permits conversion of non-livable space with multi-family structures (two or more units in the same structure) to one or more ADU’s. In addition, a multifamily property may add 1 or 2 newly constructed ADU’s on the property, space permitting. The whole number of ADU’s may not exceed 25 per cent of the whole of existing units. One off-street parking area is required for each ADU. Garages may be turned to ADU’s provided replacement off-street parking spaces are designated for the homeowners who previously used the garage spaces. Jr ADU’s are not permitted in multifamily properties. If you are looking for reliable ADU construction company then you should consider SOTO BAY construction!
Harper Harrison is a reporter for The Hear UP. Harper got an internship at the NPR and worked as a reporter and producer. harper has also worked as a reporter for the Medium. Harper covers health and science for The Hear UP.
