Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)

We are here to help • The Planning Division and Building and Safety Divisions Staff will help you prepare your application and will work together to process your application seamlessly to avoid delays in the permitting process so you can focus on the construction.

Accessory Dwelling Units And cc Junior Accessory Dwelling Units

Contact Us

Agoura Hills City Hall Community Development Department Planning Division 30001 Ladyface Court Agoura Hills, CA 91301 Phone: (818) 597-7337 Email: drobinson@agourahillscity.org Web: www.agourahillscity.org

City of Agoura Hills Department of Community Development (Planning & Building and Safety Divisions)

Getting Started 1. Find the zone where the ADU/JADU is proposed to determine what standards apply, including the fire zone.

2. Prepare plans that include a site plan, floor plan and elevation plans and provide structural calculations 3. Complete a building permit application 4. Submit application fees

Just Know that….

The property owner agrees by signing and recording a covenant* against the property that: • • •

Development Standards

The ADU or JADU can only be rented for more than 30 days.

The ADU and JADU cannot be sold separately from the primary residence.

The property owner shall reside in either the primary residence or JADU. (Does not apply to ADUs) The units must comply with all applicable laws.

Detached ADU that do not exceed 800 sqft., and provide a minimum of 4 feet setback distance to the side and rear property lines, and with a maximum height of 16 feet, shall not have to comply with the building coverage required by the zone for the property. Note: properties located in the high fire zone require 5-foot setbacks from side and rear property lines.

Q&As:

Others requirements shall apply as follows:

Health Department must determine if the existing system can

 New detached ADU and Conversion of an Accessory Structure • 850 square feet for a studio or 1 bedroom • Or up to 1,000 square feet for a two-bedroom  New attached ADU • Same size requirements as detached units, but the ADU must not exceed 50% of the primary residence, whichever is less.

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*Only applies to ADUs processed under § 9283.1

What you have to be aware of: If on a private septic system, the Los Angeles County Environmental accommodate the proposed ADU/JADU. Proof of approval will be required as a submittal item for plan check review.

The Los Angeles County Fire Department must review the plans and approve the access into the property.

Some ADUs will be required to have separate utility connection requirements and fees.

No City development impact fees are imposed for units less than 750 square feet in size.

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Permitting Overview

Getting Started (Cont’d.)

Process 1 – Building Permit ONLY

Parking: None required if the ADU: • is reviewed under a Building Permit Only process • If a JADU is proposed instead of an ADU • is within a 1/2 mile from a bus route/stop • is located within an existing structure • is located in an area where on-street parking permits are required; or • is located within one block of a city-approved and dedicated parking space for a car-share vehicle Note: if required parking spaces are converted to an ADU in the high fire zone, the parking spaces must be replaced on site.

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Complies with the City of Agoura Hills Municipal Code Section 9283.1.

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JADUs

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Accessory Structure Conversion (garages and others)

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New detached ADUs that comply with the 800 sqft/16 ft height/4 or 5 ft. setback rule

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Two new units in Multi-Family Residential Development that meet the 800 sqft/16 ft height/4 or 5 ft. setback rule

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Conversion on Lots with existing Multi-Family Units

Process 2 – ADU Permit + Building Permit •

A Planning Division review is required if the standards above are exceeded.

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The review can be done over-the-counter.

Process 3 – ADUs with New Development •

If a new ADU is proposed in conjunction with a new residential development, please discuss the project with a planner to assist you in verifying compliance with the development standards of either unit. Proposed ADUs over 800 sqft. may impact the remainder of the site development.

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Oak Trees: The City protects oak trees; please be mindful of the potential impacts of on- and off-site oak trees when locating an ADU. Equestrian Overlay District (EQ): The minimum size of an equestrian area may be waived if: • an ADU is reviewed under a Building Permit Only process • for lots under a third of an acre or 10,890 sqft. or • if the lot has an average slope in excess of 25%.

What happens next?

The Building and Safety Division will review your project plans, collect technical reports and fees, and will submit them to the plan checker to review. When approved, a building permit will be issued and you can start building. While the construction is going on, the planner will work with you to prepare and record a covenant, if required.

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What are ADUs and JADUs? New Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)

A detached or attached residential unit that provides complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons.

The unit shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.

What are ADUs and JADUs? (Attached 2-Story)

 The ADU’s maximum square footage is as follows:  850 sqft or less with 1 bd.;  up to 1,000 sqft. with 2 bds.

Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs)/ Garage Conversions A JADU is less than 500 square feet in size and contained within a single-family residence, excluding an attached garage. It may share sanitation facilities with the existing residence, but must have its own exterior access and kitchen.

The JADU may be placed anywhere in the existing envelope of a single family residence, excluding attached garages.

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A new attached ADU may be as tall as the existing two-story house of the height limit applicable to the primary residence, whichever is less.

Accessory structures may be converted into an ADU with existing setbacks and with a maximum square footage of 850 if only one bedroom is provided or 1,000 sqft. if two bedrooms are provided. Current Building Code provisions will apply.

(Attached 1-Story)

A new ADU attached to a single-story house shall have a maximum height of 16 ft., a maximum size of 50% of the primary residence or 850 sqft. for a one bedroom and up to 1,000 sqft. for a two bedroom, whichever is less.

An attached garage conversion is considered an attached ADU.

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