Accessory Dwelling Units FAQs

Accessory Dwelling Units Answers to your ADU questions

Dafne Gutierrez Design Co.

WHAT’ S NEW

ANSWERS TO YOUR ADU QUESTIONS Many people have questions as they begin planning for their ADUs. This brochure will help answer some of the most frequently asked questions about ADUs in California.

INSPIRATION We hope to inspire you to begin your ADU project. We are here to help you along the way.

What is an ADU? In general terms, accessory dwelling units or ADUs for short, are separate dwelling spaces that are on the same land of a main residence, also commonly called granny flat, in-law-suite, casita, or guest suite. If you own a residential property in California, the new legislation may allow you to build an ADU on your property. ADUs provide supplemental income and increased property value for the homeowner. .

ADUs are particularly attractive in markets like San Diego where available housing is in short supply, and in some cases help create more affordable housing that can help mitigate the ongoing housing and environmental issues in California.

All ADUs require a design professional to help you get the most out of your property.

ARE YOU READY TO START ON YOUR NEW ADU? We design ADUs that environmentally friendly, efficient and within your budget. Let our team of experts get you started on your ADU project today.

CONTACT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION! Phone 619.356.8122 Email dafne@dg-designco.com

Can I build an ADU on my property?

How big can I make my ADU?

The new California law allows any property that is zoned as a single-family residence to build an ADU, even in HOA-governed communities. And most recent California’s ADU laws have made it permissible to build ADUs on certain multi-family zoned properties.

How long does it take to build an ADU? You should expect a 6-12 month timeline, which includes design, building permits, and construction time. The time it will take to complete your ADU will depends on the complexity of your ADU project, the municipality you’re located in, and the expertise of your design and construction teams.

The state of California allows detached ADUs up to a maximum of 1,200 sq ft.

However, the maximum size for an ADU that is attached to an existing home can only be 50% of the size of the main dwelling, up to 1,200 sq ft. as the ADU laws and local city ordinances continue to evolve it is important to consult with your design professional to determine the zoning rules and regulations for your particular property.

How many ADUs can I have on my property?

There are some caveats that you will need to consult with a design professional. State law allows for one ADU plus one Junior ADU (JADU) per single family lot, however adding a JADU requires owner-occupancy of the JADU or the primary dwelling.

Often the cost between a prefab unit and a stickbuilt end up relatively close.

Wouldn’t you want a customized ADU for the same price?

Prefab or Stick-built ADUs: Which is better?

When it comes to building an ADU, there are a few construction options: stickbuilt and prefab ADUs are the most common. The term ‘stick-built’ refers to the traditional method of construction – building the entire structure on site ground up. A prefab unit allows the majority of the ADU to be built in a factory, there are pros and cons to both methods.

There are many factors to consider when choosing which method works best for your needs. A stick-build ADU gives you the ability to create a dwelling that is completely customized to your needs and goals for the unit. And if space is an issue, a prefab unit may not conform to existing dwellings or structures in your yard. Additionally, a common misconception about prefab is that they cost less than a stick-built unit. Often the cost between a prefab and a stickbuilt end up being relatively close, and you’ll typically find that their appreciation and resale value is much lower than a stick-built ADU.

I have an unpermitted ADU, how can I legalize it?

Yes. The building departments have been supportive of permitting illegal units due to our lack of affordable housing in San Diego. We’ve helped many homeowners legalize their ADUs and customize it to their current needs.

We will assess the current conditions of the unpermitted unit and determined what is the best design plan for your needs. We will then put together all the necessary documents that are required to submit to the building department for permitting.

What are the new ADU laws I should know about?

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NO OWNER OCCUPANCY Homeowner are no longer required to live on the property if they have an ADU, allowing them to rent out both the ADU and the main residence if desired. Homeowners who build their ADU by 2025 will be grandfathered into this clause.

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MULTI-FAMILY ZONES Certain multi-family zoned properties may now be allowed to add an ADU or convert pre-existing, unused spaces into an ADU such as garages and storage spaces. There properties can develop up to 25% if its existing unit count into attached ADUs plus two detached ADUs on the lot.

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PARKING REQUIREMENTS You do not need to build additional parking spaces to be replaced for garages converted into ADUs. Additionally, ADUs located within a ½ miles walking distance from a bus stop, as well as ADUs that are less than 500 sq ft do not require parking spaces.

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JUNIOR ADUs As of 2020, homeowners are now allowed to have both an ADU and a Junior ADU on their property. The Junior ADU is limited to 500 sq ft in size and must be attached the primary dwelling.

What fees are waived?

State law has waived development impact fees for any ADU that is under 750 sq ft.

The City of San Diego waived Development Impact Fees (DIF) for any sized ADU. However, not all municipalities follow suit, check on your municipality if your property isn’t located in the City of San Diego.

Standard building permit fees still apply.

How much does an ADU cost?

How do I finance an ADU?

The cost to build an ADU is substantially lower than alternative housing options since the land is already purchased and there typically is not a need for additional infrastructure.

There are various of ways to finance your ADU project. We can begin the design for your ADU to help you obtain a contractor bid that will ultimately determine how much money you’ll need from your lender.

There are three areas to consider when determining the cost of an ADU: design, permits and construction.

Depending on the complexity of your ADU project, design fees can run anywhere between $9,000 to $12,000 or more.

Permit fees vary depending on a variety of factors regarding your specific property and project type but can generally run between $4,000 to $15,000 in most cases. And while construction costs will depend on the design and quality of materials, the average you can expect is about $200-$350 per sq ft. *Fees & cost are subject to change.

We will work with you to design an ADU that fits your budget and your needs.

Can you refer contractors &/or interior designers?

Yes! We work with general contractors and interior designers who have experience building ADUs in San Diego.

We will provide you the best recommendation for your project.

Contact us…

“LET US HELP BRING YOUR ADU VISION TO REALITY”

Phone: 619.356.8122 Email: dafne@dg-designco.com

RECEIVE A FREE CONSULTATION TODAY!