A version of this post first ran in 2018.
ADUs are growing in popularity in California, and with good reason. ADUs – accessory dwelling units (also known as “granny units”) – are small living spaces that are on the same property but are separate from the main living space. They can be attached to the main home or completely separate. They range from tiny studio apartments to fully appointed cottages and can serve lots of different purposes.
With California’s housing crisis in full swing, ADUs offer potential benefits to homeowners and renters.
Flexibility & Income
A California ADU can add flexibility to your home and give you a potential additional income stream when you most need it.
A separate living space can house a family member, providing privacy for a young adult in school or just getting started in a career, or for an aging parent who needs your help but still maintains independence. It can offer a welcoming guest space for longer visits from family and friends, and, in the age of Covid-19, it can provide a comfortable space for quarantine or isolation.
Have a major hobby? An additional living space can be perfect for writing that novel in peace or getting inspired at the pottery wheel – or whatever pursuits need privacy from household noise or interruptions. An ADU can also be a welcome option for family members with differing schedules that might otherwise disrupt sleep. After a long evening at work, you or your partner can sack out (or continue to work) in comfort without waking anyone.
An accessory dwelling unit can also be rented out, either long-term on the local market or short-term as an Airbnb. A separate space will command a higher price than a rented bedroom while still remaining more affordable for renters than an individual apartment or home.
It can also offer a place to downsize, allowing you to occupy the smaller space while renting out the main living space for more income. This is an especially attractive option for retirees who need less space but want to remain in their community and need additional income.
California ADU Types & Possibilities
The two categories of ADU in California are conventional accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units. There are differences in legal requirements for each, but the main distinction is that conventional units can be larger, either attached or detached from the main home, and can be an existing structure or an addition. Junior units must be created from existing space within the main dwelling and can’t exceed 500 square feet.
Conventional Units
A conventional ADU offers the greatest flexibility. Maximum sizes vary from city to city, but they can range from studio apartments to two-bedroom cottages separate from the main house. That means you can tailor your ADU to your precise needs and make it a particularly attractive rental property for your market.
The additional flexibility comes with the trade-off of more stringent requirements. Again, regulations vary, but a conventional ADU may need to have a full kitchen and bath with separate utility hookups, or there may be off-street parking requirements.
Junior ADUs
Junior units have the advantage of fewer requirements and, potentially, lower up-front building costs. California law requires no additional off-street parking or utility hookups for junior ADUs, although local jurisdictions may impose stricter requirements.
By definition, junior ADUs require converting existing space into new living space. Many people look to a garage for conversion options, but large bedrooms can also make good ADUs.
By partitioning off the area and adding a private entrance, cooking area and sleeping area, that extra bedroom can become a separate–and potentially rentable– living space, even if it shares a bathroom with other rooms.
Understand Local Laws and Regulations
How and where you can build an accessory dwelling unit is governed by state laws and local zoning regulations. If you want to maximize your investment, it’s crucial that you follow them.
The good news is that new laws that took effect in California in 2020 have loosened requirements, making it easier than ever for property owners to build ADUs.
As you’re planning your California ADU, AplosGroup can help manage all the regulatory and zoning issues. We have built many ADUs in Northern California and can streamline the process for you.
As a local architectural firm, we are familiar with your city’s requirements and can discuss them with you as you’re planning your project.
With careful planning and advice from knowledgeable professionals, an accessory dwelling unit can be a great investment in your property. Contact us for a free initial consultation.