ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS
Whether you’re converting an existing structure or building a new one, we can guide you through every step.
What are accessory dwelling units?
Accessory Dwelling Units provide an additional source for rental income and opportunity for low-cost housing.
An ADU is a unit added to an existing single-family home. They can be detached, attached, or built as a garage conversion. They are fully independent units with kitchens, bathrooms, living areas, and entrances.
Simplifying the Accessory Dwelling Unit Design Process
We help simplify the process of building attached or detached accessory dwelling units. Our team partners with you to design the unit that fits your needs and goals. Our services that streamline the project, saving you time, money, and materials.
We also specialize in garage conversions, creating fully livable spaces from existing garages.
Accessory Dwelling Unit Floor Plan Creation
Our architectural team will work with you to determine the extent of the home expansion, configure the best floor plan for your property, and assist you with understanding the legal aspects, and permitting process.
Not separately.ADU’s can only be sold with your home. ADUs can be rental units or occupied by the homeowner or family members. You can rent out both your home and ADU.
Many lots already accommodate two parking spaces in a garage or carport. It is required to fit one extra parking space per unit/bedroom (ADU) on your lot if you are located more than one-half mile from public transit.
Additional parking is not needed if:
1. ADU is located within one-half mile of public transit.
2. ADU is located within an architecturally and historically significant district.
3. ADU is part of the existing primary residence or an existing accessory structure.
4. On-street parking permits are required, but not offered to occupant of the ADU.
5. There is a car-share vehicle located within one block of the ADU.
No replacement parking is required for the primary residence when a garage is demolished or converted to create an ADU. Detached, attached, interior, and detached demolished garage conversions are ADU types that do not require any parking.
*Parking requirements may change. Check with the Dept. of City Planning for current requirements.
Depending on the type of unit that makes sense for your home/lot, requirements must be met before you can starting building your ADU. You can build a detached ADU up to 800 sq. ft. and 16′ tall without any local discretionary approvals. ADUs created by conversions are also granted automatic approval.
Detached unit Requirements:
Max 1,200 sq.ft
5 ft min. from side and rear property lines
10 ft min. between main house and ADU
Attached unit Requirements:
No more than 50% of existing house and max of 1,200 sq.ft
Side and rear setbacks as required by zoning
Backyard garage conversion Requirements:
Max 1,200 sq.ft
No change to existing setbacks
Attached unit to backyard garage Requirements:
Max 1,200 sq.ft
5 ft min. from side and rear property lines (for ADU only, not garage itself)
10 ft min. between main house and ADU
Junior ADU Requirements:
Max 500 sq.ft
Built by converting an existing part of your home. e.g. a spare bedroom or attached garage
*Parking considerations need to be considered for each ADU
Single family homes with extra space in the backyard, a backyard garage, or a room that can be converted into a unit with a private entrance meet the space requirement. If the home is also located within 1/2 mile from public transit and/or has room for an additional parking space, you may be able to build an ADU.
To build an ADU, your current house must be located in a residential zone, and most likely in a single- family residential zone. ADUs are permitted in all single-family zones. Any lot in these zones, regardless of its size, can add an ADU if it will fit. Your lot must have an existing house, only one ADU per lot is permitted, and the ADU cannot be sold separately from the house. An ADU must meet additional site requirements as well as building construction requirements.
Every lot is unique, so we can address the most common conditions. There are various types of ADU that work on different lots. For example, if a detached ADU will not fit in your backyard, you might attach a new unit to your current house. If the garage behind your house is inconveniently located, you could demolish and rebuild it with an ADU above. We can help sketch ideas and come up with different ideas in our free on-site consultation.
Yes, it’s based on the size of your lot and existing house. First, an attached ADU cannot be bigger than 50% of the existing house. For example, if your existing house in 2,000 sq. ft., the attached ADU cannot exceed 1,000 sq. ft. in size. Second, there is a “mansionization ordinance” that usually restricts the total square footage of all structures on a lot to 45% of total lot size. For example, if your lot is 10,000 sq. ft., the total built area (existing house, ADU, garage, etc.) cannot exceed 4,500 sq. ft. In addition, most ADUs cannot exceed 1200 sq. ft. The Dept. of City Planning will need to verify the specifics related to your project. You can build a detached ADU up to 800 sq. ft. and 16′ tall without any local discretionary approvals. ADUs created by conversions are also granted automatic approval.
You are permitted up to two ADUs on a single family zoned property. Two ADU’s are restricted to one full Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) and one Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU).
