Planning & Feasibility Archives | Better Place Design & Build

How Many ADUs Can You Have on Your Property in California?

'admin' — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 00:00:30 +0000

As ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) grow in popularity, many homeowners see them as a way to boost rental income, enhance property value, or reimagine unused space. But what if you already have one secondary unit or want to add more ADUs to your lot? Under California law, a single-family property can typically include one ADU plus one Junior ADU (JADU), each with its own size limitations and distinct requirements that can impact property plans. Meanwhile, SB 1211 has paved the way for additional ADUs on multifamily properties—up to eight in some cases.

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Title 24 ADU Requirements

'admin' — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 00:03:42 +0000

While the state of California offers certain fee waivers and tax incentives to build ADUs, it doesn’t provide leniency to homeowners when it comes to Title 24 (energy efficiency) requirements. Property owners building any kind of residential unit are expected to follow Title 24 guidelines regarding solar panel installation, insulation, and lighting. While these requirements do have an initial cost, they often more than make up for it on the “backend,” providing homeowners with better air quality and lower energy costs.

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Legal Bedroom Requirements in California

'admin' — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 22:04:35 +0000

If you’re adding an accessory dwelling unit to your backyard or turning unused space in your existing home into a junior accessory dwelling unit, know that there are building codes related to minimum requirements for bedrooms. This is especially important if you plan on using the space as a rental unit or granny flat. If your bedroom space doesn’t meet the legal requirements, it won’t pass the permitting process or the final inspection and won’t be able to generate rental income or comfortably house aging parents.

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Free ADU Plans in San Diego: Build Your Dream ADU

'admin' — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 23:58:12 +0000

Property owners who are especially eager to see their ADU dreams come to life may consider pre-approved, permit-ready ADU plans. These plans are readily available online for no or minimal cost and offer a more streamlined process for obtaining a building permit, which can get the project started more quickly and with fewer upstart fees. These are typically free ADU plans provided by individual municipalities based on their building rules. That said, there are times when hiring an architect is not only necessary but can actually be the most cost-effective solution – especially if you have an unusual lot shape or a sloping lot.

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ADU Foundation Requirements: A Comprehensive Guide

'admin' — Wed, 04 Dec 2024 16:40:48 +0000

A strong foundation is key to building a successful Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)—both literally and figuratively. What works for your neighbor’s ADU or your primary residence might not be the best fit for your project, as factors like soil composition and yard grade play a big role. An experienced ADU builder can help you choose the safest, most durable option, but knowing the basics yourself will help you make smarter decisions about your budget and timeline.

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San Diego ADU Bonus Program: Everything You Need to Know

'admin' — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 22:26:41 +0000

San Diego’s ADU Bonus Program is an innovative initiative designed to address housing affordability and increase housing supply. The program incentivizes homeowners to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on their properties by offering increased benefits and relaxed regulations.

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Can an ADU Be a Primary Residence?

'admin' — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 22:04:27 +0000

An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) can be utilized as a primary residence if certain conditions are met. While ADUs are typically considered secondary units, some municipalities in California—including Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Palm Springs—allow them to serve as primary residences. This depends on local zoning laws and regulations.

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How Big Can an ADU Be in California?

'admin' — Thu, 07 Nov 2024 20:05:29 +0000

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) have continued to grow in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. Formerly known as ‘mother-in-law’ suites or ‘granny flats,’ ADUs are an effective (and affordable) solution to the current housing shortage, offering residents affordable and functional places to call home. For this reason, California lawmakers have enacted legislation to encourage development, which leads many homeowners to wonder how big an ADU can be in California.

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Are Pre-Approved ADU Plans Right for You?

'admin' — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 15:59:57 +0000

Hey there, San Diego homeowner! Thinking about adding an ADU to your property? You’ve probably heard about the city’s pre-approved ADU plans. These permit-ready plans sound great, right? Save time, save money, get your ADU up fast. But hold up. Is it really that simple? We’ve helped tons of folks like you add an ADU to their property. And we’ll share a secret, there’s more to the story. Let’s break it down, no fluff, just the facts.

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13 Common Misconceptions About ADUs

'admin' — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 00:00:22 +0000

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have become increasingly popular as a flexible and cost-effective way to add living space or generate rental income. However, several common misconceptions about ADUs can lead to confusion and misinformed decisions. It’s time to debunk these misconceptions so homeowners can make informed choices when considering an ADU project.

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