WHAT IS AN ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT (ADU) AND HOW CAN YOU BENEFIT BY THIS NEW LAW?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit or ADU is what many call a Granny Unit, a separate residence on a lot that has a single family home and another separate unit that provides the living amenities of a kitchen and a bathroom that can have a legal shower. For years many property owners in Los Angeles and elsewhere have converted their garages into ADU’s and in many cases had done so illegally, either without permit or by sneaking in a shower when it wasn’t allowed by LA City’s zoning ordinances. In some cases neighbors reported these transgressions and the City required that the shower be removed. What seemed sensible and practical to the homeowner ran afoul of the law.
New ADU under construction
Well, now that has changed. In September 2016 the State of California amended sections of State law that require local jurisdictions to allow ADU’s. The City of Los Angeles had passed several ADU ordinances, the latest being in November 2016. However, the City’s law did not comply with the State law and as a result the City law has become null and void. What that means is the State law has taken effect in Los Angeles until such time as the City passes a new ordinance, one that is compatible with the State law.
So, what’s allowed? Quite a bit, actually. Here are some of the essentials. If a lot is zoned for a single family or multi-family residence and the lot contains a single family dwelling, you may be eligible to have an ADU on your property. There are guidelines that govern what is and is not allowed and a permit for the dwelling must be obtained through the Department of Building and Safety. What you likely will have to include would be a small kitchen and a bathroom with a shower. There are parking issues, setback requirements, and size restrictions, all of which you may easily be in compliance with. The ADU can be adjoining the single family or separate from it, like a garage conversion. Once the approval process is completed, the dwelling will receive a separate address.
If you would like me to mail or email a copy of the guidelines please let me know. I am presently in the process of applying for an ADU permit through LADBS and would be happy to share my experience and any helpful guidance with you.
lisa gild says
Thanks for the insights Joseph. Always great to see how you can create more value on a property.
Carlos says
Thanks for the insight and information. I am currently interviewing contractors to help build my ADU and any info you can privileged would be greatly appreciated. Especially your experience with applying for permits.
Joseph Treves says
Thank you for your comment to my blog post. My ADU project was ground up. I don’t know what you are building, whether its a conversion or all new. The city is fairly straightforward with the permitting process and the people who man the counter at Building and Safety are professional and helpful. I would recommend that you do a bit of research before you go in so that as you speak to them and present your project that you get most all of your questions answered while there so you don’t have to repeatedly return. Lastly, make sure you have good communication with your inspector. One of my friends who upon reading the article decided to apply for an ADU. He was a bit surprised by some of the things the inspector wanted him to do in converting his room over his garage to an ADU. The property had previously been built out without permit and the inspector asked for walls to be reopened in order to make sure his project was conforming to code, something I had told him would likely happen. The main thing to note is make sure you proceed through the inspections as required, don’t close anything up prematurely, and remain in good stead with the inspector.
Mark M. says
Hello Mr. Travis
I have enjoyed reading your article regarding ADU, and would like yo receive mor information in regards to this issue because it sounds very interesting and to know what details are involoved to accomplish such a project.
Joseph Treves says
Back in January 2018 you had reached out to me about articles I had written about ADU’s. I had a project on the Westside of LA which has been complete for over a year now. I had some issues with the email server on my website and having fully resolved them I noticed your email. I’m curious how your project went. If you wish to share that information with me or if you have any questions, I’d love to hear from you.
Mark M. says
I have enjoyed reading your article regarding ADU and would like to receive more information in regards to this issue because it sounds very interesting and to know what details are involved to accomplish such a project.
Joseph Treves says
Back in May 2018 you had reached out to me about articles I had written about ADU’s. I had a project on the Westside of LA which has been complete for over a year now. I had some issues with the email server on my website and having fully resolved them I noticed your email. I’m not sure what additional information I may have, but if you are starting a project or want to discuss the building of ADU’s you are certainly welcome to contact me.