ADU or In Law Suites Current California Laws 2020

[@antonior6194]

An ADU while in an HOA? I would love to see the board's faces when you're breaking ground 😆

[@maggie8x8]

This was super helpful! Thank you!

[@Domum]

Thank you for your feedback, we will be adding new informational videos about ADUs this week!

[@JeffreyYamada]

Small correction. The 50% maximum rule only applies to attached ADUs. The maximum for detached ADUs would depend on floor area ratios and are city dependent, but 800 sqft minimum would still apply.

[@Domum]

The 50% is the state ordinance for detached ADUs but local jurisdictions could increase that. Floor area ratios and lot coverage should are overruled with the new laws. We're seeing this play out in a number of jurisdictions with them testing what they can and can't do. I expect over the coming year a number of law suits will settle these discrepancies but it takes time.

[@TheLeChannel]

Fabulous video!!! Thank you!

[@JohnWick-su2nh]

That DIF was a killer. Here where I live it was close to $15000. Now, only pay for planning and engineering.

[@Domum]

Glad to hear it, thanks for the feedback!

[@olajidehairllc6311]

Can you do a video on what constitutes a single family home(minimum legal sq ft) to build on a lot so one can add an ADU?

[@Domum]

Yes, do you have any further questions regarding this topic?

[@raymondwang2438]

Have you done any ADU with shipping containers?

[@rudestrudedog]

This is great stuff. Thanks! We live in Marin County and last I checked with them they said 6 foot setbacks... I'll have to show them this info. Cheers.

[@Domum]

Thank you for the feedback, yes the updated laws would allow 4 feet setback.

[@meghasadaphule75]

Hi, have an ADU in new construction property which is attached to the primary house, can I remove that wall attaching the ADU to primary house for ease of use for grandparents?

[@scottstewart5901]

My garage is too old to support a 2nd story. If I tear it down and build a new garage with a completely separate ADU above it, does the city/county consider the square footage of the garage as part of the ADU for impact fee purposes? Also, so property taxes are "impact fees"?

[@HowToADU]

That's a good question - I think the interpretation is up to the local agency so it really matters what city you're in and who the planner is. For example, you might be able to retrofit the garage by maintaining parts of the wall, while adding the second story ADU, get it all permitted at once, but avoid counting the garage toward the square footage of the ADU. But the devil will be in the details. If you want to figure it out on your own, you should talk to somebody at the city or county and start a conversation. If you want professional help, there are a lot of places that can help get permits and entitlements for you for a fee. Maybe Domum offers that? For your last question, I believe property taxes are different from impact fees. Impact fees are one-time fees that local agencies often charge developers to offset the costs to things like parks and schools. Usual funding for parks and schools can come from property taxes, but my understanding is that impact fees are a separate one off cost.

[@Domum]

For site specific questions, we recommend our ADU Pre-Check Report, feel free to reach out to our team we can get you started, 888-352-5311. We work in CA but are licensed in multiple states.

[@mariavega3545]

Great Information. My house is only 980 sf. And has a permited old cover patio 13x 15 want to make it a 15x20 ADU how far or setbacks from the garage door.

[@Domum]

For site specific questions, we recommend our ADU Pre-Check Report, feel free to reach out to our team we can get you started, 888-352-5311. We work in CA but are licensed in multiple states.

[@Jonh707]

It removes the owner occupancy requirement for only five years ! Or at least that’s what I’ve heard , do you know ?

[@Domum]

Every five years they update regulations, this is the current status.

[@Jonh707]

Domum So technically you don’t have to live on the property if you’re the owner for five years which means you can have 2 to 3 ADU’s being rented out on your property all at once ?

[@waples88]

Great information. Thank you!

[@_Pogologo_]

Do these laws apply statewide? Can local ordinances change any of these laws? For example, you said owner occupancy is not required now, but the county I live in (Fresno) had that requirement. Does that mean this new law supercedes the local ordinance? Does the same thing apply to having Junior & Main ADU statewide?

[@Domum]

In general these state laws superseded existing local ordinances and apply statewide. We'll look into Fresno's requirements. They should have adjusted them to match the new state laws.

[@georgebaltakianrealestate4189]

Great video, thanks! For Bill 12, was the threshold 700 SF or 750 SF? That part was unclear.

[@Domum]

George, thanks for the feedback. The area threshold to not trigger impact fees is under 750sf. I just noticed our graphic is wrong at the 6:10 mark.

[@TheBoxBox920]

Thanks I had the same question

[@angelderomana3449]

Hello, does the 4' setback limits apply for an new detached ADU that is more than 800 sf but less than 1200 sf? And does it apply for a detached existing garage conversion? Thank you. Great video for people that are new to this.

[@Domum]

Great question! We will be releasing a video soon to answer your question!

[@marcusp961]

Thank you for the information. What If you already have an adu that was built without permits, is it easier now to get it approved?

[@Domum]

That depends on a few things. Going backwards and getting permits for unpermitted work is always more complicated and risky than doing it right the first time. I would recommend that you have your specific case be reviewed by a competent architect. Our staff would also be happy to respond to your particular case if you want but it would require a call at a minimum.

[@marcusp961]

Domum thank you. Where are you based out of?

[@Domum]

@@marcusp961 Rocklin, CA! Outside of Sacramento

[@maggie8x8]

What are impact fees? Also, does the main ADU require a new address? And does it require it’s own gas/electric/water meters?

[@timalatorredomum]

Impact fees can include any of the following: School Fees, Traffic Impact Fees, Park fees, etc. They are fees that the city or county charges to pay for services that are impacted by new housing. Water, sewer, and electrical connection fees to service your ADU may still be charged since they are required to directly provide service to your property. Depending on the city you may need new meters. Typically a JADU does not but and ADU might need new service. Also, ADU's are typically given their own address but it may be as simple as just adding an A to the main address, such as 6543A.

[@maggie8x8]

Tim Alatorre - Again, thank you!!!!! Appreciate you taking the time.

[@Domum]

Hi, thank you for reaching out, we are making a video about pricing and will upload this week! Impact fees are designed to offset the impact of additional development and residents on the municipality's infrastructure and services, which include the city's water and sewer network, police and fire protection services, schools and libraries. An ADU can be permitted under the existing address. However, if a separate address is desired, a request for a ½ fractional number to the existing main address needs to be requested to The Mapping and Property Management Division (MPM). ADUs can sometimes be hooked up to the main home or have its own meter, it is based off of the local jurisdiction regulations.

[@robbrownstone]

Thanks for the great video. Do you know of a good architect you would recommend I work with for ADU's in Southern California?

[@Domum]

Depending on the location in Southern California, Domum can provide the feasibility study and architectural services for your ADU. You can schedule your expert call with Domum at this link: shop.domum.design/schedule/ If you are looking for more local, going to BuildZoom, Houzz, Google, Yelp can help you find an architect in your local area. Wishing you the best of luck on whatever path you decide to go.

[@taylorkay3301]

Question, lets say the original home is 1,008SQFT but there is 4,000sqft available in the back. Does the adu have to be 800sqft or 504sqft (in my case)?

[@Domum]

Per Bill 881 you can build up to 800sf! You can make it smaller if you want of course.

[@Armineh11]

if you go over 750 you are paying all fees, why not going 1200?

[@taylorkay3301]

Armineh Teimourian because that’s bigger than the original home.

[@Armineh11]

You can do addition and ADU same time ..depending how many existing garage you have

[@taylorkay3301]

Armineh Teimourian we have a playhouse, that’s old and ran down and pretty small maybe like 8x8 and the garage old and once car as well. We don’t want to add to the original home we want w separate house in the adding onto the playhouse and the old garage

[@haywardkatie]

Helpful! Thank you. Is there anyway to avoid deed restrictions on the property? Our city is requiring a deed restriction saying the ADU can only be rented in terms for more than 30 days. Not a deal breaker but annoying non the less.

[@Domum]

Not that I know of. These sorts of restrictions are allowed to be put in place by local jurisdictions.

[@worktvk]

So useful.

[@Domum]

Glad to hear that!

[@GRANBYsyztem]

Great video! This was super helpful. I was once told by a real estate agent that the gate needed to be a certain size (16 ft in Fremont), so that an ambulance could gain access the ADU. I can't seem to find anything regarding this. Do you know of any regulations on the size of the gate opening? Thanks!

[@Domum]

There are no ambulance requirements in any jurisdiction in California that I'm aware of. Fire truck access may be an issue and that would be determined by a number of site specific factors but unless your property is very large (several acres) or has some other special circumstances I wouldn't expect that to be an issue.

[@GRANBYsyztem]

@@Domum thank you, this is super helpful. Appreciate the video and follow-up info. Stay safe!

[@mozme_UP]

Have you worked on ADUs in multi-family zone properties? If so, have you integrated a JR ADU also?

[@Domum]

Great question! We will be releasing a video soon to answer your question!

[@TheTonyAndreas]

If I purchase a run-down property and build a detached ADU, could I eventually have the main house demolished and build another detached ADU or does the main home (run-down) always have to be standing?

[@Domum]

Depending on the floor area of the ADUs you could. One of the ADU's would be the "main house". So there would be area limits that would apply.

[@ellynw4980]

Thanks a lot, now I’m understand what’s JADU.

[@Domum]

You are welcome! Thanks for the feedback

[@Imsohesh]

got my sub thanks bro very informative

[@Domum]

You are welcome!

[@ginz4924]

Hi Tim, thank you for the information! This is very helpful! If the ADU was built before 2020, does it still require owner occupancy? Thank you!

[@Domum]

Great question! We will be releasing a video soon to answer your question!

[@samjohnson517]

Great video thank you for the info I understand about the setbacks side and rear but what about the distance between the adu and the main house?

[@Domum]

This distance differs between local jurisdictions so it could be 5ft, 6ft, 10ft between walls or even between eaves of the building. Contacting your local jurisdiction and asking them to do the research first is best. If you want us to do a feasibility study, contact us!

[@bigsavage415]

I’m thinking about buying a house with 2 additional ADUs. The main house was split and 2 additional units were created so no permits. Is this safe to buy and rent what are your thoughts on this

[@Domum]

For site specific questions please reach out to our team [e-mail] Thank you!

[@jessicachang9656]

Hello, I was wondering if you can build a basement under an ADU that is seperate from the house

[@Domum]

If the basement area is unconditioned and not considered by the local jurisdiction as habitable then you probably can. If you want to make the basement conditioned and part of the ADU then you would just be limited by the square foot limits for the ADU. ADU's can be two stories.

[@keithconnolly7247]

I am curious about service hookup. Do water and sewer lines have to connect with the main or can you connect with the ones going to the main house?

[@Domum]

Great question. It varies by site. We typically can connect them going through the main house but occasionally local utilities require a dedicated connection.

[@manuelcorrea1544]

Hi I have a question. In the scenario above, does the main house get one bill with the amount for each meter, or does the ADU get a separate bill altogether? Also is this the same with water? Thx!

[@Domum]

Depends on your water district, but usually it's connected to your main meter of your main residence so it's shared. Larger properties or if the size of your meter doesn't work with the ADU and Main residence then you may need to upgrade your meter size or add a new meter for the ADU which would be a separate bill. Contact your local water agency or building department for more information.

[@TheSteve6489]

Hello what about an existing garage in the rear of the house that clearance from sides might not be 10 feet?

[@Domum]

Great question! We will be releasing a video soon to answer your question!

[@tonylg3840]

What the price of the permit for a garage conversion

[@Domum]

Usually permits range depending on the fee schedule of your local jurisdiction and the size of the ADU/JADU. We have seen permits vary between $1,500-$7,500.

[@Tykoon25]

Now if I convert my garage to an adu, will property be reassessed? To today value . Example i paid 265k an now it worth 500k but I’m currently paying prop tax on 265k.

[@Domum]

Only the add in value should be reassessed. So just the garage area. Your county tax assessor can give you more clarification on their policies.

[@pravigr8]

If I build a 550 sq ft ADU attached to my main ADU will it be called a JADU?

[@Domum]

No it would be considered an ADU because it's larger than 500 SF.

[@HowToADU]

Great video - I'd love to meet you after the quarantine Tim. 🙂🏡

[@Domum]

That would be cool, I checked out your channel. Are you an Architect as well?

[@HowToADU]

@@Domum That's flattering! I love architecture but no I'm just a guy who wants to reduce California's housing shortage and thinks ADUs are a good way to get there :) By coincidence, just this morning I was looking over some plans you did on a visit to a modular unit in Oakland.

[@AH-ef2se]

​ @Domum Do you have info on how to convert a In Law Unit in the Backyard with attached Garage into an ADU? It is detached from the main home. Would love to get the info. Thanks

[@matheujew]

I want to start with an adu on my property before building the main house. Is that possible?

[@richardmahan6635]

Does the size (i.e. 800 sq ft) only include the footprint, or the total unit footage (e.g. a two story ADU)?

[@Domum]

Total square footage

[@Fredflinstone23]

Hello, I have a question, is there a minimum clearance between primary dwellingn unit and dettached adu?

[@Domum]

Yes and No. If you want it to be a separate structure then local building and fire departments can place minimum separation distances. Typically you would want the two structures separated by at least five feet. You can have the ADU attached to the house as well. Keep in mind that the closer you get you will be limited on window and door locations and will be subject to additional fire protection requirements.

[@Armineh11]

Depending on what city your property is it carries from 10' to 5'.City of LA is 10' Glendale 5'

[@Armineh11]

The city of Glendale would never let you attach your ADU to existing garage or house if it's a brand new ADU

[@laprepper]

Great video.

[@deemckinney1486]

Thank you

[@JAIMEGARCIA-gw9re]

If I have a detached garage from the house, and we convert it into an ADU, do I have to provide parking?

[@Domum]

No parking is required by the ADU laws, and you do not need to replace that for the ADU. Some jurisdictions require the main residence to have specific covered or off street parking so contacting them to know further requirements is best.

[@TheLottoCaliGirls]

what about R2 zones can you build jr adu on duplex?

[@Domum]

Yes, the new ordinance applies to duplex properties as well.

[@marcosbeltran9843]

quick eustion....these laws are in effect in all of California? even San Bernardino county?

[@Domum]

Yes, all of California

[@marcosbeltran9843]

awesome!!! Let the construction begin!!!!

[@petergetinard4811]

Are property taxes considered impact fees...

[@Domum]

Unfortunately no. Property taxes are typically assessed for the new construction and are not exempted under these recent laws. Your local tax assessor can give you an estimate of the tax impacts your ADU might have on your property.

[@davidadamson3664]

What about parking? There is no parking requirements. This is a disaster.

[@Domum]

Depending on the area you are living, there could be additional requirements based on the vicinity to public transit. For property owners that are adding an ADU to their property, the state laws don't require the parking but accessibility to the unit.

[@John-iv9lz]

Hey Tim, I see you service Northern California, do you also service Southern California? If not, do you know of someone I can contact in my area? Thank you for your time.

[@Domum]

Hi John, Yes we serve Southern California. Please feel free to reach out to our team for more information. [e-mail]

[@isaaccalderon9488]

In Utah

[@francisjnunez]

Nice vid thanks

[@Domum]

Glad you enjoyed! Thanks for the feedback

[@laudarevsonhunt]

You said all 3 units could be rented out, the primary, ADU & JADU. I've seen other videos where they say the JADU must me owner occupied if you have 3 units. Who is right?

[@HowToADU]

Junior ADUs have a homeowner occupancy requirement unless you're a government agency, land trust or housing organization. "A local agency may, by ordinance, provide for the creation of junior accessory dwelling units in single-family residential zones. The ordinance may require a permit to be obtained for the creation of a junior accessory dwelling unit, and shall ...Require owner-occupancy in the single-family residence in which the junior accessory dwelling unit will be permitted. The owner may reside in either the remaining portion of the structure or the newly created junior accessory dwelling unit. Owner-occupancy shall not be required if the owner is another governmental agency, land trust, or housing organization." leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200AB68

[@Domum]

On January 1st, 2020, Bill No. 881 changed the owner owner-occupancy requirement. Meaning, the owner of the property does not have to live in the primary residence or their ADU, or on the property at all. This will open the door to multi-rental units on what used to be considered a single family lot.

[@Domum]

The article link is from 2019, on January 1st, 2020, Bill No. 881 changed the owner owner-occupancy requirement. Meaning, the owner of the property does not have to live in the primary residence or their ADU, or on the property at all. This will open the door to multi-rental units on what used to be considered a single family lot.

[@Colin-uz4lm]

I believe the only rental restriction is that you can’t rent for less than 30 days. I think this to avoid people taking advantage of the new rules just to build an air bnb rental.

[@HowToADU]

@@Colin-uz4lm That's also a restriction in place on both ADUs and JADUs. I would also highly encourage anybody thinking about building a JADU research the owner occupancy requirements. You can read the state code at the link I posted above or ask your friendly neighborhood planning department.

[@Fredflinstone23]

Can I have 2 bedroom and 2 Bath adu?

[@Domum]

Absolutely, as long as it's under the maximum allowed floor areas.

[@Arthur-Silva]

2020 is gonna be a great year........

[@Domum]

Yes!

[@Kash249]

🎄

[@charlesfields6496]

Been putting them in forever and no one follows the new ADU Laws - Individual Cities do whatever they want - nightmare with permits - especially La County .

[@AbO-xm1bt]

What about parking

[@Domum]

Hi, there is no additional parking requirement, the ADU must reach set back requirements.

[@Kash249]

🐧

[@Kash249]

☃️

[@madameclark3453]

Parking is going to be atrocious. My tract built in the 50’s with tandem parking. The large Latino families take all the parking and now we will bd fighting for parking in the street. I’m moving to an affluent neighborhood.

[@madameclark3453]

This law sucks! Good intent that will lead to bad results.