TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — The state of Arizona is short 270,000 homes according to a recent study by Arizona State University.
California’s ADU Laws: Major Changes and How They Affect You The Good Men ProjectCalifornia’s ADU Laws: Major Changes and How They Affect You The Good Men ProjectCalifornia’s ADU Laws: Major Changes and How They Affect You The Good Men Project
With housing shortages on the rise and property prices going through the roof, California is paying more attention to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). You might know them as granny flats, in-law units, or backyard cottages. ADUs are a great way to make the most of your property and provide affordable places to live right in your existing neighborhood. In big cities like Los Angeles, there’s a growing number of these units popping up without the proper permits.
The state is now working hard to make sure these homes are safe, and legal, and helping to ease the housing crunch. A lot of homeowners skip getting the right permits because it can be a big headache and cost a pretty penny. But the risks of not having your ADU up to code can be major, from safety issues to some serious fines. This guide is all about helping you figure out how to legalize ADU in California, especially looking at what’s new and important for 2024. So, if you’re looking to avoid trouble and make your ADU a legit part of your home, stick around. We’ll walk you through what you need to know to get things squared away without losing sleep or breaking the bank.
An ADU becomes illegal, or unpermitted, mainly when it’s built without the necessary permits and inspections from local authorities. These permits make sure that the building meets safety standards, fits with zoning laws, and follows building codes, which all help keep residents safe and maintain the look and feel of the community.
Building an ADU with all the required permits can be expensive and time-consuming. To save money and hassle, some homeowners skip this step, hoping to rake in some quick rental cash. However, this shortcut can lead to big headaches down the road, like legal issues and problems selling the home.
Having an ADU without the right permits is risky. Safety-wise, if the unit isn’t built to stand up to things like earthquakes or fires, it could be dangerous for anyone living there. On the legal side, you might face fines, the possibility of having to tear the building down, and trouble getting the unit approved later on, which can mess up your finances and legal standing. Getting your ADU permitted isn’t just about following the rules—it’s also a big step towards solving the housing shortage by making sure all homes are safe and livable.
By making ADUs legal, California is taking a big step toward increasing affordable housing options. Homeowners can rent out these spaces, offering more budget-friendly living options than many traditional housing options, especially in cities where rents are skyrocketing faster than most people’s paychecks.
Keeping an ADU unpermitted can lead to some serious problems. Homeowners might face large fines, legal trouble, and even the risk of eviction notices for tenants. This can throw people’s lives into chaos and hit your wallet hard. Plus, if these units aren’t up to safety standards, they could be downright dangerous in an emergency.
When you legalize an ADU, you’re making sure it meets all the local building codes, which slashes the risk of legal headaches and boosts the safety of the home. On top of that, a legal ADU can bump up your property’s value, making your home a hotter commodity if you decide to sell. Legalizing also means your rental income is on the up-and-up, giving you financial peace of mind. Understanding all this shows why it’s smart—and right—to legalize your ADU. Not only does it keep you on the right side of the law, but it also does a solid for your community by keeping standards high and ensuring everyone’s safety.
When you find out your ADU isn’t permitted, you’ve got a couple of choices on how to handle it:
• What You Need to Do: This means you have to undo any unpermitted work. For instance, turn a garage that’s been converted into a living space back into just a garage.
• Pros: This is usually faster and involves less red tape. It’s a straightforward way to fix legal issues without diving into a big remodeling project.
• Cons: The downside is you’ll miss out on extra rental income and the added value a legal ADU could bring to your property.
• What You Need to Do: This path requires getting the right permits and passing inspections to make sure your ADU meets all building and safety standards. You might need to redraw your plans and make some changes to fit local zoning rules.
• Pros: Getting your ADU legalized can boost your property value, lock in legal rental income, and ensure the place is safe to live in. Plus, you’re helping ease the housing crunch by adding to the available homes in your community.
• Cons: This can be a pricey and slow process, especially if your original build didn’t follow the local codes and needs major work.
Deciding between these options should take into account your current situation, how much you can spend, and your plans for the future. While it might seem like a tough call, legalizing your ADU usually brings more benefits, helping both your wallet and your community in the long run.
First things first, figure out what needs to change to meet local regulations. This involves:
• Understanding the Rules: Every area has its own laws for ADUs. You’ll need to talk to your local planning department to get the scoop on what’s required.
• Bringing in an Expert: It’s smart to hire someone who knows the ins and outs of local ADU laws. They can do a thorough check-up of your place and spot any big issues with things like size, height, how far it is from your property line and utilities.
Once you know what’s needed, it’s time to plan:
• Get Professional Help: Hire an architect or designer who’s got experience with ADUs. They can create plans that not only tick all the legal boxes but also make your space as nice and functional as possible.
• Refine Your Plans: You might have to tweak your plans a few times to get everything just right, so stay flexible.
Now, you’ll need to get the green light from the powers that be:
• Submit Your Plans: Take your detailed plans to the local building department for their approval.
• Adjust as Needed: Be ready to make changes based on their feedback. This can take a few tries, so patience is key here.
Time to turn those plans into reality:
• Choose a Savvy Contractor: Make sure your contractor has experience with ADUs and knows local codes well.
• Keep an Eye on Things: Stay on top of the building process to ensure everything matches your approved plans and meets code requirements.
Step 5: Cross the Finish Line with Inspections
Almost there—just need to dot the i’s and cross the t’s:
• Line Up Inspections: You’ll need several inspections to make sure everything from the wiring to plumbing and the overall build is up to snuff.
• Secure Your Occupancy Permit: Once you pass all inspections, you’ll get an occupancy permit, which officially makes your ADU a legal living space. Getting your ADU legalized might seem like a lot of hoops to jump through, but it’s all about making sure your space is safe to live in and can be a legitimate part of your property. Hang in there—it’s worth it for the peace of mind and the benefits it brings!
The price tag for making your ADU legal can be all over the place, depending on a few key factors:
• What Needs Fixing: Minor updates like putting in smoke detectors or updating the wiring might not set you back too much. But if you need to overhaul the structure, the costs can shoot up.
• Local Rules and Fees: The fees for permits, inspections, and sorting out any zoning issues can vary a lot depending on where you live.
You could be looking at spending anywhere from a couple of thousand bucks to over $100,000. It all depends on how much needs to change to bring your ADU up to the current building codes.
Making your ADU legal isn’t cheap, but thankfully, there are a few ways to find the money you need:
• Renovation Loans: These are specifically for funding updates and changes needed to make your ADU meet legal standards.
• Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC): If you’ve got equity in your home, a HELOC gives you a flexible way to pull funds for improvements.
• Cash-out Refinance: This option lets you refinance your existing mortgage and take out extra cash based on the equity you have in your home, perfect for big renovations.
Check out if your local government offers any grants or programs aimed at helping homeowners with ADUs, especially if your upgrades will help boost affordable housing options. Levi Construction can assist you with this process.
Sure, the initial costs can be steep, but legalizing your ADU can boost your property value and bring in regular rental income. Plus, getting legal means you dodge hefty fines and legal troubles down the road. Investing in making your ADU legit could save you a lot of money and stress later on.
With housing shortages on the rise and property prices going through the roof, California is paying more attention to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). You might know them as granny flats, in-law units, or backyard cottages. ADUs are a great way to make the most of your property and provide affordable places to live right in your existing neighborhood. In big cities like Los Angeles, there’s a growing number of these units popping up without the proper permits.
The state is now working hard to make sure these homes are safe, and legal, and helping to ease the housing crunch. A lot of homeowners skip getting the right permits because it can be a big headache and cost a pretty penny. But the risks of not having your ADU up to code can be major, from safety issues to some serious fines. This guide is all about helping you figure out how to legalize ADU in California, especially looking at what’s new and important for 2024. So, if you’re looking to avoid trouble and make your ADU a legit part of your home, stick around. We’ll walk you through what you need to know to get things squared away without losing sleep or breaking the bank.
Understanding Unpermitted ADUs
What Makes an ADU Illegal?
An ADU becomes illegal, or unpermitted, mainly when it’s built without the necessary permits and inspections from local authorities. These permits make sure that the building meets safety standards, fits with zoning laws, and follows building codes, which all help keep residents safe and maintain the look and feel of the community.
Why Do Some Homeowners Skip Permits?
Building an ADU with all the required permits can be expensive and time-consuming. To save money and hassle, some homeowners skip this step, hoping to rake in some quick rental cash. However, this shortcut can lead to big headaches down the road, like legal issues and problems selling the home.
What Are the Risks of Having an Unpermitted ADU?
Having an ADU without the right permits is risky. Safety-wise, if the unit isn’t built to stand up to things like earthquakes or fires, it could be dangerous for anyone living there. On the legal side, you might face fines, the possibility of having to tear the building down, and trouble getting the unit approved later on, which can mess up your finances and legal standing. Getting your ADU permitted isn’t just about following the rules—it’s also a big step towards solving the housing shortage by making sure all homes are safe and livable.
Why Legalizing Your ADU Matters
Boosting Affordable Housing
By making ADUs legal, California is taking a big step toward increasing affordable housing options. Homeowners can rent out these spaces, offering more budget-friendly living options than many traditional housing options, especially in cities where rents are skyrocketing faster than most people’s paychecks.
The Dangers of Skipping Permits
Keeping an ADU unpermitted can lead to some serious problems. Homeowners might face large fines, legal trouble, and even the risk of eviction notices for tenants. This can throw people’s lives into chaos and hit your wallet hard. Plus, if these units aren’t up to safety standards, they could be downright dangerous in an emergency.
The Upsides of Making Things Official
When you legalize an ADU, you’re making sure it meets all the local building codes, which slashes the risk of legal headaches and boosts the safety of the home. On top of that, a legal ADU can bump up your property’s value, making your home a hotter commodity if you decide to sell. Legalizing also means your rental income is on the up-and-up, giving you financial peace of mind. Understanding all this shows why it’s smart—and right—to legalize your ADU. Not only does it keep you on the right side of the law, but it also does a solid for your community by keeping standards high and ensuring everyone’s safety.
Exploring Your Options for Unpermitted ADUs
When you find out your ADU isn’t permitted, you’ve got a couple of choices on how to handle it:
Option 1: Bring It Back to the Original
• What You Need to Do: This means you have to undo any unpermitted work. For instance, turn a garage that’s been converted into a living space back into just a garage.
• Pros: This is usually faster and involves less red tape. It’s a straightforward way to fix legal issues without diving into a big remodeling project.
• Cons: The downside is you’ll miss out on extra rental income and the added value a legal ADU could bring to your property.
Option 2: Make the ADU Legal
• What You Need to Do: This path requires getting the right permits and passing inspections to make sure your ADU meets all building and safety standards. You might need to redraw your plans and make some changes to fit local zoning rules.
• Pros: Getting your ADU legalized can boost your property value, lock in legal rental income, and ensure the place is safe to live in. Plus, you’re helping ease the housing crunch by adding to the available homes in your community.
• Cons: This can be a pricey and slow process, especially if your original build didn’t follow the local codes and needs major work.
Deciding between these options should take into account your current situation, how much you can spend, and your plans for the future. While it might seem like a tough call, legalizing your ADU usually brings more benefits, helping both your wallet and your community in the long run.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your ADU Legal
Step 1: Check Out Your Current ADU
First things first, figure out what needs to change to meet local regulations. This involves:
• Understanding the Rules: Every area has its own laws for ADUs. You’ll need to talk to your local planning department to get the scoop on what’s required.
• Bringing in an Expert: It’s smart to hire someone who knows the ins and outs of local ADU laws. They can do a thorough check-up of your place and spot any big issues with things like size, height, how far it is from your property line and utilities.
Step 2: Plan Your Changes
Once you know what’s needed, it’s time to plan:
• Get Professional Help: Hire an architect or designer who’s got experience with ADUs. They can create plans that not only tick all the legal boxes but also make your space as nice and functional as possible.
• Refine Your Plans: You might have to tweak your plans a few times to get everything just right, so stay flexible.
Step 3: Get Your Plans Approved
Now, you’ll need to get the green light from the powers that be:
• Submit Your Plans: Take your detailed plans to the local building department for their approval.
• Adjust as Needed: Be ready to make changes based on their feedback. This can take a few tries, so patience is key here.
Step 4: Build It Right
Time to turn those plans into reality:
• Choose a Savvy Contractor: Make sure your contractor has experience with ADUs and knows local codes well.
• Keep an Eye on Things: Stay on top of the building process to ensure everything matches your approved plans and meets code requirements.
Step 5: Cross the Finish Line with Inspections
Almost there—just need to dot the i’s and cross the t’s:
• Line Up Inspections: You’ll need several inspections to make sure everything from the wiring to plumbing and the overall build is up to snuff.
• Secure Your Occupancy Permit: Once you pass all inspections, you’ll get an occupancy permit, which officially makes your ADU a legal living space. Getting your ADU legalized might seem like a lot of hoops to jump through, but it’s all about making sure your space is safe to live in and can be a legitimate part of your property. Hang in there—it’s worth it for the peace of mind and the benefits it brings!
Breaking Down the Costs and Financing of Legalizing Your Unpermitted ADU
Understanding the Costs
The price tag for making your ADU legal can be all over the place, depending on a few key factors:
• What Needs Fixing: Minor updates like putting in smoke detectors or updating the wiring might not set you back too much. But if you need to overhaul the structure, the costs can shoot up.
• Local Rules and Fees: The fees for permits, inspections, and sorting out any zoning issues can vary a lot depending on where you live.
Estimated Costs
You could be looking at spending anywhere from a couple of thousand bucks to over $100,000. It all depends on how much needs to change to bring your ADU up to the current building codes.
Financing the Legalization of Your Unpermitted ADU
How to Fund the Upgrades
Making your ADU legal isn’t cheap, but thankfully, there are a few ways to find the money you need:
• Renovation Loans: These are specifically for funding updates and changes needed to make your ADU meet legal standards.
• Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC): If you’ve got equity in your home, a HELOC gives you a flexible way to pull funds for improvements.
• Cash-out Refinance: This option lets you refinance your existing mortgage and take out extra cash based on the equity you have in your home, perfect for big renovations.
Local Help Might Be Available
Check out if your local government offers any grants or programs aimed at helping homeowners with ADUs, especially if your upgrades will help boost affordable housing options. Levi Construction can assist you with this process.
Why It’s Worth the Investment
Sure, the initial costs can be steep, but legalizing your ADU can boost your property value and bring in regular rental income. Plus, getting legal means you dodge hefty fines and legal troubles down the road. Investing in making your ADU legit could save you a lot of money and stress later on.
Legalize ADU: Smart Investment for California Homeowners 2024 The Gila Herald
Milpitas homeowners looking to build a detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU) can avail themselves on a new program designed to speed up the permitting process.
The Preapproved ADU Program offers standard construction plan sets designed by qualified professionals and pre-approved by the city. The city’s webpage at https://www.milpitas.gov/1247/Pre-Approved-ADU-Program details the project sites that do or do not qualify for the program and will eventually house a list of preapproved ADU plans for homeowners to peruse. Designers can submit applications for preapproval of ADU plans via the webpage.
A new social media outlet launched this month to keep Bay Area transit riders informed and engaged.
The Discord Project will be housing service alerts from most of the major Bay Area transit agencies, including Valley Transportation Authority, Caltrain, BART, SamTrans AC Transit, and the San Francisco Bay Ferry. All participating agencies will have representatives active on the platform to engage with their respective riders.
An events tab will list both in-person and virtual events from each agency so people can ask questions and coordinate with other transit agencies. Users can learn about and RSVP for events, and keep abreast of developments throughout the Bay Area’s transit systems. Additionally, the server allows transit users to interact with one another, share photos and discuss transit policy.
Later this year, plans are to introduce a feature that auto-populates press releases and blog posts from each participating agency.
Over 1,200 people signed up for the Discord Project in the first 48 hours after it launched on May 11. To join the platform, visit https://discord.com/invite/bayareatransit.
Easing the ADU process
Milpitas homeowners looking to build a detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU) can avail themselves on a new program designed to speed up the permitting process.
The Preapproved ADU Program offers standard construction plan sets designed by qualified professionals and pre-approved by the city. The city’s webpage at https://www.milpitas.gov/1247/Pre-Approved-ADU-Program details the project sites that do or do not qualify for the program and will eventually house a list of preapproved ADU plans for homeowners to peruse. Designers can submit applications for preapproval of ADU plans via the webpage.
Social transit hub
A new social media outlet launched this month to keep Bay Area transit riders informed and engaged.
The Discord Project will be housing service alerts from most of the major Bay Area transit agencies, including Valley Transportation Authority, Caltrain, BART, SamTrans AC Transit, and the San Francisco Bay Ferry. All participating agencies will have representatives active on the platform to engage with their respective riders.
An events tab will list both in-person and virtual events from each agency so people can ask questions and coordinate with other transit agencies. Users can learn about and RSVP for events, and keep abreast of developments throughout the Bay Area’s transit systems. Additionally, the server allows transit users to interact with one another, share photos and discuss transit policy.
Later this year, plans are to introduce a feature that auto-populates press releases and blog posts from each participating agency.
Over 1,200 people signed up for the Discord Project in the first 48 hours after it launched on May 11. To join the platform, visit https://discord.com/invite/bayareatransit.
Milpitas launches Preapproved ADU Program The Mercury News
Berkeley could become the state’s first city to allow homeowners to sell their backyard granny flats as condominiums, based on a new state law.
The City Council ordered staff to craft an ordinance authorizing the sales of accessory dwelling units or ADUs, based on Assembly Bill 1033, enacted this year, the San Francisco Business Times reported.
AB 1033, authored by Assemblyman Phil Ting, D-San Francisco, allows cities to let residents sell ADUs as condos separate from their primary home.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for people to buy their first home that’s relatively affordable and get their piece of the California dream,” Ting said.
Berkeley looks to be the first city to opt in to AB 1033, Louis Mirante, vice president of public policy at the Bay Area Council, a business-backed advocacy group that sponsored the law, told the Business Times. It was also designated by the state last month as a “pro-housing city.”
San Jose may also implement the law. The City Council asked planning officials in December to bring them options for opting into AB 1033, with staff slated to present recommendations in June.
Berkeley Councilwoman Rashi Kesarwani, who led the city’s push to adopt AB1033, said she expects the ordinance legalizing ADU sales to come before the City Council “within a year.”
She sees teachers, nurses and other healthcare workers in the market to buy 500-square-foot homes in Berkeley, where the typical home ihs a value of nearly $1.5 million, according to Zillow.
Parents could also transfer an ADU-turned-condo to their adult children, allowing them to build equity.
“Housing costs have grown so high, so rapidly that the shortage of homes … it affects everyone, now, regardless of income,” Kesarwani told the Business Times.
Some 410 ADUs were built in Berkeley from 2019 to 2023, including 90 last year, according to the California Department of Housing and Community Development. San Jose built 1,310 ADUs since 2019, including 330 last year.
Granny flat construction has exploded in California, with nearly one in five homes built being as an ADU, according to the state housing department, and new laws make it easier to build the units.
Though lawmakers have pushed ADUs as a partial solution to the state’s housing crisis, not everyone will be able to use AB 1033 even if their city implements it. Building an ADU can be expensive for lower- and middle-income homeowners.
The new law also requires a homeowner who’s part of an existing homeowners association to get permission from the HOA before converting the ADU into a condo.
AB 1033 also raised questions among real estate brokers, who asked if they would be treated as single-family homes, or with a tenant-in-common agreement, where two or more parties share ownership of a property, according to The Real Deal.
— Dana Bartholomew
Berkeley could become the state’s first city to allow homeowners to sell their backyard granny flats as condominiums, based on a new state law.
The City Council ordered staff to craft an ordinance authorizing the sales of accessory dwelling units or ADUs, based on Assembly Bill 1033, enacted this year, the San Francisco Business Times reported.
AB 1033, authored by Assemblyman Phil Ting, D-San Francisco, allows cities to let residents sell ADUs as condos separate from their primary home.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for people to buy their first home that’s relatively affordable and get their piece of the California dream,” Ting said.
Berkeley looks to be the first city to opt in to AB 1033, Louis Mirante, vice president of public policy at the Bay Area Council, a business-backed advocacy group that sponsored the law, told the Business Times. It was also designated by the state last month as a “pro-housing city.”
San Jose may also implement the law. The City Council asked planning officials in December to bring them options for opting into AB 1033, with staff slated to present recommendations in June.
Berkeley Councilwoman Rashi Kesarwani, who led the city’s push to adopt AB1033, said she expects the ordinance legalizing ADU sales to come before the City Council “within a year.”
She sees teachers, nurses and other healthcare workers in the market to buy 500-square-foot homes in Berkeley, where the typical home ihs a value of nearly $1.5 million, according to Zillow.
Parents could also transfer an ADU-turned-condo to their adult children, allowing them to build equity.
“Housing costs have grown so high, so rapidly that the shortage of homes … it affects everyone, now, regardless of income,” Kesarwani told the Business Times.
Some 410 ADUs were built in Berkeley from 2019 to 2023, including 90 last year, according to the California Department of Housing and Community Development. San Jose built 1,310 ADUs since 2019, including 330 last year.
Granny flat construction has exploded in California, with nearly one in five homes built being as an ADU, according to the state housing department, and new laws make it easier to build the units.
Though lawmakers have pushed ADUs as a partial solution to the state’s housing crisis, not everyone will be able to use AB 1033 even if their city implements it. Building an ADU can be expensive for lower- and middle-income homeowners.
The new law also requires a homeowner who’s part of an existing homeowners association to get permission from the HOA before converting the ADU into a condo.
AB 1033 also raised questions among real estate brokers, who asked if they would be treated as single-family homes, or with a tenant-in-common agreement, where two or more parties share ownership of a property, according to The Real Deal.
— Dana Bartholomew
Berkeley Could Allow Homeowners to Sell ADUs as Condos The Real Deal
The City of Santa Barbara is pleased to announce it is now accepting submissions for designer-owned preapproved plans for detached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). These plans will be considered for preapproval by the City, with the goals of speeding up the review and approval process, guiding homeowners who may not know where to start, and ensuring that those homeowners work with qualified, experienced professionals. For more information on how to apply, please read the “For Designers” section below.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: JULY 1, 2024
WHAT ARE PREAPPROVED PLANS?
Preapproved plans are ADU designs submitted by designers, architects, builders, and other qualified professionals and vetted in advance by Planning and Building & Safety. Once preapproved, they can be selected for use by homeowners for their own ADU projects with an expedited review timeline and lower permitting costs.
FOR DESIGNERS
Having your ADU plans preapproved by the City is a great way to help your future clients move through the permitting process quickly and smoothly. All preapproved ADU plans will be featured on the City’s website to help connect you with homeowners who are interested in adding an ADU to their property. You will still retain your copyright to the preapproved design, so any homeowner who wishes to use the design must contract with you to do so.
FOR HOMEOWNERS
Available in January 2025 – the City will launch the Preapproved ADU Program for homeowners to use. Homeowners can then reach out to the designer of the plan they select and work with them throughout the process. Browse the City’s list below – New plans coming soon!
How to Apply for a Building Permit
Preapproval does not mean that the designs already have their building permits, but rather that elements of the permitting process for your ADU will already be addressed upon application submittal. Pre-approved plans are around 70-80% complete but you will still be required to provide site-specific information. To use a preapproved ADU plan, you must:
New plans coming soon!
Learn more at https://santabarbaraca.gov/preapproved-adu
NOW ACCEPTING SUBMISSIONS
The City of Santa Barbara is pleased to announce it is now accepting submissions for designer-owned preapproved plans for detached Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). These plans will be considered for preapproval by the City, with the goals of speeding up the review and approval process, guiding homeowners who may not know where to start, and ensuring that those homeowners work with qualified, experienced professionals. For more information on how to apply, please read the “For Designers” section below.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: JULY 1, 2024
WHAT ARE PREAPPROVED PLANS?
Preapproved plans are ADU designs submitted by designers, architects, builders, and other qualified professionals and vetted in advance by Planning and Building & Safety. Once preapproved, they can be selected for use by homeowners for their own ADU projects with an expedited review timeline and lower permitting costs.
FOR DESIGNERS
Having your ADU plans preapproved by the City is a great way to help your future clients move through the permitting process quickly and smoothly. All preapproved ADU plans will be featured on the City’s website to help connect you with homeowners who are interested in adding an ADU to their property. You will still retain your copyright to the preapproved design, so any homeowner who wishes to use the design must contract with you to do so.
FOR HOMEOWNERS
Available in January 2025 – the City will launch the Preapproved ADU Program for homeowners to use. Homeowners can then reach out to the designer of the plan they select and work with them throughout the process. Browse the City’s list below – New plans coming soon!
How to Apply for a Building Permit
Preapproval does not mean that the designs already have their building permits, but rather that elements of the permitting process for your ADU will already be addressed upon application submittal. Pre-approved plans are around 70-80% complete but you will still be required to provide site-specific information. To use a preapproved ADU plan, you must:
Contract with the designer responsible for the plan set.
Submit additional site-specific plans, studies, and engineering, as applicable.
Obtain a building permit from the Building & Safety Division for the construction of a preapproved ADU. The full list of submittal requirements for a building permit are included below.
New plans coming soon!
Learn more at https://santabarbaraca.gov/preapproved-adu
Preapproved ADU Program for City of Santa Barbara Santa Barbara Edhat
In an effort to address the nation’s affordable housing crisis, the Federal Housing Administration announced a new policy Monday that will make it easier to buy or refinance a house with an accessory dwelling unit, or build a new ADU.
Previous rules for FHA-backed loans would allow lenders to consider rental income from duplexes but not ADUs. Under the new policy, lenders will be allowed to count income from small housing units built inside, attached to or on the same property as a primary residence when underwriting a mortgage.
It will specifically allow for 75% of the estimated ADU rental income for some borrowers to qualify for an FHA-insured mortgage on a property with an existing ADU. It will also allow the use of 50% of the estimated rental income from a new ADU the borrower plans to attach to an existing structure such as in a garage or basement conversion to qualify for a mortgage under FHA’s renovation loans, also known as 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance program.
Read more: You Do ADU, Part 1: Thousands of Californians are building ADUs. Should you?
What’s also new with this policy is that lenders will be able to consider projected income whether it’s a buyer who is interested in purchasing a home with an unoccupied ADU or a homeowner who wants to construct an ADU, said FHA Commissioner Julia R. Gordon.
"I think that is in some ways the most interesting aspect of our program because of course, one of the reasons we’re making this policy change is to help more borrowers qualify for homeownership and counting rental income is one way to do that," Gordon said.
The other big goal of the new policy is to help increase housing supply by bringing new units onto the market and that is "why we thought it was so important to try to count a portion of that projected income even though it’s something that isn’t tangible yet," she said.
In addition, this new policy is intended to create more wealth-building potential for first-time home buyers, seniors, and intergenerationally through homeownership.
The FHA doesn’t lend money directly to prospective or current homeowners, rather it provides guarantees for loans issued by banks, which encourages lenders to make loans to households or communities that might otherwise not be reached. The guarantees are available only for loans that stay within the claim limits set by the FHA.
There are no other eligibility requirements having to do with who the buyer is, Gordon said.
If a prospective home buyer wants to learn more about the policy or whether they are eligible, Gordon encourages first-time home buyers to talk with a Housing and Urban Development certified housing counselor.
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
In an effort to address the nation’s affordable housing crisis, the Federal Housing Administration announced a new policy Monday that will make it easier to buy or refinance a house with an accessory dwelling unit, or build a new ADU.
Previous rules for FHA-backed loans would allow lenders to consider rental income from duplexes but not ADUs. Under the new policy, lenders will be allowed to count income from small housing units built inside, attached to or on the same property as a primary residence when underwriting a mortgage.
It will specifically allow for 75% of the estimated ADU rental income for some borrowers to qualify for an FHA-insured mortgage on a property with an existing ADU. It will also allow the use of 50% of the estimated rental income from a new ADU the borrower plans to attach to an existing structure such as in a garage or basement conversion to qualify for a mortgage under FHA’s renovation loans, also known as 203(k) Rehabilitation Mortgage Insurance program.
Read more: You Do ADU, Part 1: Thousands of Californians are building ADUs. Should you?
What’s also new with this policy is that lenders will be able to consider projected income whether it’s a buyer who is interested in purchasing a home with an unoccupied ADU or a homeowner who wants to construct an ADU, said FHA Commissioner Julia R. Gordon.
"I think that is in some ways the most interesting aspect of our program because of course, one of the reasons we’re making this policy change is to help more borrowers qualify for homeownership and counting rental income is one way to do that," Gordon said.
The other big goal of the new policy is to help increase housing supply by bringing new units onto the market and that is "why we thought it was so important to try to count a portion of that projected income even though it’s something that isn’t tangible yet," she said.
In addition, this new policy is intended to create more wealth-building potential for first-time home buyers, seniors, and intergenerationally through homeownership.
The FHA doesn’t lend money directly to prospective or current homeowners, rather it provides guarantees for loans issued by banks, which encourages lenders to make loans to households or communities that might otherwise not be reached. The guarantees are available only for loans that stay within the claim limits set by the FHA.
There are no other eligibility requirements having to do with who the buyer is, Gordon said.
If a prospective home buyer wants to learn more about the policy or whether they are eligible, Gordon encourages first-time home buyers to talk with a Housing and Urban Development certified housing counselor.
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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A new federal policy allows you to finance for an ADU. What you need to know Yahoo Movies UK
Shed with terrace and wooden garden furniture during spring
Pasadena residents planning to embark on Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) construction projects should now have a clearer path forward with the city’s newly launched Accessory Dwelling Unit Standard Plans Program.
By offering pre-approved plans and streamlined approval procedures, the city aims to demystify the ADU process and to empower homeowners to enhance their properties while contributing to the city’s housing diversity.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Planning and Community Development, presents a gallery of pre-approved ADU plans ranging from studios to two-bedroom units. These plans, designed by both the City and licensed professionals, promise time-saving benefits in design and permitting.
The program’s launch includes two city-designed plans offered at no cost, with more designs by licensed professionals slated for addition in the coming months.
“All plans featured as part of this program have been pre-approved by the Building and Safety Division resulting in time-savings in both the design and permitting of an ADU,” the Planning Department said. “Note that any modification to pre-approved ADU plans would result in the need for plan check and the plans would no longer be considered pre-approved.”
An ADU provides complete independent living facilities and is situated on the same parcel as the primary residence. The city categorizes ADUs into single-family, multi-family, junior ADUs, and ADUs in historic districts or in individually designated historic properties, each with specific permitting criteria.
As published on the ADU webpage, the available pre-approved ADU plans cater to various needs, including Prototype A, a 374 sq. ft. studio unit, and Prototype D, a 682 sq. ft. two-bedroom, one-bath unit. Estimated plan check and permit fees range from $7,000 to $13,000, excluding additional permits like fire sprinkler or grading permits.
The submission process for pre-approved plans involves contacting the Permit Center, preparing a site plan, completing agreements and applications, and undergoing plan review.
Applicants can request a virtual meeting to obtain preliminary feedback from city staff on building code and zoning code requirements for your proposed ADU. The virtual meeting service is offered to anyone interested in building an ADU in Pasadena before plans are submitted for plan check review.
To view the ADU plans that are now available, visit the Planning Department’s ADU webpage, www.cityofpasadena.net/planning/planning-division/community-planning/accessory-dwelling-units/ or www.cityofpasadena.net/planning/planning-division/community-planning/accessory-dwelling-units/adu-standard-plans-program/#step1.
For more information, visit www.cityofpasadena.net/planning/.
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Shed with terrace and wooden garden furniture during spring
Pasadena residents planning to embark on Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) construction projects should now have a clearer path forward with the city’s newly launched Accessory Dwelling Unit Standard Plans Program.
By offering pre-approved plans and streamlined approval procedures, the city aims to demystify the ADU process and to empower homeowners to enhance their properties while contributing to the city’s housing diversity.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Planning and Community Development, presents a gallery of pre-approved ADU plans ranging from studios to two-bedroom units. These plans, designed by both the City and licensed professionals, promise time-saving benefits in design and permitting.
The program’s launch includes two city-designed plans offered at no cost, with more designs by licensed professionals slated for addition in the coming months.
“All plans featured as part of this program have been pre-approved by the Building and Safety Division resulting in time-savings in both the design and permitting of an ADU,” the Planning Department said. “Note that any modification to pre-approved ADU plans would result in the need for plan check and the plans would no longer be considered pre-approved.”
An ADU provides complete independent living facilities and is situated on the same parcel as the primary residence. The city categorizes ADUs into single-family, multi-family, junior ADUs, and ADUs in historic districts or in individually designated historic properties, each with specific permitting criteria.
As published on the ADU webpage, the available pre-approved ADU plans cater to various needs, including Prototype A, a 374 sq. ft. studio unit, and Prototype D, a 682 sq. ft. two-bedroom, one-bath unit. Estimated plan check and permit fees range from $7,000 to $13,000, excluding additional permits like fire sprinkler or grading permits.
The submission process for pre-approved plans involves contacting the Permit Center, preparing a site plan, completing agreements and applications, and undergoing plan review.
Applicants can request a virtual meeting to obtain preliminary feedback from city staff on building code and zoning code requirements for your proposed ADU. The virtual meeting service is offered to anyone interested in building an ADU in Pasadena before plans are submitted for plan check review.
To view the ADU plans that are now available, visit the Planning Department’s ADU webpage, www.cityofpasadena.net/planning/planning-division/community-planning/accessory-dwelling-units/ or www.cityofpasadena.net/planning/planning-division/community-planning/accessory-dwelling-units/adu-standard-plans-program/#step1.
For more information, visit www.cityofpasadena.net/planning/.
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Pasadena Unveils Standard Plans Program to Simplify ADU Construction, Offers Pre-Approved Plans and Streamlined … Pasadena Now
Pasadena residents interested in building accessory dwelling units (ADUs) can now book virtual consultations with city staff starting on Thursday, March 2.
The city’s Planning and Community Development department announced Tuesday that it will offer online appointments every Thursday afternoon to provide general information on building and zoning code requirements for ADUs.
ADUs are small, independent residential units that can be attached or detached from a primary residence. They are seen as a way to increase housing supply and affordability in California.
Jennifer Paige, the acting director of Planning and Community Development, said the virtual consultations are part of the city’s efforts to accelerate ADU production and offer services based on community requests.
The appointments will last for 30 minutes and will include staff from both Building and Zoning. Interested individuals can visit cityofpasadena.net/planning/adu for more information or to book a consultation.
Get our daily Pasadena newspaper in your email box. Free.Get all the latest Pasadena news, more than 10 fresh stories daily, 7 days a week at 7 a.m.
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Shed with terrace and wooden garden furniture during springPasadena residents interested in building accessory dwelling units (ADUs) can now book virtual consultations with city staff starting on Thursday, March 2.
The city’s Planning and Community Development department announced Tuesday that it will offer online appointments every Thursday afternoon to provide general information on building and zoning code requirements for ADUs.
ADUs are small, independent residential units that can be attached or detached from a primary residence. They are seen as a way to increase housing supply and affordability in California.
Jennifer Paige, the acting director of Planning and Community Development, said the virtual consultations are part of the city’s efforts to accelerate ADU production and offer services based on community requests.
The appointments will last for 30 minutes and will include staff from both Building and Zoning. Interested individuals can visit cityofpasadena.net/planning/adu for more information or to book a consultation.
Get our daily Pasadena newspaper in your email box. Free.
Get all the latest Pasadena news, more than 10 fresh stories daily, 7 days a week at 7 a.m.
City Will Offer Free Virtual Consultations for ADU Construction in … Pasadena Now
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