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What are the requirements to build ADU in Agoura Hills?
Building an ADU on a property in Agoura Hill allows you to expand your living space for you and your family, facilitates you to earn passive income, and increases your property's resale value. To ensure the success of your ADU project, it's essential to understand Agoura Hills' local regulations and carefully assess the financial implications of a construction project. This guide offers you comprehensive insights into Agoura Hills' ADU regulations and key financial considerations, helping you efficiently plan and execute your project.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can I build on a property in Agoura Hills?
In Agoura Hills, you can have one ADU on a lot with an existing or proposed single-family dwelling, whether attached or detached from the primary residence.
How large can an attached ADU be in Agoura Hills?
In Agoura Hills, an attached ADU can be up to 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit, 1,000 square feet for a unit with more than one bedroom, or 50% of the primary residence's living area, whichever is smaller.
How large can a detached ADU be in Agoura Hills?
In Agoura Hills, a new detached ADU can be up to 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit, and up to 1,000 square feet for a unit with more than one bedroom.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in Agoura Hills?
Yes, if the primary residence is 2 stories and the height limit allows, it's possible to build a 2-story ADU in Agoura Hills.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
No, there is no minimum size requirement for an ADU in Agoura Hills by the Planning Code. However, to create livable spaces, the Building Code will require a minimum size for each room type.
Can I convert an existing structure to an ADU?
Yes, existing space can be converted into an ADU. This includes space within a proposed or existing single-family dwelling, or an existing accessory structure, to which you could add a maximum of 150 square feet permitted for ingress and egress.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
Properties with a single-family house can have a detached ADU that has a maximum height of 16 feet above grade.
In the case of a new attached ADU, the height limit is either the same as the primary residence or the actual height of the existing primary residence, whichever is lower. If the actual height of the primary residence is less than 16 feet, the attached ADU can reach a roof peak height of up to 16 feet above grade.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does Agoura Hills allow to build on a multi-family zoned property?
Multifamily properties in Agoura Hills can have at least one ADU within the existing structure and up to 25% of the existing multifamily units. Additionally, no more than 2 detached ADUs are allowed.
How large can an attached ADU be in Agoura Hills?
In Agoura Hills, an attached ADU for a multifamily building can be up to 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit, 1,000 square feet for a unit with more than one bedroom, or 50% of the primary residence's living area, whichever is smaller.
How large can a detached ADU be in Agoura Hills?
In Agoura Hills, a detached ADU for a multifamily building can be up to 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit, and up to 1,000 square feet for a unit with more than one bedroom.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
In Agoura Hills, there are no specific regulations addressing whether stacking detached ADUs on top of each other is allowed.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
No. Attaching two ADUs to each other is not allowed in Agoura Hills; they should instead be attached to the primary building.
Can I convert the existing non-living spaces like garage or storage into ADUs?
Yes, existing space within multifamily dwelling structures that are not currently used as livable space can be converted into an ADU.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
On a property with a multifamily building, the maximum height for a new detached ADU is 16 feet above grade.
For a new attached ADU, the height limit follows the same guidelines as for single-family properties: it's either the same as the primary residence or the actual height of the existing primary residence, whichever is lower. If the actual height of the primary residence is less than 16 feet, the attached ADU can reach a roof peak height of up to 16 feet above grade.
What ADU types are allowed to build in Agoura Hills?
There are a few types of ADUs:
- Detached as a separate new building from the main house;
- Attached is a new structure connected to the main house;
- Converted from a non-living existing space into a living unit that has a kitchen or kitchenette and a bathroom.
An ADU could be a newly built structure, or you can convert your existing structure such as storage space, garage, or old shed into a living unit ADU. The great part about converting an existing structure is that no imposed setbacks or heights prevent you from remodeling it into an ADU. You can even increase the size of that structure to allow for a larger ADU size. Unfortunately, when you remodel an old structure, you might encounter unknowns that could drive higher costs.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Agoura Hills?
ADUs should follow the front yard setback rules as the primary residence. In the Old Agoura Design Overlay District, detached ADUs can be built in the front yard if they cover no more than 25% of it. Additionally, a minimum setback of 4 feet is required from both the rear and side property lines.
In very high fire hazard severity zones, detached ADUs should have a minimum setback of 5 feet from the side and rear lot lines.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
The minimum distance an ADU should have from existing structures in Agoura Hills is 10 feet.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
No. Setbacks are not required when converting existing structures into an ADU in Agoura Hills.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Agoura Hills?
Yes, only if there is no place on the property to build a min. 800 sqft ADU. You just need to follow the zoning setbacks.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
In Agoura Hills, an ADU can have at least one bedroom unless it's proposed as a studio unit.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
While the City's municipal code in Agoura Hills doesn't specify, most ADUs in California typically include a full kitchen, unlike JADUs, which often have efficiency kitchens.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
ADUs located in areas with a Very High Fire Hazard Severity require an independent utility connection directly between the ADU and the utility provider.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
As per state regulations, ADUs in Agoura Hills should have a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet.
Find out the maximum ADU size for your property here
The parking requirements for ADU
What is the parking requirement for an ADU in Agoura Hills?
For an ADU in Agoura Hills, one off-street parking space is required, alongside the parking needed for the primary residence. However, no additional parking is necessary if the ADU meets specific conditions, such as:
- if it's close to public transit,
- if it's in a historically significant area,
- if it's part of the primary residence, or
- if it's located where on-street parking permits are not available to ADU occupants.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
The parking space for the ADU can be located in tandem on an existing driveway. Additionally, if an existing garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished or converted into an ADU, replacement parking for the primary dwelling unit is not required.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Agoura Hills?
The entire permitting process takes 3.5-4 months. Once you have the permit drawing set ready, you or your architect need to submit it for a Plan Check. Best is to schedule a pre-plan check meeting with the planner to review your application before submitting it.
Once submitted and the fees paid in full, the city must decide if your application is complete within 60 calendar days of submitting it. If the city planner fails to give you an answer within 60 days, your permit is approved by default. In case the city planner asks for corrections, your designer needs to address them and resubmit the application. Your application must provide sufficient information to show compliance with the above-mentioned ADU requirements. If you're missing information in your application, it doesn't justify the denial of your application. Plan checks for ADU projects in Agoura Hills are estimated to cost $2,160.
Does Agoura Hills require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
Yes, plans for an ADU in Agoura Hills should be submitted in person to the city's Planning Division, as electronic submission is not yet available. These plans need to demonstrate compliance with local zoning regulations and guidelines.
Does Agoura Hills require coastal development permits?
No, in Agoura Hills, ADUs are not subject to coastal development permit requirements.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Agoura Hills?
In Agoura Hills, the requirement for a licensed professional to design an ADU is determined by how complex the project is.
Cost, financing and market value of ADUs
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Agoura Hills?
Building an ADU in Agoura Hills typically costs around $380 per square foot, which includes expenses for permits, architectural design, and engineering services. For example, constructing a 900-square-foot ADU would generally cost about $390,000, covering both soft and hard costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in Agoura Hills?
Assessing if building an ADU in Agoura Hills is financially worthwhile depends if the new property value covers the construction costs. For example, a 900-square-foot ADU in Agoura Hill worth around $600,000, while building a 900-square-foot ADU costs is about $390,000. The difference between cost and market value is quite substantial, with a potential of 50% return on your investment.
Other factors, like possible rental income or housing family members on the same property, can further impact the overall profitability.
Can you sell an ADU in Agoura Hills?
AB 1033 allows local agencies in California to create rules for selling ADUs and primary homes as condominiums while keeping existing ADU development regulations.
In Agoura Hills, selling an ADU involves having a local ordinance that specifies certain conditions: the ADU can be sold if a qualified nonprofit corporation built it, if there's a recorded tenancy in common agreement, or if the city allows the ADU and main home to be sold as individual condominiums.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in Agoura Hills?
No, ADUs in Agoura Hills are not subject to rent control regulations. They are considered new constructions and are exempt from laws like AB 1482, which allows landlords to increase rents annually. This exemption applies specifically to structures that are at least 15 years old.
How do I get money to build an ADU in Agoura Hills?
To fund the construction of an ADU in Agoura Hills, homeowners can check out programs like the Accessory Dwelling Unit Grant Program from the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA). Eligible homeowners might get grants of up to $40,000 to help with upfront and closing costs, including possible interest rate reductions. The program looks at income limits set by CalHFA, with households earning below $158,000 in Los Angeles County qualifying.
Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.
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