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ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Arcadia
As people in California get older, many prefer staying in their own homes rather than moving to senior care centers. They want to maintain their independence and continue living in familiar surroundings. The difficulty, however, is finding a way to make this possible without increasing monthly costs, while also ensuring that someone can check on them and even add value to the property. This article offers a solution that addresses all of these needs.
ADUs offer a great solution by creating a small, independent living area on your property. These spaces can be designed with safety in mind and customized to suit the needs of older adults, providing an affordable way for them to live nearby comfortably. With an ADU, seniors can remain close to their community, and the space can be adapted for different uses in the future.
Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in Arcadia
What is an ADU?
An ADU, or Accessory Dwelling Unit, is a small living space located on the same property as a main house. Often called granny flats, in-law suites, or backyard cottages, these units come with their own kitchen, bathroom, and living areas. ADUs can either be built as detached, attached, or even created by converting an existing room or space.
Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place
Staying Close to Loved Ones
For older adults, moving away from a home they've lived in for years can be tough, as it often means leaving behind friends and familiar surroundings. Adjusting to a new place can be draining. Building an ADU on the same property allows seniors to stay independent while still being close to family for support, creating a comforting environment for everyone.
Cost-Effective Option
Building an ADU is often more affordable than moving into a retirement home. It also lets families live together on the same property without the need for extra homes, saving money in the long run.
Designed for Safety and Ease of Use
ADUs can be specifically designed with seniors' safety in mind. Features like one-story layouts, wider doors, grab bars, and floors that prevent slipping help make everyday tasks easier and safer for seniors who may have mobility issues.
Flexible for Future Needs
ADUs offer great flexibility. If they’re no longer needed for senior living, they can be used by other family members, and caregivers, or even rented out for extra income, making the space valuable for years to come.
Not sure which ADU option is right for you or your property?
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How to improve the property to fit your elderly parent?
Start by assessing how well your parent can move around and handle daily activities. It's important to think not just about their current needs, but also about any future challenges they may face.
If your parent is still largely independent but struggles with stairs, consider creating a living space on one floor. This could include everything they need—like a bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, and living room—all on the same level.
Renovating your existing home to meet these needs might be expensive and disruptive, so a good alternative could be building a separate living unit, like an ADU, on the property. Whether it’s attached to the main house or a stand-alone unit, an ADU gives your parent their own space while still being close to the main home for support.
If you don’t plan to stay in the main house, you might want to rent it out to a family that agrees to look in on your parent. While this could lower your rental income a bit, the added comfort of knowing your parent is being checked on can be well worth it.
What are the economics of building an ADU for the aging-in-place scenario?
For many senior homeowners who no longer have a mortgage, adding an ADU can be a feasible financial option. If you're in this situation, you might use a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) to fund the construction of the ADU. Once the ADU is built and your parents move in, you can rent out the main house and use the rental income to pay off the HELOC. The goal is to make sure the rental income from the main house covers the HELOC payments. While it may seem like a complicated plan, it can be an effective way to manage the costs.
Let's consider that your parents would be happy to live in a 2 bedroom with 2 bath ADU. The size for such an ADU is approx. 1,200 sq. ft. The cost of a 1,200 sq. ft. ADU in Arcadia is $519,648. A loan that has a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $3,284. Ideally, you could rent the main house with at least the same amount as your payments for the HELOC. This way you will break even on your monthly expenses, while you have someone keeping an eye on your parents and increasing the value of this property.
Besides providing the right living spaces for your parents at potentially break-even costs per month, this ADU could add around $660,000 to the property’s market value if you decide to sell.
ADUs can increase the value of your property. Learn how much they could add.
ADU design restrictions in Arcadia
Where can ADUs be built?
ADUs can be built on properties that are in certain zoning areas, including R-0, R-1, R-M, R-2, R-3, R-3-R, CBD, MU, and DMU zones, as long as the property already has at least one dwelling.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a single-family zone?
In single-family residential zones, an ADU can be as large as 1,000 square feet and reach up to 25 feet in height.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a multi-family zone?
For properties in multi-family zones, ADUs can be up to 800 square feet and also have a maximum height of 25 feet.
What is the minimum setback for an ADU?
The minimum setback for an ADU in Arcadia is 4 feet.
What are the safety regulations for an ADU?
ADUs should follow current safety standards, including building, health, and fire codes. If the main house has fire sprinklers, the ADU will need them as well.
Is independent access from the main house required?
An attached ADU should have its own exterior entrance, separate from the main house.
What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?
ADUs for seniors may require special features like ramps, handrails, or level entries for easy access, and some of these may need special permits.
Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?
No, ADUs should be built on a permanent foundation and meet California's Building or Residential Codes. Mobile homes on temporary supports such as pier concrete are not allowed.
How fast can you build an ADU?
Building an ADU typically takes between 3 to 6 months, depending on factors like permits, design, and construction conditions.
What are the rules for ADU ownership in Arcadia?
Is the property owner required to live in the main house?
For ADUs built before January 1, 2020, and by January 1, 2025, there is no requirement for the property owner to live in the main house. However, after January 1, 2025, the property owner should live on the property as their main and permanent residence unless other laws apply.
What are the rental regulations for an ADU?
While Arcadia’s rules don’t specifically address ADU rentals, most ADUs are generally limited to being rented for 30 days or longer.
What permits are needed for an ADU?
Building an ADU requires both an ADU permit and a building permit. The ADU should meet the city’s development standards. The city has to review and make a decision on the application within 60 days after receiving a completed application.
Resources and Where to Start in Arcadia
To get started, Arcadia residents can reach out to the Arcadia City Planning Department for ADU guidelines and zoning details.
ADU Analysis shows the maximum ADU size for the best return on your property.
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