Source: ADU HOMES
What are the requirements to build ADU in Arcadia?
Constructing an ADU in Arcadia provides a great opportunity to expand your living area and generate rental income. To ensure the success of your ADU project, it's essential to understand the city's regulations and evaluate the financial feasibility of building an ADU in Arcadia. This guide offers an in-depth overview of Arcadia's ADU regulations and key financial considerations, helping you plan and execute your project effectively.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in Arcadia?
In Arcadia, you can build only one ADU, either attached or detached from the main building, on a single-family lot.
How large can an attached ADU be in Arcadia?
Attached ADUs in Arcadia can have a maximum size of 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit and 1,000 square feet for a two-bedroom unit, with no more than two bedrooms allowed. Additionally, the ADU's size cannot go beyond 50% of the total floor area of the existing residence.
How large can a detached ADU be in Arcadia?
Detached ADUs in Arcadia are subject to the same size restrictions as attached ADUs, with maximum dimensions of 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit and 1,000 square feet for a two-bedroom unit, with a limit of two bedrooms. Additionally, the ADU's size should not be larger than 50% of the total floor area of the existing residence.
Can you build a 2-story ADU in Arcadia?
Yes, a two-story ADU can be built in Arcadia on single-family properties.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
No. There is no minimum size requirement for an ADU in Arcadia. To make spaces livable, the Building Code sets a minimum size requirement for each room type.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, existing space can be converted into an ADU in Arcadia, including any part of a home or accessory structure that can be enclosed, such as a garage or pool house.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
The maximum height for an ADU on a single-family property in Arcadia is generally 16 feet for a single-story, measured to the roof ridge. Attached ADUs can be up to 25 feet or the primary dwelling's height limit, whichever is lower.
Detached ADUs can reach 18 feet if they're near a major transit stop, and up to 20 feet if needed to match the roof pitch. However, all ADUs are limited to two stories.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does Arcadia allow for multifamily properties?
Multifamily properties are allowed at least one ADU and up to 25 percent of the existing multifamily dwelling units as ADUs within non-livable portions of existing structures. Additionally, up to 2 detached ADUs with a height limit of 16 feet are allowed.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Arcadia?
Arcadia did not specify the maximum size for attached ADUs in multifamily buildings.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Arcadia?
The maximum size for a detached ADU in a multifamily building in Arcadia is 800 square feet, and it should not be larger than the size of any existing multifamily unit.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
There are no explicit regulations concerning the stacking of detached ADUs on top of each other in Arcadia.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
No, attaching two ADUs to each other in Arcadia is not allowed. While the city provides for a maximum of two detached ADUs on a lot with an existing multifamily dwelling, no guidelines are mentioned for attaching them.
Can I convert the existing non-living spaces like garage or storage into ADUs?
Yes, existing space within multifamily dwelling structures that is not 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
The maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multifamily building in Arcadia is generally 16 feet, measured at the roof ridge, and limited to one story. There are exceptions: a detached ADU can go up to 18 feet if it's near a major transit stop, and up to 20 feet if matching the roof pitch of the main house, while still keeping to one story.
On lots with multifamily buildings more than one story, detached ADUs are limited to 18 feet. Attached ADUs can reach up to 25 feet or the zone's height limit, whichever is lower, but they won't surpass two stories.
What ADU types are allowed to build in Arcadia?
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 can be a newly constructed unit or created by converting an existing structure, like a storage area, garage, or old shed, into a livable space. One advantage of converting an existing structure is that setback or height restrictions won't hinder the process, and you can even expand the structure to accommodate a larger ADU. However, remodeling older structures can sometimes uncover unexpected issues, potentially leading to higher costs.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Arcadia?
ADUs on single-family properties should follow the same setbacks as the primary residence, while multifamily properties require minimum side and rear yard setbacks of 4 feet, with no specified regulations for corner or through lots.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
There should be a minimum distance of 6 feet between the primary residence and a detached ADU, measured from eave to eave.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
Maybe. Setbacks are not required for converting existing structures into an ADU in Arcadia, unless necessary to ensure adequate fire safety.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Arcadia?
Yes, you can build an ADU in the front yard of your house but an attached ADU should follow the same front setback as the main house. A detached ADU cannot be closer to the front property line than the primary residence unless required to allow for an 800-square-foot ADU as permitted by state law.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
ADUs in Arcadia can have at least one bedroom, unlike studio units which don't provide privacy.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
While Arcadia's municipal code doesn't specifically state this, most ADUs in California typically include a full kitchen, unlike JADUs, which usually have efficiency kitchens.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
No, an ADU in Arcadia doesn’t require independent utility meters. Utilities can be connected to the primary dwelling, or separate services can be added if needed.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
The California Building Code requires that livable areas in ADUs in Arcadia 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 Arcadia?
Arcadia requires at least one on-site parking space for an ADU, which can be either covered or uncovered. If it’s not possible to provide this parking due to physical constraints on the property, an alternative arrangement may be allowed by getting a parking waiver.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
In Arcadia, parking spaces can be in uncovered areas as long as they are on a paved surface. They are also permitted in setback areas or as tandem parking. If a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is removed or converted while building an ADU, the necessary parking spaces should be replaced.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Arcadia?
The permitting process for an ADU in Arcadia typically takes 3.5 to 4 months. Once your permit drawings are ready, you or your architect need to submit them for a Plan Check. It is recommended to schedule a pre-plan check meeting with the planner before submitting your application.
After submission and full payment of fees, the city has 60 calendar days to determine if your application is complete. If the city planner does not respond within this time frame, your permit is automatically approved. If corrections are needed, your designer will need to address them and resubmit the application. The application should include sufficient information to demonstrate compliance with ADU requirements, and missing information alone will not justify a denial.
Plan checks for ADU projects are estimated to cost $1,880 in Arcadia. ADU applications are generally reviewed ministerially, without a discretionary review or hearing, unless the project exceeds certain code requirements, such as floor area ratio (FAR), which may require an Administrative Modification. Local governments should act on a completed application within 60 days unless the applicant requests a delay or submits a new single-family dwelling permit alongside the ADU application.
Does Arcadia require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
No, Arcadia does not require in-person submission of plans for an ADU. The city provides electronic plan review (eReview) through the Arcadia EDGE portal, allowing applicants to submit plans and applications digitally. This includes accessory dwelling units and various other projects. The eReview feature enables digital markup of plans and online payment options, making the process more convenient and efficient.
Does Arcadia require coastal development permits?
No, Arcadia, ADUs are not subject to coastal development permit requirements.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Arcadia?
A licensed professional is required to design an ADU in Arcadia if the project doesn't comply with standard construction methods. Additionally, according to California regulations, ADU designs higher than two stories should be handled by a licensed professional, despite state laws limiting ADUs to two stories.
Cost, financing and market value of ADUs
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Arcadia?
In Arcadia, constructing an ADU costs about $380 per square foot. Beyond construction expenses, you should also account for permits, architect fees, and engineering fees. For example, the total cost for a 900-square-foot ADU is approximately $390,000, including both soft and hard costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in Arcadia?
The economic feasibility of building an ADU in Arcadia depends on construction costs and the local real estate market. A 900-square-foot ADU in this area is valued at approximately $540,000. With a total construction cost of around $390,000, this results in a return on investment of about 37%.
Profitability can also be evaluated by considering potential rental income or the benefits of having family members reside on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in Arcadia?
Yes, you can sell an ADU in Arcadia if certain conditions are met. The city should have a local ordinance allowing ADU sales and detailing the rules for these transactions. If a qualified nonprofit corporation constructed the ADU, it can be sold independently. Alternatively, a tenancy in common agreement can be used to divide the property based on specific legal guidelines. Additionally, the city may allow the sale of ADUs and the primary residence as separate condominiums, as long as the necessary regulations are followed.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in Arcadia?
No, ADUs in Arcadia are not subject to rent control. Rent control typically pertains to older buildings, usually those aged at least 15 years. As ADUs are newly constructed, they are exempt from such regulations. Consequently, laws like AB 1482, which deals with rent control, do not apply to ADUs in the city.
How do I get money to build an ADU in Arcadia?
To build an ADU in Arcadia, homeowners can explore options for securing funds. One such program is the CalHFA ADU Grant Program, which provides grants of up to $40,000. Eligibility is based on the homeowner's income, which can be as high as $158,000 for owner-occupied properties. This grant assists with initial expenses like site preparation, ADU design, permit acquisition, and other associated costs. Homeowners have the flexibility to select tenants for the ADU.
Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.
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