Cali ADU Design+Build

What are the requirements to build ADU in Artesia?

Constructing an ADU in Artesia allows you to expand your living space and generate rental income. For a successful project, it's important to understand Artesia's local regulations and carefully assess the financial aspects of construction. This guide offers detailed insights into Artesia's ADU regulations and important financial considerations, helping you plan and execute your project effectively.

ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home

How many ADUs can I build on a property in Artesia?

In Artesia, you can build one ADU on a lot that has a proposed or existing single-family dwelling, regardless of whether it is attached or detached from the primary building.

How large can an attached ADU be in Artesia?

In Artesia, an attached ADU can be up to 50% of the primary dwelling's floor area. For studios or one-bedroom units, the maximum size is 850 square feet, while units with two or more bedrooms can go up to 1,000 square feet.

How large can a detached ADU be in Artesia?

A detached ADU in Artesia can also reach 850 square feet for studios or one-bedroom units, and up to 1,000 square feet for units with two or more bedrooms.

Can I build a 2-story ADU in Artesia?

Yes, in Artesia, constructing a 2-story ADU is allowed.

Is there a minimum size for an ADU?

There are no specific rules about the minimum size of an ADU in Artesia. However, to create livable spaces, the Building Code requires each room type to meet a minimum size.

Can you convert the existing space to an ADU?

Yes, you can convert existing space into an ADU in Artesia. This involves expanding an existing accessory structure by up to 150 square feet to create separate access points for the ADU.

What is the maximum height for an ADU?

On a property with a single-family house in Artesia, the maximum height for a detached ADU is 18 feet if the lot is within half a mile of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor, with an additional 2 feet permitted if needed to match the roof pitch of the primary dwelling.

Attached ADUs should follow the maximum height of 25 feet or the height limitation outlined by the zoning regulations for the primary dwelling.

ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building

How many ADUs does Artesia allow to build on a multi-family zoned property?

Multifamily properties can have at least one converted ADU within the existing building, up to 25% of the total units, and up to 2 detached ADUs.

How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Artesia?

In Artesia, an attached ADU within a multifamily building can occupy up to 50% of the primary dwelling's floor area. A studio or one-bedroom unit can be a maximum of 850 square feet, while a unit with two or more bedrooms can extend to 1,000 square feet.

How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Artesia?

In Artesia, detached ADUs within multifamily buildings can range up to 850 square feet for studios or one-bedroom units, and up to 1,000 square feet for units with two or more bedrooms.

Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?

Currently, Artesia's regulations do not address the option of stacking detached ADUs.

Can I attach two ADUs to each other?

In Artesia, attaching two ADUs to each other is not allowed. The regulations specify that ADUs should only be attached to the primary building, not to each other.

Can you convert the existing space to an ADU?

Yes, it's allowed to convert existing space into an ADU. However, in multifamily structures, the existing space should not be used as livable space to qualify for conversion into an ADU.

The maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multifamily building

On a property with a multifamily building in Artesia, detached ADUs can reach a maximum height of 18 feet if the lot is within half a mile of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor. An additional 2 feet may be allowed to align with the roof pitch of the primary dwelling.

However, if the multifamily building is more than one story above grade, detached ADUs cannot go beyond 18 feet in height. Attached ADUs should comply with the maximum height of 25 feet or the height limit set by the underlying zoning for the primary dwelling.

What ADU types are allowed to build in Artesia?

In Arcadia, there are several types of ADUs you can build:

A detached ADU, which is a new building separate from the main house;
An attached ADU, which is a new structure connected to the main house;
A converted ADU is created by converting an existing non-living space (such as a garage or shed) into a livable unit with a kitchen or kitchenette and a bathroom.

Converting an existing structure offers the benefit of avoiding setback or height restrictions, and you can even expand the structure to accommodate a larger ADU. However, remodeling older buildings may uncover unforeseen issues, leading to potentially higher costs.

ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings

What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Artesia?

In Artesia, ADUs require a 25-foot front yard setback and four-foot side and rear yard setbacks.

What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?

Artesia does not specify a minimum distance requirement for ADUs from existing structures, although many areas generally require a separation of at least 6 feet between ADUs and existing buildings.

Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?

No, setbacks are not required when converting existing structures into an ADU in Artesia.

Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Artesia?

ADU should be located at least 25 feet from the front property line. However, if the setback requirements allow enough space within the front yard, it could be possible.

Design requirements for ADU

How many bedrooms can an ADU have?

In Artesia, ADUs can include at least one bedroom, opposite studio units.

Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?

Yes, in Artesia, an ADU generally requires a fully equipped kitchen for cooking, unlike JADUs, which may include efficiency kitchen setups.

Does an ADU require independent utility meters?

In Artesia, when building an ADU alongside a new single-family home, it's required to set up an independent utility connection directly between the ADU and the utility provider.

What is the minimum ceiling height?

In Artesia, habitable spaces, including ADUs, should comply with the California Building Code, which requires 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 Artesia?

The parking requirement for an ADU in Artesia is exempt if the ADU is within 1/2-mile walking distance of public transit. Since all eligible lots fall within this distance, no off-street parking is required for ADUs in Artesia.

Where can I have a parking space on my property?

Parking for ADUs is placed in setbacks or existing driveways and can be arranged as tandem parking if necessary. If a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is removed during the construction of an ADU, replacing those parking spaces isn't required.

How to get permits for your ADU

How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Artesia?

The permitting process typically takes 3.5 to 4 months. Once your permit drawings are ready, you or your architect must submit them for a Plan Check. It is advisable to schedule a pre-plan check meeting with a planner to review your application before submission.

ADU permits are approved administratively, without discretionary review or a hearing, unless submitted alongside a new single-family or multi-family dwelling permit application. The city must approve or deny the application within 60 days of receiving a completed application. Suppose no decision is made within this period. In that case, the application is automatically approved, unless the applicant requests a delay or submits the ADU application along with a new dwelling permit, which may be postponed until the primary dwelling permit is processed. The estimated cost for Plan Check of ADU projects is $80.

Does Artesia require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?

Yes, you need to submit the full application for ADU plans in person to the planning staff at city hall before moving on to the formal electronic submission.

Does Artesia require coastal development permits?

No, in Artesia, ADUs are not subject to coastal development permit requirements.

When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Artesia?

It's a good idea to hire a licensed professional, like an architect or engineer, for ADU design in Artesia, especially if using unique construction methods.

Cost, financing and market value of ADUs

How much does it cost to build an ADU in Artesia?

Building an ADU in Artesia 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 Artesia?

To evaluate the financial viability of building an ADU in Artesia, it's essential to compare construction costs with local real estate market values. For instance, a 900-square-foot ADU could be valued at approximately $630,000. Given the construction cost of $390,000, this suggests a potential return on investment of around 63%.

Additionally, profitability considerations may include potential rental income or the benefits of housing family members on the same property.

Can you sell an ADU in Artesia?

Yes, selling an ADU in Artesia is possible if certain conditions are satisfied. The city should have a local ordinance that permits ADU sales and outlines the rules governing these transactions. If the ADU was built by a qualified nonprofit corporation, it can be sold separately. Another option is to use a tenancy in a common agreement to divide the property according to specific legal criteria. Furthermore, the city may allow the ADU and the primary home to be sold as individual condominiums, provided the necessary regulations are met.

Are ADUs rent controlled in Artesia?

In Artesia, ADUs are not subjected to rent control regulations. According to AB 1482, landlords can annually adjust rents, but this rule only applies to properties that are at least 15 years old.

How to get money to build an ADU in Artesia?

To finance ADU construction in Artesia, consider programs like the CalHFA ADU Grant Program. This initiative provides grants of up to $40,000, which can cover expenses such as architectural plans, permits, and site preparation. These grants align with the state's efforts to promote affordable housing.

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