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ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Azusa
In California, many seniors prefer to stay in their homes as they age, enjoying the comfort and independence of their familiar surroundings rather than moving to a care facility. The challenge lies in finding an affordable way to stay at home while having support close by and increasing the home's value. This article offers a solution that addresses all these needs.
ADUs are a great option for adding flexible and comfortable living spaces to your property. These small, independent units can be designed with safety and accessibility in mind for older adults, providing an affordable, long-term living solution while keeping them close to family and friends. Plus, they can be easily adapted for different purposes down the line.
Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in Azusa
What is an ADU?
An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a small, fully functional living space built on the same property as a main house. Also known as granny flats or in-law suites, ADUs include their kitchen, bathroom, and living areas. They can be attached to the main house, built as a separate unit, or created by converting an existing part of the home.
Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place
1. Staying Close to Loved Ones
For older adults, being away from family can be hard. An ADU on a family member's property lets them keep their independence while staying nearby for support and connection.
2. More Affordable than Senior Living
Building an ADU is often more cost-effective than moving to a retirement home. It also allows family members to live together, saving on extra housing costs.
3. Safety and Convenience
ADUs can be designed with safety features like wide doorways, single-story layouts, and slip-resistant floors, making it easier for seniors to move around and handle daily tasks, especially those with mobility concerns.
4. Flexible for the Future
ADUs are versatile. If the senior no longer needs to use the unit, it can be rented out for extra income or repurposed for other family members or caregivers, making it a valuable long-term investment.
Not sure which ADU option is right for you or your property?
Cali ADU Design + Build
How to improve the property to fit your elderly parent?
Start by considering your parent’s current needs and how their daily routines may change over time. Think about their mobility and how they move around, and plan for what they might need in the future.
If your parent is mostly independent but has difficulty with stairs, creating a living space on one floor might be helpful. This could include everything they need, such as a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living area, all on the same level for easier access.
Rather than making major changes to your home, think about building a separate living unit, like an ADU. Whether it’s attached to the main house or a detached structure, an ADU provides your parent with their own space while still being close to family.
If you ever decide to move out, you could rent the main house to another family who can keep an eye on your parent. While this might slightly reduce rental income, it gives you peace of mind knowing someone is nearby to help if necessary.
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 Azusa is $520,284. A loan that has a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $3,319. 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 $600,000 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 Azusa
Where can ADUs be built?
ADUs are allowed on properties in both single-family and multi-family areas.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a single-family zone?
In single-family zones in Azusa, an ADU can be as large as 1,000 square feet and up to 25 feet tall.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a multi-family zone?
In multi-family zones in Azusa, the limits are the same—1,000 square feet and a height of 25 feet.
What is the minimum setback for an ADU?
The minimum setback for an ADU in Azusa is 4 feet from the property lines.
What are the safety regulations for an ADU?
If the main home requires fire sprinklers, the ADU should have them as well.
Is independent access from the main house required?
Yes, an ADU should have its entrance, independent of the main house.
What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?
For elderly residents, consider adding accessibility features like ramps, handrails, or easy-entry doors, which might require specific permits.
Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?
No, an ADU should have a permanent foundation and meet building codes. Mobile homes and temporary units are not allowed.
How fast can you build an ADU?
Building an ADU usually takes about 3 to 6 months, depending on the design, permits, and site factors.
What are the rules for ADU ownership in Azusa?
Is the property owner required to live in the main house?
If the ADU was approved between January 1, 2020, and January 1, 2025, the owner is not required to live on the property. However, starting January 1, 2025, the owner should live on the property as their primary and permanent residence, unless local laws say otherwise.
What are the rental regulations for an ADU?
ADUs cannot be rented out for less than 30 days.
What permits are needed for an ADU?
To build an ADU, you'll need a building permit, and sometimes an additional ADU-specific permit, depending on the type of property and the ADU’s design. For many properties, a building permit is all that is needed, and all applications should be reviewed within 60 days.
Resources and Where to Start in Azusa
To get started, Azusa residents can reach out to the Azusa 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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