Cali ADU Design+Build
What are the requirements to build ADU in Baldwin Park?
Building an ADU in Baldwin Park offers a valuable chance to increase your living space and offer affordable housing for adult children as they transition to independent living. To ensure your ADU project succeeds, it's crucial to understand the city's regulations and assess the financial feasibility of constructing an ADU in Baldwin Park. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Baldwin Park's ADU regulations and key financial considerations, helping you plan and execute your project efficiently.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in Baldwin Park?
In Baldwin Park, one ADU is allowed per single-family property, whether it is a new attached or a new detached ADU from the primary building.
How large can an attached ADU be in Baldwin Park?
In Baldwin Park, the size limit for attached ADUs depends on the parcel size:
- For parcels of 5,000 sq. ft. or less: ADUs can be 850 sq. ft. for one bedroom or less, and 1,000 sq. ft. for two or more bedrooms.
- For parcels of 5,001 to 8,000 sq. ft.: The limits are the same as above.
- For parcels over 8,001 sq. ft.: ADUs can be 850 sq. ft. for one bedroom or less and 1,200 sq. ft. for two or more bedrooms.
How large can a detached ADU be in Baldwin Park?
The size limits for detached ADUs are as follows:
- For parcels of 5,000 sq. ft. or less: 850 sq. ft. for one bedroom or less, and 1,000 sq. ft. for two or more bedrooms.
- For parcels of 5,001 to 8,000 sq. ft.: The size limit is 1,000 sq. ft.
- For parcels over 8,001 sq. ft.: The size limit is 1,200 sq. ft.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in Baldwin Park?
No, building a 2-story ADU in Baldwin Park is not allowed, as ADUs cannot be higher than 18 feet, measured from ground level.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
No, Baldwin Park does not have a minimum size requirement for ADUs. However, to create livable spaces, the Building Code will require a minimum size for each room type.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, existing space can be converted into an ADU in Baldwin Park.
The maximum height for an ADU on a property with a single-family house
The maximum height for an ADU on a property with a single-family house is 18 feet, measured from ground level.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does Baldwin Park allow for multifamily properties?
Baldwin Park allows for a maximum of 2 detached units on a property for multifamily properties. Additionally, up to 25% of the total existing units on the property are allowed for ADUs, with a minimum of one unit allowed.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Baldwin Park?
There are no maximum size requirements for attached ADUs in multifamily buildings in Baldwin Park.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Baldwin Park?
For detached ADUs in multifamily buildings:
- For parcels of 5,000 sq. ft. or less: 850 sq. ft. for one bedroom or less, and 1,000 sq. ft. for two or more bedrooms.
- For parcels of 5,001 to 8,000 sq. ft.: The size limit is 1,000 sq. ft.
- For parcels over 8,001 sq. ft.: The size limit is 1,200 sq. ft.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
Currently, there are no rules in the city's regulations about stacking detached ADUs.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
No, in Baldwin Park, attaching two ADUs is not allowed. The city allows a maximum of two detached ADUs on a lot with an existing multifamily dwelling or attached to another accessory structure but does not allow ADUs to be attached.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, you can convert existing space into an ADU in multifamily buildings in Baldwin Park.
The maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multifamily building
The maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multifamily building is also 18 feet, measured from ground level, similar to single-family properties.
What ADU types are allowed to build in Baldwin Park?
In Baldwin Park, several types of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are allowed:
- Detached ADUs are independent structures separate from the main residence.
- Attached ADUs, created as additions that are physically connected to the primary home.
- Converted ADUs, which convert existing non-habitable spaces—such as garages, sheds, or storage areas—into living spaces equipped with a kitchen or kitchenette and a bathroom.
One advantage of converting an existing structure is the ability to bypass setback and height limitations, with the option to expand the space to create a larger ADU. However, renovating older structures may reveal unforeseen challenges that could lead to higher costs.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Baldwin Park?
In Baldwin Park, ADUs need to follow the underlying zoning standards for front yard setbacks. For side and rear yards, a four-foot setback is required. The city hasn’t provided specific rules for corners or through lots.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
Baldwin Park does not specify a minimum distance for ADUs from existing structures. However, many cities typically require a distance of at least 6 feet from existing buildings.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
No, setbacks are not required for converting existing structures into ADUs in Baldwin Park.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Baldwin Park?
In Baldwin Park, building an ADU in the front yard of a single-family home is not allowed. Newly constructed detached ADUs should be situated within the rear 50% of the lot, and attached ADUs should be located behind the front elevation of the existing house.
For multifamily properties, detached ADUs are required to be placed behind the rear elevation of the primary dwelling closest to the front yard.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
ADUs in Baldwin Park can have at least one bedroom, which is different from studio units.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
While the city code doesn’t specifically mention kitchen requirements for ADUs, most ADUs in California typically include a full kitchen, unlike JADUs, which usually have efficiency kitchens.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
Baldwin Park doesn’t require independent water or electrical meters for ADUs or JADUs. Whether to install separate meters depends on your utility provider, so it’s a good idea to check with your water provider and Southern California Edison.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
ADUs should follow the California Building Code, which specifies a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet for habitable spaces.
Find out the maximum ADU size for your property here
The parking requirements for ADU
What is the parking requirement for an ADU in Baldwin Park?
In Baldwin Park, each ADU needs one off-street parking space unless certain conditions apply. These include being close to public transit, being located in a historic district or on a historically designated site, being part of the primary residence or an accessory structure, being in an area that requires on-street parking permits, or being near a car-share vehicle access point within one block.
Standard surface parking spaces should be at least 10 feet wide, or 10 feet 6 inches wide if next to a structure, and at least 20 feet long. They should be positioned to avoid needing to back onto a public street and have at least 24 feet of backup space.
Parallel surface parking spaces also need to be 10 feet wide and at least 23 feet long. Enclosed garage parking spaces should be 10 feet wide and 20 feet long.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
Parking spaces in Baldwin Park can be off-street, in tandem, or the rear setback area of a lot, unless specific conditions make this unfeasible. If a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is removed to build an accessory dwelling unit, the previous parking spaces don’t need to be replaced.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Baldwin Park?
The process to obtain an ADU permit generally takes 3.5 to 4 months. After the permit drawings are ready, either you or your architect can submit them for a Plan Check. Scheduling a pre-plan check meeting with the planner is recommended to review the application in advance.
Once submitted and the fees are fully paid, the city has 60 calendar days to assess the application for completeness. If no decision is made within this time, the permit is automatically approved. If corrections are required, your designer must make the necessary adjustments and resubmit the application. The documentation must demonstrate compliance with ADU regulations, and an application cannot be denied solely for incomplete information. In Agoura Hills, the approximate cost of an ADU plan check is $180.
Does Baldwin Park require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
No. Plans for an ADU in Baldwin Park do not need to be submitted in person, as all materials should be sent electronically in PDF format.
Does Baldwin Park require coastal development permits?
No, there is no requirement for coastal development permits in Baldwin Park.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Baldwin Park?
In Baldwin Park, a licensed professional is required to design an ADU if non-standard construction methods are used.
Cost, financing and market value of ADUs
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Baldwin Park?
In Baldwin Park, building an ADU costs approximately $380 per square foot. Along with construction expenses, you should also budget for permits, architect fees, and engineering fees. For instance, the total cost for a 900-square-foot ADU is around $390,000, covering both soft and hard costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in Baldwin Park?
The financial viability of constructing an ADU in Baldwin Park depends on construction costs and the local real estate market. A 900-square-foot ADU in this area is valued at about $400,000. With a total construction cost of around $390,000, this results in a return on investment of approximately 5%.
Profitability can also be assessed by considering potential rental income or the benefits of having family members live on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in Baldwin Park?
You can sell an ADU in Baldwin Park if certain criteria are met. There needs to be a local ordinance in place that allows for the sale of ADUs and specifies the guidelines for these transactions. If the ADU was constructed by a qualified nonprofit organization, it can be sold independently. Alternatively, a tenancy in common agreement can be used to allocate the property based on particular legal standards. Additionally, the city might permit the ADU and the primary home to be sold as individual condominiums, as long as all relevant regulations are followed.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in Baldwin Park?
No, ADUs in Baldwin Park are not subject to rent control. Rent control usually applies to older properties, specifically those 15 years or older. Since ADUs are newly constructed, they fall outside these regulations. Thus, laws like AB 1482, which deal with rent control, do not impact ADUs in Baldwin Park.
How do I get money to build an ADU in Baldwin Park?
To finance the construction of an ADU in Baldwin Park, homeowners have several options, including the CalHFA ADU Grant Program. This program offers grants up to $40,000, depending on the homeowner's income, with a maximum eligible income of $158,000 for owner-occupied properties. The grant can be used to cover initial expenses such as site preparation, ADU design, permits, and other related costs. Additionally, homeowners have the flexibility to choose their tenants for the ADU.
Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.
Related Articles
ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Baldwin Park
All You Need to Know About Building on Properties in Baldwin Park Under SB-9
Everything You Need to Know About SB-684 Development in Baldwin Park
How to get your permits fast or the benefits of using SB-423 in Baldwin Park