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ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Bell
Many older adults in California prefer to stay in their own homes as they get older because it's more comfortable, and familiar and helps them stay independent. The problem is figuring out how to do this without raising monthly expenses, while also having someone nearby for support and making sure the home’s value goes up. This article shares a solution that addresses these needs.
ADUs are a great way to add extra, flexible living space to your property. These small, independent units can be designed to be safer and more comfortable for older adults, providing an affordable long-term solution while keeping them close to family and friends. They can also be adjusted for different uses in the future.
Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in Bell
What is an ADU?
An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a small, private living space with everything needed for a home, such as a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and living area. It is built on the same property as a main house and is also known as a granny flat or in-law suite. ADUs can be attached to the main house, built separately, or created by converting part of the existing home.
Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place
1. Staying Close to Family: For older adults, being close to family is important. Having an ADU on a relative's property allows them to keep their independence while still being nearby for support and connection.
2. More Affordable Than Moving to a Retirement Home: Building an ADU is often less expensive than moving into a senior living facility. It also helps families stay together, reducing the need for additional housing.
3. Safety and Convenience: ADUs can be designed with features that make life easier for older adults, such as wider doorways, single-level layouts, and non-slip floors. These features are especially helpful for those with mobility challenges.
4. Flexibility for the Future: ADUs are versatile. If the senior no longer needs to live there, the space can be rented out for extra income or used by 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 they may change over time. Think about their mobility and what adjustments might help them stay comfortable and safe.
If your parent is still independent but has trouble with stairs, creating a living space all on one level could be a good solution. This could include a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living area on the same floor, making it easier for them to move around.
Instead of making major changes to your home, you could build a separate living unit, like an ADU. Whether it's attached to the main house or built as a separate structure, an ADU allows your parent to have their own space while still being close by.
If you decide to move out, you could rent the main house to a family who can help take care of your parent. While this may reduce rental income slightly, it provides peace of mind knowing someone is close by to assist if needed.
What are the economics of building an ADU for the aging-in-place scenario?
For senior homeowners who no longer have a mortgage, building an ADU can be a financially practical choice. If you're in this situation, you could use a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) to pay for the construction of the ADU. After the ADU is built and your parents move in, you can rent out the main house and use the rental income to help pay off the HELOC. The idea is to ensure that the rent from the main house is enough to cover the payments for the HELOC. While this might seem a bit complex, it can be a smart 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 Baldwin Park is $520,320. A loan that has a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $3,289. 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 $812,400 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 Bell
Where can ADUs be built?
ADUs can be constructed in areas designated for R-1, R-2, R-3, and C-3R.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a single-family zone?
In single-family zones in Bell, the largest an ADU can be is 1,200 square feet with a height of up to 16 feet.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a multi-family zone?
In multi-family zones in Bell, ADUs are also limited to a size of 1,200 square feet and a height of 16 feet.
What is the minimum setback for an ADU?
The minimum setback for an ADU in Bell is 4 feet from the property lines.
What are the safety regulations for an ADU?
An ADU is not required to have fire sprinklers unless the main home also requires them.
Is independent access from the main house required?
If an ADU is attached to or part of the main house, it should have a separate entrance. However, a direct passageway between the ADU and the main house is not necessary.
What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?
When designing an ADU for older adults, it's important to include features such as ramps, handrails, or accessible doorways, which may need special permits.
Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?
No, mobile homes are not suitable for use as ADUs because they are designed to be temporary structures. ADUs need to be permanently built on a solid foundation that meets the California Building Code or California Residential Code.
How fast can you build an ADU?
An ADU can generally be built in 3 to 6 months, depending on factors such as permit approval, design complexity, and construction conditions.
What are the rules for ADU ownership in Bell?
Is the property owner required to live in the main house?
The Bell Municipal Code does not specify whether the property owner should live in the main house.
What are the rental regulations for an ADU?
An ADU can be rented separately from the main house, but it should be rented for at least 31 consecutive days.
What permits are needed for an ADU?
To build an ADU or junior ADU, the application will typically be processed within 60 days if there is already a single-family or multi-family home on the property. If you are also applying to build a new main house, the city may wait to process the ADU permit until the main house permit is approved, but it will still be reviewed without a hearing or extra approval steps. If there is a delay, the 60-day review period will be paused for the duration of the delay.
Resources and Where to Start in Bell
To get started, Bell residents can reach out to the Bell 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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