Cali ADU Design+Build
What are the requirements to build ADU in Bell Gardens?
Constructing an ADU in Bell Gardens allows you to enhance your home and create rental income. For a successful ADU project, it's essential to understand local regulations and consider the financial aspects of building in Bell Gardens. This guide offers comprehensive details on Bell Gardens' ADU rules 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 Bell Gardens?
In Bell Gardens, only one ADU is allowed on a lot with 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 Bell Gardens?
An attached ADU in Bell Gardens can be up to 50% of the size of the main home, as long as it allows for at least 800 square feet. The maximum size is 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit and 1,000 square feet for a unit with two or more bedrooms.
How large can a detached ADU be in Bell Gardens?
A detached ADU can be up to 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom, and 1,000 square feet for a unit with two or more bedrooms.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in Bell Gardens?
Yes. In Bell Gardens, you can construct a 2-story ADU.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
Yes, the minimum size for an ADU is 150 square feet in Bell Gardens.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, existing space can be converted into an ADU on single-family properties in Bell Gardens.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
An ADU on a single-family property in Bell Gardens can go up to 25 feet, including the combined height of the existing structure and the ADU.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does Bell Gardens allow for multifamily properties?
Multifamily properties in Bell Gardens can have one ADU converted from existing space within the building, along with additional ADUs equal to 25% of the existing units. You can also add up to two new detached ADUs on the property.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Bell Gardens?
An attached ADU for a multifamily building can be up to 50% of the size of the main building, but no smaller than 800 square feet. The maximum size allowed is 850 square feet for a studio or one bedroom, and 1,000 square feet for two or more bedrooms.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Bell Gardens?
A detached ADU for a multifamily property can be up to 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit and up to 1,000 square feet for a unit with two or more bedrooms.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
Bell Gardens doesn't provide specific guidelines for stacking detached ADUs vertically.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
No, two ADUs cannot be attached to each other. While two separate ADUs are allowed on multifamily properties, they should remain independent and only connect to the primary structure.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, in Bell Gardens, it is allowed to convert parts of existing multifamily buildings that are currently used as non-livable space into an ADU.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
The height limit for an ADU on a multifamily property is also 25 feet, measured as the total combined height of the existing building and the ADU.
What ADU types are allowed to build in Bell Gardens?
There are a few types of ADUs:
- Detached ADUs are independent structures located separately from the main house.
- Attached ADUs, which are additions physically linked to the primary residence.
- Converted ADUs, where non-livable spaces like garages, sheds, or storage rooms are converted into livable units with a kitchen or kitchenette and a bathroom.
Converting an existing structure offers the advantage of bypassing setback and height restrictions, and you can expand the space to create a larger ADU. However, renovations of older structures may uncover unforeseen issues, which could lead to higher costs.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Bell Gardens?
In Bell Gardens, setbacks for an ADU require a minimum of 4 feet for the side, side street, and rear.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
There should be at least 10 feet between an ADU and other dwelling units, and 6 feet from non-livable accessory structures.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
Bell Gardens doesn't specify setback requirements for converting existing structures into ADUs, but typically in many Los Angeles County cities, no setbacks are needed if the conversion stays within the existing structure or primary residence.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Bell Gardens?
Building an ADU in the front yard of your property in Bell Gardens is possible, but only if there isn’t enough space on the lot to accommodate at least an 800-square-foot ADU. You should also follow the zoning setback rules.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
ADUs in Bell Gardens are required to have at least one bedroom, as opposed to allowing for studio units.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
An ADU requires a kitchen in Bell Gardens, unlike JADUs, which may have efficiency kitchens.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
It’s not specified whether ADUs need their utility meters in Bell Gardens. It's best to check with the local authorities for more details.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
The minimum ceiling height for habitable spaces, including ADUs, in Bell Gardens is 7 feet, consistent with the California Building Code.
Find out the maximum ADU size for your property here
The parking requirements for ADU
What is the parking requirement for an ADU in Bell Gardens?
In Bell Gardens, an ADU needs one parking space per unit or bedroom, whichever is fewer. There are exceptions, like when the ADU is within half a mile of public transit, in a historic district, inside an existing home or accessory structure, or near a car share vehicle. ADUs in areas with street parking permits are also exempt if ADU occupants don’t receive parking permits.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
Parking for an ADU can be tandem or placed in rear or side setbacks. If a garage, carport, or covered parking gets removed or converted for the ADU, you don’t need to replace those parking spaces. Existing driveways should stay unless new structures block them.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Bell Gardens?
The ADU permit approval process generally takes between 3.5 to 4 months. Once your permit drawings are ready, either you or your architect should submit them for a Plan Check. It’s a good idea to have a pre-plan check meeting with the planner to review your application before submitting it.
After submission and payment of fees, the city has up to 60 calendar days to decide if your application is complete. If no response is given within that time, your permit is considered approved by default. If any corrections are needed, your designer should revise the plans and resubmit. Your application should provide enough information to ensure it meets ADU standards. Missing details won’t automatically result in rejection. The estimated cost for ADU plan checks in Bell Gardens is around $180.
Does Bell Gardens require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
Yes, in Bell Gardens, plans for an ADU should be submitted in person to the city's Planning Division. These plans should demonstrate compliance with local zoning regulations and guidelines.
Does Bell Gardens require coastal development permits?
No, in Bell Gardens, there is no requirement for coastal development permits anywhere within the city.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Bell Gardens?
In Bell Gardens, you need a licensed professional to design an ADU if it doesn't follow standard construction methods.
Cost, financing and market value of ADUs
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Bell Gardens?
Building an ADU in Bell Gardens typically involves an expenditure of around $380 per square foot. This estimate also needs to account for the costs of permits, architectural design, and engineering services. For a 900-square-foot ADU, the total cost usually amounts to about $390,000, encompassing both soft and hard expenses.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in Bell Gardens?
To evaluate the profitability of constructing an ADU in Bell Gardens, it's important to compare the building costs with the local real estate market. For example, a 900-square-foot ADU might be valued at approximately $400,000. Given construction costs of around $390,000, this indicates a potential return on investment of 5%.
Moreover, profitability can be assessed by considering potential rental income or the benefits of accommodating family members on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in Bell Gardens?
Yes, you can sell an ADU in Bell Gardens if specific conditions are in place. The city needs a local ordinance that permits ADU sales and outlines the rules for these transactions. If a qualified nonprofit built the ADU, you can sell it on its own. You can also use a tenancy in common agreement to share the property according to certain guidelines. The city might allow you to sell the ADU and the main home as separate condominiums, as long as you follow all relevant rules.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in Bell Gardens?
No, ADUs in Bell Gardens are not subject to rent control laws. Since ADUs are considered new construction, they are exempt from regulations like AB 1482, which limits rent increases for buildings over 15 years old.
How do I get money to build an ADU in Bell Gardens?
Homeowners in Bell Gardens can explore the CalHFA ADU grant program, offering $40,000 to cover pre-construction costs. This program, managed by CCEDA, prioritizes low-income households, with 54% of grants aimed at making ADUs more affordable.
Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.
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