Cali ADU Design+Build
What are the requirements to build ADU in Bellflower?
Building an ADU in Bellflower provides a great opportunity to expand your living space and generate rental income. To ensure your ADU project is successful, it is crucial to understand the city's regulations and assess the financial feasibility of constructing an ADU in Bellflower. This guide offers a thorough overview of Bellflower's ADU regulations and key financial considerations, assisting you in planning and executing your project efficiently.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in Bellflower?
In Bellflower, a maximum of one ADU is allowed per lot with an existing or proposed primary single-family dwelling, whether it is an attached or a detached ADU from the primary building.
How large can an attached ADU be in Bellflower?
For attached ADUs within a single-family home in Bellflower, the maximum size is either 50% of the total floor area of the primary dwelling or 1,200 square feet, whichever is smaller.
How large can a detached ADU be in Bellflower?
Detached ADUs in Bellflower are limited to a maximum size of 1,200 square feet.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in Bellflower?
In Bellflower, you can build a two-story ADU if the height of the primary dwelling allows it.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
Yes, in Bellflower, the minimum size for an ADU is 150 square feet, which is the size of an efficiency unit.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, converting existing space into an ADU is allowed in Bellflower.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
On a property with a single-family house, the maximum height for an ADU is 1 story, reaching up to 18 feet, unless adjustments are needed to match the roof pitch of the main house.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does Bellflower allow for multifamily properties?
Bellflower allows either one ADU or 25% of the existing multifamily units (whichever is higher) within an existing multifamily building. You can also have up to 2 detached ADUs per lot if they're newly built.
The size of ADU for properties with a multi-family building
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Bellflower?
There are no size limits for attached ADUs in multifamily buildings in Bellflower, unlike the limits for single-family homes.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Bellflower?
Detached ADUs for multifamily buildings cannot be larger than 1,200 square feet in size.
Can you stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
No, the city has not provided rules about stacking detached ADUs.
Can you attach two ADUs?
No, regulations in Bellflower do not allow two ADUs to be attached, although up to two separate ADUs can be on a property with an existing multifamily dwelling.
Can you convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, converting existing space into an ADU is allowed in multifamily buildings in Bellflower.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
For a property with a multifamily building, the maximum height for an ADU is 16 feet.
What ADU types are allowed to build in Bellflower?
There are several types of ADUs you can consider:
- A detached ADU, which is a completely separate building from the main house.
- An attached ADU, which is an extension physically connected to the primary residence.
- A converted ADU, where an existing non-livable space, such as a garage, shed, or storage area, is converted into a livable unit with essential amenities like a kitchen and bathroom.
You can either construct a new building for your ADU or convert an existing structure into one. The advantage of conversion is that it typically bypasses setback and height restrictions, and you can even expand the space for a larger ADU. However, converting older structures may lead to unforeseen issues that could increase the overall cost of the project.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Bellflower?
ADUs need to be set back at least 4 feet from the side and rear property lines. If a property line is in the middle of a public right-of-way, setbacks are measured from the edge of that right-of-way.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
For new construction, the ADU should be at least 11 feet away from existing structures.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
No, setbacks are not required when converting existing structures into ADUs.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Bellflower?
Yes, you can build an ADU in the front yard in Bellflower, but only if there isn’t sufficient space elsewhere on the property to fit a minimum 800-square-foot ADU. Additionally, zoning setback regulations should be followed.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
There is no limit on the number of bedrooms for an ADU in Bellflower. However, it's typical for ADUs in many cities to have at least one bedroom.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
Yes, an ADU in Bellflower should have a full kitchen, which includes standard features like a stove, refrigerator, sink, and storage cabinets.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
For ADUs that don’t meet certain criteria, such as having only one ADU per lot with a proposed or existing primary single-family dwelling, being located within the dwelling with exterior access, and having enough setbacks for fire safety, the city might require a separate utility connection for the unit. This could involve a connection fee or capacity charge based on factors like size or drainage fixture unit value.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
In Bellflower, including ADUs, the minimum ceiling height for habitable spaces in new residential constructions should comply with the requirement of 7 feet as per 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 Bellflower?
In Bellflower, each ADU requires one parking space. However, there are exceptions. ADUs within a half-mile of public transit, in significant architectural or historical districts, or part of a primary dwelling or accessory structure do not need parking. Additionally, if the ADU is in an area without parking permits for occupants or within one block of a carshare vehicle, the parking rule doesn’t apply.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
Parking for an ADU can be set up as tandem parking on a driveway or within setback areas. If a garage or carport is taken down or converted into an ADU, no replacement parking is needed.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Bellflower?
The permitting process generally takes about 3.5 to 4 months. After preparing the permit drawings, you or your architect should submit them for a Plan Check. It's recommended to schedule a pre-check meeting with the planner to go over your application before submission.
Once submitted and the fees are paid, the city has 60 days to determine if your application is complete. If they don’t respond within that time frame, the permit is automatically approved. If corrections are needed, your designer will need to make the necessary changes and resubmit. Your application should provide adequate details to ensure compliance with ADU requirements. Missing information won’t lead to an automatic rejection. The cost for Plan Check services for ADUs in Bellflower is approximately $2,780.
Does Bellflower require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
Yes, in Bellflower, you need to submit ADU plans in person to the city's Planning Division to ensure they meet local zoning regulations and guidelines.
Does Bellflower require coastal development permits?
No, you don’t need coastal development permits in Bellflower.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Bellflower?
You will need a licensed professional, like an architect or engineer, to design your ADU in Bellflower if it doesn’t meet standard building codes.
Cost, financing and market value of ADUs
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Bellflower?
In Bellflower, the cost of constructing an ADU is about $380 per square foot. Besides construction expenses, you should also account for permits, architect fees, and engineering fees. For instance, the total cost for a 900-square-foot ADU is approximately $390,000, covering both soft and hard costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in Bellflower?
The financial feasibility of building an ADU in Bellflower depends on construction costs and the local real estate market. A 900-square-foot ADU in this area is valued at about $710,000. With a total construction cost of around $390,000, this results in a return on investment of approximately 83%.
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 Bellflower?
Yes, you can sell an ADU in Bellflower if certain conditions are met. The city has to have a local ordinance that allows ADU sales and explains the rules. If a qualified nonprofit built the ADU, you can sell it separately. You can also use a tenancy in common agreement to divide the property based on specific guidelines. Additionally, the city may let you sell the ADU and the main home as separate condominiums, provided you follow all relevant rules.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in Bellflower?
No, ADUs in Bellflower are not subject to rent control ordinances. Due to their status as newly constructed units, they are exempt from such regulations, unlike older properties typically aged 15 years or more, which are impacted by rent control. Consequently, legislation like AB 1482, addressing rent control, does not apply to ADUs in Bellflower.
How do I get money to build an ADU in Bellflower?
In Bellflower, homeowners have various options to secure funding for constructing an ADU. One avenue is through participation in the CalHFA ADU Grant Program, accessible within the city. This program offers grants of up to $40,000, depending on the homeowner's income, with an income threshold of $158,000 for owner-occupied properties. These funds can cover initial expenses like site preparation, ADU design, permits, and related costs. Additionally, homeowners have the freedom to select tenants for their ADU.
Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.
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