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ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Beverly Hills
Many older Californians prefer to stay in their own homes and familiar communities as they age, rather than relocating to a retirement facility. However, the key challenge is figuring out how to make this choice affordable over time without raising monthly costs, while also ensuring regular check-ins and adding value to the home. This article presents a practical solution that addresses all these needs.
Adding an ADU, or small independent living unit, to your property is a smart way to create extra space. These units can be specially designed to meet the needs of older adults, offering them an affordable option to stay close to family while still living independently. Plus, if circumstances change, the unit can be used for other purposes down the line.
Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in Beverly Hills
What is an ADU?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit, or ADU, is a small, fully equipped living space that exists on the same property as a single-family home or multi-unit building. Often called granny flats or second units, these spaces have everything needed for independent living, including areas for sleeping, cooking, and a bathroom. They can be built as attached, detached, or converted ADUs.
Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place
1. Close to Loved Ones
An ADU on a family member's property allows older adults to stay independent while being near family for support and social connection.
2. More Affordable than Senior Housing
Building an ADU can cost less than moving into a senior living facility, helping families stay together without the need for costly housing.
3. Comfort and Safety
ADUs can include features like wider doorways, a single-story layout, and non-slip flooring, which can be especially helpful for seniors with mobility challenges.
4. Flexible Use in the Future
If the space is no longer needed by a senior, the ADU can be rented for extra income or used by other family members, keeping it valuable and adaptable over time.
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?
If your elderly parent is experiencing memory-related challenges, creating a safe, accessible, and familiar living space is essential. Start by identifying their specific needs, such as using visual cues for easy navigation or simplifying the layout to reduce confusion.
A one-story ADU with a simple layout that includes a bedroom, private bathroom, and cozy living area can be ideal. Enhance safety by adding bright lighting, handrails, and furniture with rounded edges. In the kitchen, clear cabinet doors or open shelving can make essentials easy to locate, further improving accessibility.
For added peace of mind, consider smart home features like motion-activated lights and sensors that notify you of any unusual activity. This setup allows your parent to maintain independence, with reassurance that they’re safe and close by.
What are the economics of building an ADU for the aging-in-place scenario?
The good part is that most of the aged couples have already paid off their mortgage for the property. If this is the situation in your case, then you can get a HELOC to pay for the cost of an ADU. Once the ADU is completed and your folks move in, you can rent the main house to start to make the payments for the HELOC. Now, the key is to be able to rent the existing house for an amount large enough to cover the HELOC payments. It may sound complicated, but you can take this example to run your numbers.
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 Beverly Hills is $528,732. A loan that has a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $3,341. Ideally, you could rent the main house with at least the same amount as your payments for the HELOC. This way you'll break even on your monthly expenses, while you're having 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 $1,560,000 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 Beverly Hills
Where can ADUs be built?
ADUs can be constructed in areas designated for residential or mixed-use purposes.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a single-family zone?
In Beverly Hills, ADUs in single-family zones can be up to 1,400 square feet and should not exceed the height of the main house.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a multi-family zone?
In multi-family zones in Beverly Hills, ADUs can be up to 1,000 square feet and should follow the height limit of the main building on the property.
What is the minimum setback for an ADU?
The minimum setback for an ADU in Beverly Hills is 4 feet from the property lines.
What are the safety regulations for an ADU?
ADUs are not required to have fire sprinklers if the main house doesn't have them, and building an ADU will not require sprinklers to be added to an existing unit.
Is independent access from the main house required?
Yes, an ADU should have its outside entrance, separate from the main house.
What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?
ADUs for seniors should include features like ramps, handrails, and wider doorways to ensure accessibility. These changes may require special permits.
Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?
No, mobile homes aren't suitable for ADUs because they are supported by temporary structures. ADUs need to be built on a permanent foundation and comply with California's building codes.
How fast can you build an ADU?
It takes 3 to 6 months to build an ADU, depending on the permits, design, and construction factors.
What are the rules for ADU ownership in Beverly Hills?
Is the property owner required to live in the main house?
The Beverly Hills Municipal Code does not specify if the property owner should live in the main house.
What are the rental regulations for an ADU?
ADUs cannot be rented out for periods shorter than 30 consecutive days.
What permits are needed for an ADU?
If an ADU meets the city’s standard guidelines, it only requires a building permit to be constructed.
If the ADU replaces a detached garage, both the building and demolition permits need to be reviewed and issued at the same time.
Resources and Where to Start in Beverly Hills
To get started, Beverly Hills residents can reach out to the Beverly Hills 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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