ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home

How many ADUs can you build in Beverly Hills?

In Beverly Hills, one ADU is allowed on any lot zoned for residential or mixed-use, provided there is an existing or proposed single-family dwelling, whether it is an attached or a detached ADU from the primary building.

How large can an attached ADU be in Beverly Hills?

In Beverly Hills, the maximum size of an attached ADU depends on the location:

• In the Central Area south of Santa Monica Boulevard, it's either 1,200 square feet or the remaining allowable floor area, whichever is smaller.
• In the Central Area north of Santa Monica Boulevard and the Hillside Area, it can be up to 1,400 square feet or the remaining allowable floor area, whichever is smaller.
• In Trousdale Estates, it can be 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit, 1,000 square feet for units with more than one bedroom, or the remaining allowable floor area ratio.

ADUs cannot be smaller than 800 square feet if there are no other options, but they can be adjusted as needed for construction.

How large can a detached ADU be in Beverly Hills?

Detached ADUs in Beverly Hills follow the same size rules as attached ADUs.

Can I build a 2-story ADU in Beverly Hills?

Yes, you can build a 2-story ADU in Beverly Hills.

Is there a minimum size of an ADU?

Yes, in Beverly Hills, ADUs need to be at least as spacious as efficiency units, which typically have a minimum floor area of 150 square feet.

Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?

Yes, you can convert existing space into an ADU in Beverly Hills.

What is the maximum height for an ADU?

For properties with single-family houses in Beverly Hills, the maximum height for detached ADUs varies by area:

• In the Central Area south of Santa Monica: 22 feet.
• In the Central Area north of Santa Monica: 25 feet.
• In the Hillside Area and Trousdale Estates, follow the height limitations set forth in Government Code Section 65852.2, which specify a maximum height of 25 feet.

Additionally, a detached ADU of up to two stories in the Central Area, located within the principal building area on an estate lot of at least 24,000 square feet, should comply with the maximum height limit of the primary dwelling structure on the site.

The attached ADUs should follow the same height restrictions as the primary dwelling on the site, which is 34 feet in height.

ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building

How many ADUs does Beverly Hills allow for multifamily properties?

Multifamily properties are allowed to convert at least one non-livable space into an ADU, with the total number not going beyond 25 percent of the existing units on the site. Also, a maximum of 2 detached ADUs is allowed on lots with existing or proposed multifamily dwellings.

How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Beverly Hills?

An attached ADU for a multifamily building in Beverly Hills can be a maximum of 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit, and up to 1,000 square feet for units with more than one bedroom. The size cannot be reduced to less than 800 square feet if no other options are available.

How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Beverly Hills?

Similar to attached ADUs, a detached ADU for a multifamily building can be a maximum of 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit, and up to 1,000 square feet for units with more than one bedroom. It cannot be reduced to less than 800 square feet if no other compliance options are available.

Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?

As of now, there are no regulations in Beverly Hills regarding stacking detached ADUs.

Can I attach two ADUs to each other?

Yes, in a multifamily setting, you can attach two ADUs to each other.

Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?

Yes, converting existing space into an ADU is allowed in multifamily buildings in Beverly Hills.

What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building

For properties with multifamily buildings in Beverly Hills, detached ADUs should not surpass a height of 16 feet. However, they can reach up to 18 feet if they are on a lot with a multistory dwelling or within a half-mile walking distance of public transit. An additional 2 feet (up to 20 feet) is allowed only to match the roof pitch of the primary multifamily dwelling. The attached ADUs should comply with the height limitations of the primary dwelling structure on the site.

What ADU types are allowed to build in Beverly Hills?

In Beverly Hills, you can choose from a few different ADU types:

• A detached ADU, which is a standalone structure separate from the main house.
• An attached ADU, which is a new addition connected to the primary home.
• A converted ADU, where an existing non-livable space like a garage, shed, or storage room is converted into a living unit with a kitchen and bathroom.

You have the option to either build a completely new structure or convert an existing one into an ADU. The benefit of converting an existing structure is that you can avoid setback and height restrictions, and even expand the space for a larger ADU. However, renovation of older buildings may uncover hidden problems, which could raise the overall costs.

ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings

What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Beverly Hills?

In Beverly Hills, ADUs are required to have side and rear setbacks of at least 4 feet. However, regulations for corner or through lots have not been specified by the city.

What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?

The ADU needs to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from any other structure within the same site area unless following this requirement would hinder the construction of an 800-square-foot ADU.

Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?

No setbacks are required when converting existing structures into ADUs.

Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Beverly Hills?

In Beverly Hills, constructing an ADU in the front yard is allowed, but only if there is not enough space on the property for an ADU of at least 800 square feet. You must also comply with zoning setback requirements.

Design requirements for ADU

How many bedrooms can an ADU have?

In Beverly Hills, an ADU can have a minimum of one bedroom, unless it's designated as a studio unit.

Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?

Yes, an ADU in Beverly Hills requires a kitchen with cooking facilities, which sets it apart from JADUs, typically equipped with an efficiency kitchen.

Does an ADU require independent utility meters?

When converting existing space from a dwelling or an accessory structure, there’s no need for the ADU to have its utility meters.

What is the minimum ceiling height?

In Beverly Hills, according to the California Building Code, living spaces, including ADUs, should have a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet.

Find out the maximum ADU size for your property here

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The parking requirements for ADU

What is the parking requirement for an ADU in Beverly Hills?

In Beverly Hills, one parking space is generally needed for each ADU on the property. However, there are exceptions: if the ADU is within half a mile of public transit, located in a historic district, part of the main dwelling, or if on-street parking permits aren't available to the ADU resident. Additionally, if there’s a designated parking space for a nearby car-share vehicle, the parking requirement can be waived.

Where can I have a parking space on my property?

Parking spaces for an ADU in Beverly Hills can be set up as tandem parking in an existing driveway, including areas within setback zones. If a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is taken down to build the ADU, the lost off-street 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 Beverly Hills?

Getting an ADU permit in Beverly Hills typically takes around 3.5 to 4 months. Once your permit drawings are ready, you or your architect must submit them for a Plan Check. It's a good idea to meet with the planner beforehand to review your application.

After submission and payment of fees, the city has 60 days to assess if your application is complete. If no decision is made by then, your permit is approved by default. If revisions are required, your designer must make the necessary adjustments and resubmit. Your application should include sufficient information to demonstrate it meets ADU standards. Incomplete information won't automatically result in rejection. The estimated cost for a Plan Check in Beverly Hills is about $4,985.

Does Beverly Hills require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?

Beverly Hills doesn't require physical submission of ADU plans. Instead, the electronic plan review platform offers a quick and efficient experience.

Does Beverly Hills require coastal development permits?

No, coastal development permits are not needed in Beverly Hills.

When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Beverly Hills?

You will require a licensed professional to design an ADU in Beverly Hills if the project deviates from standard construction methods.

Cost, financing and market value of ADUs

How much does it cost to build an ADU in Beverly Hills?

Constructing an ADU in Beverly Hills generally incurs costs of about $380 per square foot. This figure should include expenses for permits, architectural design, and engineering services. For instance, the total cost for a 900-square-foot ADU typically comes to around $390,000, covering both direct and incidental costs.

Is it profitable to build an ADU in Beverly Hills?

Assessing the financial viability of constructing an ADU in Beverly Hills requires comparing construction costs with local real estate values. For instance, a 900-square-foot ADU could have an estimated market value of around $1,170,000. Considering the construction costs are about $390,000, this suggests a potential return on investment of 190%.

Furthermore, profitability can also be assessed by considering potential rental income or the advantages of accommodating family members on the same property.

Can you sell an ADU in Beverly Hills?

Yes, you can sell an ADU in Beverly Hills if certain conditions apply. The city has a local ordinance that allows ADU sales and sets the rules for these transactions. If a qualified nonprofit constructed the ADU, you can sell it separately. You can also create a tenancy in a common agreement to share the property under specific guidelines. Additionally, the city may let you sell the ADU and the main home as separate condominiums, as long as you adhere to the relevant rules.

Are ADUs rent-controlled in Beverly Hills?

ADUs in Beverly Hills are not subject to rent control laws. They are considered new constructions, which means they are exempt from regulations like AB 1482, allowing landlords to adjust rents yearly. This exemption applies only to buildings that are at least 15 years old.

How do I get money to build an ADU in Beverly Hills?

To finance ADU construction in Beverly Hills, homeowners have the option to apply for the CalHFA's ADU grant program, facilitated by the California Community Economic Development Association (CCEDA). This program offers grants of $40,000 to eligible homeowners to offset pre-construction expenses linked to ADU construction. Moreover, 54% of these grants are earmarked for low-income households, to improve affordability.

ADUs are a great way to add value to your property. Find out how much value it could add to your property.

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