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ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Cerritos
Comfort is a top priority for many older adults in California, as they value the familiarity and independence of staying in their own homes and communities instead of moving to senior living facilities. The challenge is finding a solution that allows them to maintain this comfort without adding extra monthly costs, while still ensuring they have support and increasing the value of the property. We’ve outlined a practical solution for you in this article.
Building an ADU, a small living area on your property, is a practical way to gain extra space. It's an affordable solution for older adults who wish to stay close to family while keeping their independence. If needs change down the line, the space can be easily adapted for other uses.
Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in Cerritos
What is an ADU?
An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a small living area built on the same property as a main house or apartment. Sometimes called granny flats or in-law suites, these units usually have a bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom. They can be created by building as attached, detached, or by converting an existing space in the main house.
Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place
Staying Close to Family: An ADU lets older adults live on their own while remaining near family for support.
Cheaper Than Retirement Homes: Building an ADU can be more affordable than moving to a care facility, helping families stay together without breaking the bank.
Senior-Friendly Features: ADUs can be designed with easy-to-navigate features like wider doors, single-level layouts, and non-slip floors, making them safer for seniors with mobility issues.
Adapts to Changing Needs: If not needed by a senior, the ADU can easily be used for other purposes, like renting out or providing space for other family members.
Not sure which ADU option is right for you or your property?
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How to improve the property to fit your elderly parent?
When setting up a space for an elderly parent, especially one with memory issues, it's key to make the environment comfortable, safe, and easy to use. Simple steps like adding clear signs or rearranging the furniture can help them move around with less confusion and more confidence.
A single-story ADU with a basic layout, including a bedroom, bathroom, and cozy seating area, can be ideal. Make sure the space is well-lit, add handrails where needed, and choose furniture with smooth, rounded edges to avoid accidents. In the kitchen, open shelves or clear cabinet doors can make it easier to find things.
To enhance safety, consider adding smart features like motion sensor lights or alerts that can notify you if something’s wrong. This gives your parent the freedom to live independently while giving you peace of mind knowing they're safe and nearby.
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 Cerritos is $521,412. A loan that has a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $3,295. 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 $900,000 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 Cerritos
Where can ADUs be built?
ADUs can be built on properties designated for either residential or mixed-use zones.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a single-family zone?
In Cerritos, an ADU in a single-family area can be up to 1,200 square feet, and while there's no maximum height limit, it should be at least 16 feet tall.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a multi-family zone?
In Cerritos, the size limit for ADUs in multi-family zones is also 1,200 square feet, with a minimum height requirement of 16 feet, but no maximum height limit.
What is the minimum setback for an ADU?
The minimum setback for an ADU in Cerritos is 4 feet from the property lines.
What are the safety regulations for an ADU?
If fire sprinklers were not required in the primary home, they may not be necessary in an ADU. However, if the primary home is modified and requires sprinklers, the ADU will also need them. If the main structure has sprinklers for multi-family buildings, the ADU will likely require them as well.
Is independent access from the main house required?
Yes, the ADU should have its external entrance, separate from the main house.
What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?
When designing for older adults, include features like ramps, handrails, and wider doors for better accessibility. Some of these changes may need special permits.
Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?
No, mobile structures aren't suitable since they are not permanently fixed. ADUs should be built on a solid foundation that meets California's building standards.
How fast can you build an ADU?
Building an ADU generally takes 3 to 6 months, depending on factors such as permits, design, and construction conditions.
What are the rules for ADU ownership in Cerritos?
Is the property owner required to live in the main house?
The city could decide if the owner had to live in the main house or the ADU. However, starting January 1, 2020, the law no longer requires the property owner to live in the main house or ADU for new units. This rule is set to expire on December 31, 2024, but for ADUs approved between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2024, local agencies cannot retroactively enforce owner-occupancy.
What are the rental regulations for an ADU?
The city may require the ADU to be rented out for longer than 30 days, meaning short-term rentals may not be allowed.
What permits are needed for an ADU?
To build an ADU, you need approval for a building permit or ADU permit, which can be processed quickly without additional review.
Resources and Where to Start in Cerritos
To get started, Cerritos residents can reach out to the Cerritos 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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