EcoSmart Builders
What are the requirements to build ADU in Cerritos?
Building an ADU in Cerritos provides an opportunity to expand your home and support multigenerational living or offer a separate space for aging in-laws. To ensure the success of your ADU project, it's crucial to understand local regulations and evaluate the financial aspects of building in Cerritos. This guide outlines Cerritos's ADU regulations 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 Cerritos?
In Cerritos, properties with an existing or proposed single-family residence are limited to only one ADU, regardless of whether it is attached or detached from the primary building.
How large can an attached ADU be in Cerritos?
An attached ADU in Cerritos can occupy up to 50% of the primary residence's floor area, with a minimum size of 800 square feet. ADUs should be at least 850 square feet in size, or 1,000 square feet if they have more than one bedroom.
How large can a detached ADU be in Cerritos?
In Cerritos, the maximum size allowed for a new detached ADU is 1,200 square feet.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in Cerritos?
Yes, you are allowed to construct a two-story ADU in Cerritos.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
Yes, the minimum size for an ADU in Cerritos is set to be at least that of an efficiency unit, which is 150 square feet.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, the conversion of existing space within a single-family dwelling into an ADU is allowed.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
For single-family home properties in Cerritos, there's no maximum height but ADUs should meet a minimum height requirement of 16 feet.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does Cerritos allow for multifamily properties?
In Cerritos, multifamily properties can have up to 2 detached ADUs. Additionally, one or more ADUs can be converted from non-livable areas of existing multifamily buildings, as long as the total conversions do not surpass 25% of the total units.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Cerritos?
An attached ADU in Cerritos can utilize up to 50% of the primary residence's floor area, with a minimum size requirement of 800 square feet. Additionally, ADUs should be at least 850 square feet in size, or 1,000 square feet if they contain more than one bedroom.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Cerritos?
For a new detached ADU in Cerritos, the maximum permitted size is 1,200 square feet.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
Currently, Cerritos has not provided guidance on the possibility of stacking detached ADUs.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
No, in Cerritos, it is not allowed. While up to two separate ADUs can be on a lot with an existing multifamily dwelling, they cannot be attached.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, in Cerritos, converting existing space within a multifamily dwelling into an ADU is allowed.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
For properties with multifamily buildings in Cerritos, there's no maximum height but ADUs should also meet a minimum height requirement of 16 feet, aligning with the regulations for single-family homes.
What ADU types are allowed to build in Cerritos?
There are several options for ADUs:
1. Detached ADU: A completely independent structure, separate from the main house.
2. Attached ADU: A newly constructed addition that is physically connected to the existing home.
3. Converted ADU: Converting existing non-livable spaces, such as a garage, shed, or storage area, into a functional unit with amenities like a kitchen and bathroom.
You can either build a new ADU from the ground up or repurpose an existing structure. Converting spaces like garages or sheds often bypass restrictions on setbacks and height, and the structure can be expanded to allow for more space. However, working with older structures may uncover unexpected complications that could lead to higher costs.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Cerritos?
ADUs should be set back 4 feet from the side and rear property lines. There may be front yard setbacks, but they should allow for an ADU of at least 800 square feet without overly restricting construction.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
Cerritos does not specify a minimum distance from existing buildings for ADUs. However, many cities in LA County typically set this distance at 6 feet.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
In Cerritos, converting an existing structure into an ADU does not require new setbacks. The converted ADU will keep the original structure's setbacks, even if they are less than 4 feet.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Cerritos?
Building an ADU in the front yard of your Cerritos property is possible, but only if there isn’t sufficient space elsewhere on the lot to accommodate at least an 800-square-foot unit. Zoning setback rules should be followed.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
ADUs in Cerritos should have at least one bedroom, setting them apart from studio units.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
Yes, ADUs, both attached or detached, should include separate living spaces with full kitchens, in contrast with the efficiency kitchens found in JADUs.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
Cerritos has not specified whether ADUs need separate utility meters. It is advisable to consult the relevant authorities for further clarification.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
The minimum ceiling height requirement is 7 feet, as required by the California Building Code, applicable to habitable spaces including ADUs in Cerritos.
Find out the maximum ADU size for your property here
The parking requirements for ADU
What is the parking requirement for an ADU in Cerritos?
The parking requirement for an ADU in Cerritos is usually one space per unit or bedroom, whichever is less. However, there are exceptions where parking standards do not apply, including ADUs located within a half-mile of public transit, within architecturally and historically significant historic districts, as part of the proposed or existing primary residence or an accessory structure, when on-street parking permits are not provided to the ADU occupant, and when a car share vehicle is available within one block of the ADU.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
In Cerritos, parking spaces for ADUs can be located in setback areas or arranged in tandem parking configurations unless specific site conditions or regional topographical or safety concerns prevent this. If a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is converted into an ADU or demolished to make room for one, the local authority cannot require the replacement of off-street parking spaces for the primary residence.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Cerritos?
A pre-plan check meeting with the planner is recommended to ensure your application is ready. After submitting a completed application, a City planner will review it within 5 to 10 working days. Once your permit drawings are prepared, you or your architect can submit them for a Plan Check.
After submission and fee payment, the city has 60 calendar days to determine if the application is complete. If no response is provided within this time, the permit is automatically approved. If revisions are required, your designer must make the changes and resubmit. The application must demonstrate compliance with ADU regulations, as incomplete information alone cannot justify a denial. Plan check fees for ADU projects in Carson are approximately $1,813.
Does Cerritos require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
Cerritos doesn't require in-person plan submissions for ADUs because the Department of Community Development has facilitated the acceptance of applications and plans online.
Does Cerritos require coastal development permits?
No, Cerritos does not require permits for coastal development in any of its areas.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Cerritos?
The requirement for a licensed professional to design an ADU in Cerritos depends on the complexity of the project.
Cost, financing and market value of ADUs
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Cerritos?
Constructing an ADU in Cerritos generally requires a budget of around $380 per square foot for construction. This estimate should also account for expenses such as permits, architectural design, and engineering services. For example, the total cost for a 900-square-foot ADU typically amounts to approximately $390,000, covering both soft and hard costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in Cerritos?
To evaluate the financial potential of building an ADU in Cerritos, it’s important to compare construction costs with the local real estate market. For instance, a 900-square-foot ADU in Cerritos might have a market value of around $675,000. Given the construction costs of approximately $390,000, this suggests a potential return on investment of 73%.
Moreover, profitability can also be considered by looking at potential rental income or the benefits of having family members live on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in Cerritos?
AB 1033 allows local agencies in California to set guidelines for selling accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and primary homes as condominiums while maintaining existing regulations for ADU development.
In Cerritos, selling an ADU requires a local ordinance that outlines specific conditions: the ADU can be sold if it was built by a qualified nonprofit corporation, if there is a recorded tenancy in common agreement, or if the city permits the sale of the ADU and main home as separate condominiums.
Are ADUs rent controlled in Cerritos?
Rent control regulations do not apply to ADUs in Cerritos. While older buildings might be subject to rent control if they meet certain criteria, such as being at least 15 years old, ADUs are exempt from such regulations, such as AB 1482, as they are newly constructed units.
How do I get money to build an ADU in Cerritos?
In Cerritos, residents have several options to explore for financing the construction of an ADU. Although the CalHFA ADU grant, which covers soft costs like permitting, has been fully allocated as of May 2023, residents can investigate financing programs offered by individual jurisdictions, including Cerritos. These programs may feature options such as low-interest loans or fee exemptions. Additionally, residents can evaluate the current ADU market, including rental rates and potential income, to make well-informed decisions.
Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.
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