Source: Cali ADU Design+Build
What are the requirements to build ADU in Compton?
Constructing an ADU in Compton provides an excellent opportunity to increase your living space and offer affordable housing for adult children as they transition to independent living. To ensure the success of your ADU project, it is essential to understand the city's regulations and evaluate the financial feasibility of building an ADU in Compton. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of Compton'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 Compton?
In Compton, only one ADU can be built on a property with an existing or proposed single-family home, regardless of whether it is attached or detached from the primary building.
How large can an attached ADU be in Compton?
In Compton, an attached ADU can take up to 50% of the gross floor area of the existing primary dwelling. It should not be larger than 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit, and 1,000 square feet for units with more than one bedroom.
How large can a detached ADU be in Compton?
A detached ADU can be up to 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit. If it has more than one bedroom, the maximum size is 1,000 square feet.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in Compton?
Possibly. Whether a 2-story ADU can be built in Compton depends on its height with the primary dwelling. If attached ADUs can reach 30 feet, that may allow for building 2 stories.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
Yes, in Compton, there is a minimum size requirement for an ADU. It should be at least the size of an efficiency unit, which has a minimum floor area of 150 square feet.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, you can convert existing space, like a garage, into an ADU on a property with a single-family home. However, any future additions to the primary residence are limited to a maximum of 300 square feet.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
In Compton, attached ADUs should match the height of the primary dwelling. If an ADU is built above a garage, it can be up to 30 feet tall. Detached ADUs have a height limit of 16 feet.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does Compton allow for multifamily properties?
In Compton, multifamily properties can have up to 2 detached ADUs. You can also convert one or more ADUs within non-livable areas of existing multifamily buildings, with a limit of 25% of the total units on the lot.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Compton?
For multifamily buildings in Compton, an attached ADU can also take up to 50% of the gross floor area of the primary dwelling. It should not be larger than 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit, and 1,000 square feet for units with more than one bedroom.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Compton?
A detached ADU in a multifamily building in Compton follows the same size limits: up to 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit, and 1,000 square feet for units with more than one bedroom.
Can you stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
No, stacking detached ADUs on top of each other is not allowed in Compton. This rule applies specifically to ADUs built above a garage, which can be a maximum height of 30 feet.
Can you attach two ADUs to each other?
No, attaching two ADUs to each other is not allowed in Compton. While up to two separate ADUs can be on a lot with an existing multifamily dwelling, they cannot be attached.
Can you convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, converting existing space into an ADU is allowed in Compton. This allows for one or more ADUs to be created within parts of existing multifamily buildings that are not currently used as livable space.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
For multifamily properties in Compton, the height rules for ADUs are the same as those for single-family homes. Attached ADUs should align with the height of the primary dwelling unless built above a garage, where they can reach up to 30 feet. Detached ADUs are limited to 16 feet.
What ADU types are allowed to build in Compton?
The following types of ADUs are allowed:
1. Detached ADU: A separate structure independent of the main house.
2. Attached ADU: A newly constructed addition directly connected to the existing home.
3. Converted ADU: Converting non-livable spaces, such as garages, sheds, or storage areas, into a functional unit with amenities like a kitchen and bathroom.
You can either build a new ADU from scratch or convert an existing structure. Conversions, like those of garages or sheds, often bypass setback and height restrictions and may include expansions. However, older structures could pose unexpected challenges that might increase costs.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Compton?
An ADU should be setback at least 4 feet from the side and rear lot lines. However, specific regulations for corner or through lots have not been specified.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
Compton doesn’t have a specific distance requirement for ADUs from existing buildings. However, many cities typically require at least 6 feet of space between ADUs and existing structures.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
Compton hasn't outlined setback rules for converting existing spaces into ADUs. However, in many cities within Los Angeles County, setbacks are not required in these cases.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Compton?
It is possible to build an ADU in the front yard of your Compton property, but only if there isn't enough space elsewhere on the lot to fit a unit of at least 800 square feet. Zoning setback requirements should still be observed.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
In Compton, ADUs usually have at least one bedroom, while studio units may not have a separate bedroom.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
Yes, an ADU requires a full kitchen, setting it apart from a JADU.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
ADUs need adequate water and sewer services, which can come from the same connections as the primary dwelling. However, if the ADU is newly built and not converted from existing space, it may require a separate utility connection directly to the utility provider.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
In Compton, new residential constructions, including ADUs, should comply with the California Building Code's requirement of a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet for habitable spaces.
Find out how many ADUs you're allowed to have on your property.
The parking requirements for ADU
What is the parking requirement for an ADU in Compton?
In Compton, each ADU needs one off-street parking space, although there are exceptions. These exceptions apply to ADUs located within a half-mile of public transit, those in architecturally or historically significant areas, or those that are part of a primary dwelling or accessory structure. Exemptions also exist in places where on-street parking permits are necessary but not available for ADU residents, as well as when the ADU is within one block of a city-approved car-share parking space.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
Parking spaces in Compton can be placed in side or rear setback areas or set up as tandem parking, provided they don't block sidewalks, pedestrian paths, or streets. If an ADU is created by converting or removing a garage, carport, or covered parking space, replacing that parking is not necessary as long as the ADU remains a legal unit.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Compton?
The permitting process usually takes 3.5 to 4 months. Once your permit drawings are complete, you or your architect can submit them for a Plan Check. A pre-plan check meeting with the planner is advised to ensure your application is ready.
After submitting the application and paying the fees, the city has 60 calendar days to confirm if the application is complete. If no response is received within this period, the permit is automatically approved. If corrections are needed, your designer should address them and resubmit. The application should provide sufficient details to show compliance with ADU regulations, as missing information alone is not a valid reason for denial. Plan check fees for ADU projects in Claremont are approximately $2,783.
Does Compton require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
Yes. ADUs do not qualify for online application submission, so the applicant should proceed with in-person submission.
Does Compton require coastal development permits?
No, in Compton, there is no requirement for coastal development permits.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Compton?
In Compton, hire a licensed professional for ADU design if your project involves non-traditional construction methods.
Cost, financing and market value of ADUs
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Compton?
In Compton, the cost to build an ADU is around $380 per square foot. In addition to construction expenses, you should budget 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 Compton?
The financial feasibility of constructing an ADU in Compton depends on construction costs and the local real estate market. A 900-square-foot ADU in this area is valued at around $720,000. With a total construction cost of about $390,000, this results in a return on investment of approximately 84%.
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 Compton?
AB 1033 allows local agencies in California to establish rules for the sale of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and primary residences as condominiums while keeping the current regulations for ADU development intact.
In Compton, the sale of an ADU depends on a local ordinance that specifies certain criteria: the ADU can be sold if a qualified nonprofit corporation constructed it, if a recorded tenancy in common agreement exists, or if the city allows the ADU and the main home to be sold as individual condominiums.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in Compton?
No, ADUs in Compton are not subject to rent control laws. Rent control usually applies to older properties, typically those 15 years or older. Since ADUs are newly built, they are exempt from these rules. Therefore, laws like AB 1482, which deals with rent control, do not affect ADUs in Compton.
How do I get money to build an ADU in Compton?
To secure funding for building an ADU in Compton, homeowners have various options available. One avenue is participating in the CalHFA ADU Grant Program, which operates within the city. This program offers grants of up to $40,000, depending on the homeowner's income, with a maximum income threshold of $158,000 for owner-occupied properties. These funds can be used for various initial expenses, including site preparation, ADU design, permits, and associated costs. Additionally, homeowners maintain the freedom to select tenants for their ADU.
Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.
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