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ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Diamond Bar
In California, many older adults would rather remain in their homes and communities than relocate to an assisted living facility. The main challenge is figuring out how to maintain their independence without raising expenses, while still getting the necessary support and potentially increasing their property’s value. This article presents a simple solution to help meet these goals.
Building a separate living area on your property is a practical way to create more space. It’s a budget-friendly option for seniors to stay close to family while maintaining their independence. As time goes on, the space can be repurposed for different needs.
Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in Diamond Bar
What is an ADU?
An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a small, independent living area located on the same property as a main house. Often called granny flats or in-law suites, these units include essentials like a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. They can be attached to the main house, built separately, or created by repurposing an existing space.
Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place
Flexible Use: If no longer needed for senior living, the ADU can be repurposed for other family members or rented out for extra income.
Cost-Effective: Building an ADU is usually more affordable than moving to a retirement home, making it a good choice for families.
Stay Close to Loved Ones: ADUs allow seniors to live near family while keeping their independence, with assistance available when needed.
Easier to Navigate: ADUs can be tailored to meet the needs of seniors, with features like wider doors, single-level designs, and slip-resistant floors for added safety.
Not sure which ADU option is right for you or your property?
Cali ADU Design + Build
How do you improve the property to fit your elderly parent?
Making your home safer and more comfortable for an elderly parent, especially if they have memory challenges, can improve their quality of life. Simple changes, such as labeling items or rearranging furniture to minimize clutter, can help them feel more at ease and reduce confusion.
A simple, one-level living space with a bedroom, bathroom, and cozy sitting area is a great option. Ensure the area is well-lit, add handrails where needed, and choose furniture with smooth, rounded edges to avoid accidents. In the kitchen, open shelves or clear cabinets can make it easier to find things.
For added safety, you might want to install motion-sensor lights or smart devices that can notify you if something goes wrong. These adjustments allow your parent to maintain their independence while providing reassurance that they are safe and close by.
What are the economics of building an ADU for the aging-in-place scenario?
If older couples have already paid off their homes, this can provide a financial advantage. In such cases, using a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) could fund the construction of an ADU. After the ADU is ready and your parents move in, renting out the main house could generate income to repay the HELOC. The important part is making sure the rent from the main house is enough to cover the loan payments. While it might seem complicated, breaking it down with a simple example can show how it could be manageable.
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 Diamond Bar is $525,852. A loan that has a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $3,324. 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 $720,000 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 Diamond Bar
Where can ADUs be built?
ADUs are allowed on properties zoned for either single-family or multi-family homes.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a single-family zone?
In Diamond Bar, the largest ADU in a single-family zone can be 1,600 square feet, with a maximum height of 16 feet.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a multi-family zone?
ADUs in multi-family zones in Diamond Bar have the same size and height limits: up to 1,600 square feet and no taller than 16 feet.
What is the minimum setback for an ADU?
The minimum setback for an ADU in Diamond Bar is 4 feet from the property lines.
What are the safety regulations for an ADU?
Fire sprinklers are not required in an ADU if the main home doesn’t have them. The construction of an ADU will not trigger a requirement to add sprinklers to an existing multi-family dwelling.
Is independent access from the main house required?
Yes, the ADU should have a separate entry that does not connect directly to the front of the main house or face the street.
What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?
When designing an ADU for elderlies, it’s important to include features such as ramps, handrails, and wider doors for easier access. Some of these changes may require special permits.
Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?
No, mobile homes cannot be used as ADUs because they don’t have permanent foundations. ADUs should be built on stable, permanent foundations that meet California's building codes.
How fast can you build an ADU?
The process of building an ADU typically takes 3 to 6 months, depending on factors like permits, design, and site conditions.
What are the rules for ADU ownership in Diamond Bar?
Is the property owner required to live in the main house?
Diamond Bar’s rules don’t specify whether the property owner should live in the main house.
What are the rental regulations for an ADU?
Short-term rentals are not allowed. ADUs can be rented out, but this is not required. Any ADU built after June 1, 2017, should be rented for at least 30 days.
What permits are needed for an ADU?
Before starting construction on an ADU, you’ll need a building permit. In general, all codes related to construction, fire safety, and habitability that apply to regular homes also apply to ADUs, unless stated otherwise by local or state laws.
Resources and Where to Start in Diamond Bar
To get started, Diamond Bar residents can reach out to the Diamond Bar 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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