ADU HOMES
What are the requirements to build ADU in El Monte?
Building an ADU in El Monte offers a great chance to expand your home, whether for extended family or to provide a separate space for elderly parents. To ensure your ADU project is successful, it’s important to understand the city’s regulations and evaluate the financial aspects of constructing an ADU in El Monte. This guide provides a detailed overview of El Monte's ADU rules 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 El Monte?
In El Monte, you can build one attached ADU and one detached ADU for a single-family home.
How large can an attached ADU be in El Monte?
The size of an attached ADU is limited to 50 percent of the existing or proposed primary dwelling's total square footage. Additionally, it should not be larger than 850 square feet for a studio or 1 bedroom, and 1,000 square feet for more than 1 bedroom.
How large can a detached ADU be in El Monte?
For a detached ADU, the maximum square footage is 850 square feet for a studio or 1 bedroom, and 1,000 square feet for more than 1 bedroom.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in El Monte?
Yes, building a 2-story ADU in El Monte is possible, as the attached ADUs can reach a height limit of 30 feet.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
No, El Monte does not have specific regulations regarding the minimum size of an ADU.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, you can convert existing space into an ADU in El Monte.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
For a property with a single-family house, the maximum height for a detached ADU is 16 feet in all zoning districts.
However, it can be allowed up to 18 feet under some conditions, such as being within a half-mile walking distance of a High Transit Corridor or Major Transit Stop, aligning with the roof pitch of the primary dwelling.
For attached ADUs, the maximum height is 25 feet (1 and 1/2 stories) in the One-family Dwelling (R-1C) Zoning District and 30 feet (2 stories) in all other zoning districts.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does El Monte allow for multifamily properties?
For multifamily properties in El Monte, up to two detached ADUs are allowed, along with the option to convert up to 25% of the existing units into ADUs.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in El Monte?
The size of an attached ADU for a multifamily building in El Monte is restricted to 50 percent of the total square footage of the existing or proposed primary dwelling. Moreover, it should not be bigger than 850 square feet for a studio or one bedroom, and 1,000 square feet for more than 1 bedroom.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in El Monte?
For a multifamily property in El Monte, a detached ADU can measure up to 850 square feet for a studio or one bedroom, and up to 1,000 square feet for more than 1 bedroom.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
El Monte has not issued any specific rules about stacking detached ADUs one on top of the other.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
No, according to El Monte guidelines, an ADU should share a wall with the existing or proposed primary dwelling or multi-family structure, with habitable space on both sides of the wall.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, you can convert existing space into an ADU in El Monte, up to 25% of the existing units in a multi-family structure, provided each ADU is created by converting existing non-livable space.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
For properties with multifamily buildings, detached ADUs can reach a maximum height of 16 feet across all zoning districts.
However, exceptions allow for heights up to 18 feet if certain conditions are met, like proximity to transit or alignment with the main house's roof pitch or being developed with an existing or proposed multi-family development that is more than 1 story in height.
Attached ADUs have a height limit of 25 feet (1 and 1/2 stories) in the One-family Dwelling (R-1C) Zoning District and 30 feet (2 stories) in other zoning districts.
What ADU types are allowed to build in El Monte?
El Monte offers several options for building ADUs:
(1) Detached ADU: A standalone structure, separate from the main dwelling.
(2) Attached ADU: An addition that connects directly to the existing home.
(3) Converted ADU: Converting unused areas, such as garages, sheds, or storage rooms, into a functional living space with amenities like a kitchen and bathroom.
You can choose to construct a new unit or repurpose an existing structure. Converting spaces like garages or sheds often avoids certain requirements, such as setback and height regulations, and may allow for minor expansions. However, older buildings might present unforeseen challenges that could increase the overall costs.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in El Monte?
In El Monte, ADUs should have a minimum side and rear yard setback of 4 feet. On corner lots, setbacks should meet the minimum requirement of the zoning district.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
A detached ADU should be at least 6 feet away from the primary house or any multi-family building.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
No, setbacks are not necessary when converting existing structures into ADUs.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in El Monte?
Yes, in El Monte, you can place an ADU in the front yard if the property lacks adequate space to accommodate a unit of at least 800 square feet in other areas. However, zoning setback requirements should still be met.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
An ADU in El Monte can have a minimum of one bedroom, which sets it apart from studio units.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
Yes, an ADU in El Monte requires a full kitchen, unlike JADUs, which tend to feature compact kitchen setups.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
No, an ADU typically doesn't need its utility meters in El Monte. This means it shares utilities, such as water and electricity, with the main house on the property. However, in some cases, separate utility connections might be required for larger ADUs or if the ADU was constructed with a new single-family dwelling.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
In El Monte, ADUs should follow the California Building Code, which requires a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet for livable areas, ensuring adequate space and comfort.
Find out the maximum ADU size for your property here
The parking requirements for ADU
What is the parking requirement for an ADU in El Monte?
The parking requirement for an ADU in El Monte is one space per ADU bedroom or unit, whichever is less, in addition to the parking for the existing dwelling. Exceptions include ADUs within a half mile of public transit, within the primary dwelling or an accessory building, with no on-street parking permits offered, or near a car-sharing vehicle within one block.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
Parking spaces for ADUs in El Monte don't have to be enclosed and can be provided as tandem parking on an existing driveway. Additionally, if a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished, replacement isn't required, but if proposed, it should be on the same property as the primary dwelling.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in El Monte?
In El Monte, acquiring an ADU permit generally takes around 105 to 120 days. Once your architectural drawings are ready, they can be submitted for a Plan Check. Meeting with a planner beforehand can help ensure the application is thorough and accurate.
After submission and payment, the city has 8 weeks to review and determine if the application is complete. If no decision is made within this period, the permit is automatically approved. Should revisions be required, your designer should make the necessary updates and resubmit the plans. Applications should demonstrate compliance with ADU regulations, as missing information alone is not a valid reason for denial. The plan check fee for ADUs in El Monte is roughly $1,886.
Does El Monte require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
Yes. El Monte requires in-person submission of plans for an ADU as part of the permit application process handled by the Public Works Department. While appointments can be scheduled via the City Hall's main lobby QR Code, in-person visits are necessary. Contractors seeking permits should present proof of valid liability and workers' compensation insurance, a City of El Monte business license, and a contractor license.
Does El Monte require coastal development permits?
No. In El Monte, coastal development permits are not required in any of its areas.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in El Monte?
In El Monte, hiring a licensed professional to design an ADU is necessary if the project involves unconventional construction methods.
Cost, financing and market value of ADUs
How much does it cost to build an ADU in El Monte?
The expense of constructing an ADU in El Monte is roughly $380 per square foot. In addition to building costs, you should account for permits, architect fees, and engineering fees. For instance, constructing a 900-square-foot ADU costs around $390,000, including both soft and hard costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in El Monte?
The economic viability of constructing an ADU in El Monte relies on building costs and the local real estate market. A 900-square-foot ADU in this area is valued at approximately $540,000. With a total construction cost of around $390,000, this yields a return on investment of about 39%.
Profitability can also be evaluated based on potential rental income or the benefits of having family members live on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in El Monte?
AB 1033 allows local agencies in California to create rules for selling accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and primary homes as condominiums while maintaining existing ADU development regulations.
In El Monte, the sale of an ADU is subject to specific local ordinances. The ADU can be sold if it was constructed by a qualified nonprofit organization, if there is a recorded tenancy in common agreement, or if the city allows the ADU and the main home to be sold as separate condominiums.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in El Monte?
No, ADUs in El Monte are not subject to rent control regulations. Rent control usually applies to buildings that are at least 15 years old. However, since ADUs are new constructions, they are exempt from such regulations. Therefore, laws like AB 1482, which pertain to rent control, do not apply to ADUs in the City.
How do I get money to build an ADU in El Monte?
To finance the building of an ADU in El Monte, homeowners can take advantage of the ADU Loan Program offered by the City's housing division. This program provides a one-time loan of $75,000 for new construction, rehabilitation, or legalization of ADUs. Eligible homeowners comply with all City development and zoning requirements. Interested individuals can review the program guidelines and fill out a pre-application form, which they should bring to the City Hall West housing counter for processing. Upon approval of the pre-application, applicants will receive the necessary paperwork for the loan application process.
Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.
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