Cali ADU Design+Build
What are the requirements to build ADU in Gardena?
Building an ADU in Gardena offers an excellent chance to increase your living space, support multigenerational living, or provide a separate area for aging in-laws. To ensure the success of your ADU project, it's crucial to understand the city's regulations and assess the financial feasibility of constructing an ADU in Gardena City. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Gardena's ADU regulations and key financial considerations, helping you plan and execute your project efficiently.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in Gardena?
In Gardena, you can build one ADU per single-family residential lot, whether it is attached or detached from the primary building.
How large can an attached ADU be in Gardena?
An attached ADU can be a maximum of 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit, or up to 1,000 square feet for a unit with more than one bedroom. However, waivers can be granted for an accessory dwelling unit of up to 800 square feet.
How large can a detached ADU be in Gardena?
In Gardena, a detached ADU can have the same size limitations as an attached ADU: a maximum of 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit, or up to 1,000 square feet for a unit with more than one bedroom. Waivers can also allow for an ADU of up to 800 square feet.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in Gardena?
Yes, you can build a 2-story ADU in Gardena.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
Yes, in Gardena, the minimum size of an ADU is 150 square feet.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, you can convert existing space into an ADU in Gardena.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
In Gardena, the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a single-family house is:
- 16 feet for a detached ADU.
- 18 feet for a detached ADU within half a mile of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor, with an additional 2 feet allowed for roof pitch alignment.
- 25 feet or the height limit of the zone (whichever is lower) for an ADU attached to the primary dwelling or built above an existing garage, not more than two stories.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does Gardena allow for multifamily properties?
In Gardena, multifamily properties can have ADUs by converting up to 25% of existing units, with a minimum of one unit required. Additionally, you can construct up to two detached ADUs.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Gardena?
An attached ADU for a multifamily building can have the same size limitations as for single-family residences: a maximum of 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit, or up to 1,000 square feet for a unit with more than one bedroom. Waivers can also allow for an ADU of up to 800 square feet.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Gardena?
In Gardena, a detached ADU for a multifamily building can be up to 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit, and up to 1,000 square feet for a unit with more than one bedroom. Additionally, waivers may allow the construction of an ADU up to 800 square feet.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
No, in Gardena, detached ADUs cannot be stacked on top of each other. They should be attached to the primary dwelling or built above an existing garage to comply with regulations.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
No, attaching two ADUs to each other in Gardena is not allowed. The city allows up to two separate ADUs on a lot with an existing multifamily dwelling.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, existing space in a multifamily building can be converted to an ADU in Gardena if they are not used as livable space.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
In Gardena, the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multifamily building is:
- 16 feet for a detached ADU.
- 18 feet for a detached ADU within half a mile of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor, with an additional 2 feet for roof pitch alignment.
- 18 feet for a detached ADU on a lot with a multifamily, multistory dwelling.
- 25 feet or the height limit of the zone (whichever is lower) for an ADU attached to the primary dwelling or built above an existing garage, not more than two stories.
What ADU types are allowed to build in Gardena?
Gardena offers several options for building ADUs:
(1) Detached ADU: A standalone structure, fully separate from the main house.
(2) Attached ADU: A unit added to the existing home as an extension.
(3) Converted ADU: Converting unused spaces, such as garages, sheds, or storage areas, into functional living spaces with amenities like a kitchen and bathroom.
You can opt to construct a brand-new unit or modify an existing structure. Converting spaces like garages or sheds often bypass certain regulations, such as setbacks and height limitations, and may allow for minor expansions. However, working with older buildings can sometimes reveal unexpected challenges that might increase costs.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Gardena?
For ADUs, the minimum setback is 4 feet for side and rear yards. The city has not specified regulations for corner or through lots.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
An ADU needs to be at least 6 feet away from all other buildings on the lot or adjacent lots, whether it’s attached or detached.
Are setbacks required if converting existing structures into ADU?
No setbacks are required when converting existing structures into an ADU in Gardena, as long as the new ADU is built in the same spot and dimensions as the existing structure.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Gardena?
Yes, in Gardena, 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?
In Gardena, ADUs can have at least one bedroom, as opposed to studio units.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
While Gardena's rules don’t clearly define kitchen requirements, it’s common in California for ADUs to include full kitchens, unlike JADUs, which often have simpler kitchen setups.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
It depends. If the ADU is within an existing single-family home or accessory structure that meets the city’s standards, a new utility connection isn’t required, and there’s no connection fee. For other ADUs that don’t meet these conditions, a new utility connection is needed, along with a connection fee or capacity charge based on size or plumbing fixtures.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
The minimum ceiling height for livable areas in ADUs in California, as required by the California Building Code, is 7 feet.
Find out the maximum ADU size for your property here
The parking requirements for ADU
What is the parking requirement for an ADU in Gardena?
In Gardena, an ADU is required to have one parking space per unit. Some exceptions apply, such as when the ADU is within a half mile of a public transit stop, in a historically significant area, part of the main dwelling or accessory structure, or if on-street parking permits are required but not provided to the ADU occupant. No parking is needed if a car-share vehicle is available within a block.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
Parking spaces for ADUs can be located in different places, including tandem parking on existing driveways, as long as it doesn’t block public sidewalks. They can also be located in paved areas of setback zones, provided the total paving meets regulations. If a garage, carport, or covered parking is removed or changed during ADU construction, those parking spaces don’t need to be replaced.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Gardena?
The Building and Safety Division takes 10 business days for the initial review and 5 days for corrections. However, total time can vary as approvals are needed from Planning, Public Works, L.A. County Fire, and LAUSD.
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. The plan check fee for ADUs in Gardena is roughly $2,097.
Does Gardena require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
No, Gardena uses an Electronic Plan Review (EPR) system. Applications, documents, and fees can be submitted online via email. After payment, the review process begins, and feedback is provided through email.
Does Gardena require coastal development permits?
No, Gardena does not require coastal development permits for any locations within the city.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Gardena?
In Gardena, hiring a licensed professional, like a California-licensed engineer or architect, is necessary for ADU design when the project is complex.
Cost, financing and market value of ADUs
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Gardena?
In Gardena, constructing an ADU costs approximately $380 per square foot. Besides construction expenses, you should also budget for permits, architect fees, and engineering fees. For instance, the total cost for a 900-square-foot ADU is around $390,000, covering both soft and hard costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in Gardena?
The financial viability of building an ADU in Gardena depends on construction costs and the local real estate market. A 900-square-foot ADU in this area is valued at about $580,000. With a total construction cost of around $390,000, this results in a return on investment of approximately 50%.
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 Gardena?
AB 1033 allows California local agencies to set rules for selling ADUs and primary homes as condominiums while maintaining current ADU development guidelines.
In Gardena, selling an ADU should follow local regulations. The ADU can be sold if constructed by a qualified nonprofit if a tenancy in common agreement is recorded, or if the city allows both the ADU and primary home to be sold separately as condominiums.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in Gardena?
No, ADUs in Gardena are not subject to rent control regulations. Rent control typically applies to older buildings, usually those that are at least 15 years old. Since ADUs are newly constructed, they aren’t affected by these rules. Therefore, rent control laws like AB 1482 do not apply to ADUs in Gardena.
How do I get money to build an ADU in Gardena?
Homeowners looking to finance the construction of an ADU in Gardena have several options, including the CalHFA ADU Grant Program. This program offers grants of up to $40,000, depending on the homeowner's income, which can be as high as $158,000 for properties occupied by the owner. The grant helps cover initial costs such as site preparation, ADU design, obtaining permits, and other related expenses. Additionally, homeowners have the freedom to choose their tenants for the ADU.
Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.
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