Unsplash
ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Glendora
Staying in their own homes allows many older adults in California to maintain the independence and comfort they cherish, rather than moving to senior care facilities. The main hurdle is figuring out how to provide the support they need without increasing costs, while also potentially improving their property’s worth. This article explores a straightforward way to meet these goals.
ADUs are a practical way to create additional living spaces on your property. These small, standalone units can be tailored with senior-friendly features for safety and convenience, offering a cost-effective, long-term housing option. They help seniors stay close to their community and can be modified later to adapt to their evolving needs.
Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in Glendora
What is an ADU?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a small home built on the same property as a larger main house. Commonly called granny flats or in-law suites, these units include basic features like a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. They can be built as attached, detached, or by converting an existing space like a garage.
Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place
Versatile Use: If not needed by seniors, the ADU can house other family members or be rented out for extra income.
Affordable Housing: Building an ADU is usually less expensive than moving into a retirement home, making it a smart option for families.
Staying Close: ADUs allow seniors to live near family while keeping their independence, with help available when necessary.
Safe Design: These units can be tailored with features like wider doors, no steps, and non-slip flooring to create a secure and comfortable space for older adults.
Not sure which ADU option is right for you or your property?
Gather ADU
How do you improve the property to fit your elderly parent?
Making your home safer and more accessible for an aging parent, especially if they have memory difficulties, can improve their quality of life. Small changes, like labeling household items or rearranging furniture to reduce clutter, can make it easier for them to move around and avoid confusion.
A good option is to create a simple, one-story living space with essentials like a bedroom, bathroom, and cozy seating. Ensure the area is well-lit, add handrails in needed areas, and choose furniture with rounded edges to lower the risk of accidents. In the kitchen, using open shelves or clear cabinet doors can make things easier to find.
For added peace of mind, consider installing motion-sensor lights or smart devices that send alerts in emergencies. These updates help your parent live independently while keeping you confident that they are safe and close by.
What are the economics of building an ADU for the aging-in-place scenario?
For older couples who have already paid off their mortgage, using a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) to fund an ADU can be a financially smart choice. Once the ADU is built and your parents move in, renting out the main house could generate enough income to cover the HELOC payments. The key is ensuring the main house's rent is sufficient to cover the loan.
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 Glendora is $517,920. A loan with a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $3,274. 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 $600,000 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 Glendora
Where can ADUs be built?
ADUs can only be built on properties designated for single-family or multi-family use.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a single-family zone?
In Glendora, an ADU on a single-family property can be up to 1,000 square feet in size and no taller than 16 feet.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a multi-family zone?
For multi-family properties in Glendora, ADUs are limited to 1,000 square feet and can be up to 16 feet tall.
What is the minimum setback for an ADU?
The minimum setback for an ADU in Glendora is 4 feet from the property lines.
What are the safety regulations for an ADU?
While Glendora’s code doesn’t specifically address this, generally, if the main house has fire sprinklers, the ADU will also require them.
Is independent access from the main house required?
Although not explicitly mentioned in Glendora's rules, most cities require ADUs to have a separate entrance from the main house.
What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?
When designing an ADU for seniors, you should include features like ramps, handrails, and wider doorways for better accessibility. Some of these changes may require special permits.
Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?
Mobile homes can’t be used as ADUs because they don’t have permanent foundations. ADUs need to be built on solid, stable foundations that meet California building standards.
How fast can you build an ADU?
Building an ADU typically takes between 3 to 6 months, depending on things like permits, design finalization, and site preparation.
What are the rules for ADU ownership in Glendora?
Is the property owner required to live in the main house?
Glendora's rules don’t mention whether the property owner should live in the main house.
What are the rental regulations for an ADU?
Neither the main home nor the ADU can be rented out for less than 30 days.
What permits are needed for an ADU?
While Glendora doesn’t specify exact permits, most cities require a building permit or ADU permit for construction. If there are major changes or demolitions, a demolition permit is usually needed.
Resources and Where to Start in Glendora
To get started, Glendora residents can reach out to the Glendora City Planning Department for ADU guidelines and zoning details.
ADU Analysis shows the maximum ADU size for the best return on your property.
Related Articles
All You Need to Know About Building on Properties in Glendora Under SB-9
Everything You Need to Know About SB-684 Development in Glendora
How to get your permits fast or the benefits of using SB-423 in Glendora
How to Make My ADU a Profitable Investment in Glendora?