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What are the requirements to build ADU in Hawthorne?
Building an ADU in Hawthorne offers a great chance to expand your living space and generate rental income. To ensure the success of your ADU project, it is crucial to understand the city's regulations and assess the financial feasibility of constructing an ADU in Hawthorne. This guide provides a thorough overview of Hawthorne's ADU regulations and key financial considerations, assisting you in planning and executing your project effectively.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in Hawthorne?
In Hawthorne, a single-family residence lot can have only one ADU, which can be either attached or detached from the primary building.
How large can an attached ADU be in Hawthorne?
An attached ADU can reach up to 50% of the primary dwelling's habitable space, with a maximum size of 1,000 square feet or two bedrooms. If this 50% restriction results in a size smaller than 800 square feet, the city allows an ADU of up to 800 square feet.
How large can a detached ADU be in Hawthorne?
The maximum size for a detached ADU is 1,000 square feet.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in Hawthorne?
No, in Hawthorne, ADUs are limited to a maximum height of 16 feet and one story.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
Yes, the minimum size for an ADU in Hawthorne is 220 square feet.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, converting existing accessory structures into an ADU is allowed, with the option to expand up to 150 square feet for ingress and egress.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
For properties with a single-family house in Hawthorne, both attached and detached ADUs have a maximum height limit of 16 feet.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does Hawthorne allow for multifamily properties?
Multifamily properties can have a minimum of one ADU, with a maximum of 25 percent of the total units. Additionally, property owners can construct or convert detached accessory buildings into up to two ADUs.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Hawthorne?
For multifamily buildings, an attached ADU can occupy up to 50% of the primary dwelling's habitable space, with a maximum size of 1,000 square feet or two bedrooms. If this 50% limit results in a size smaller than 800 square feet, the city allows an ADU of up to 800 square feet.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Hawthorne?
The maximum allowable size for a detached ADU in Hawthorne, including multifamily buildings, is 1,000 square feet.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
No, the regulations in the city do not allow the stacking of detached ADUs.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
No, attaching two ADUs is not allowed in Hawthorne.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, converting existing space into an ADU is allowed in Hawthorne. For multifamily buildings, you can convert existing non-habitable spaces within the building. Additionally, existing accessory structures can also be converted into an ADU, with the option to expand by up to 150 square feet for ingress and egress.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
The maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multifamily building in Hawthorne is the same as for single-family houses. Both attached and detached ADUs have a maximum height limit of 16 feet.
What ADU types are allowed to build in Hawthorne?
Hawthorne offers several options for building ADUs:
(1) Detached ADU: A fully independent structure, separate from the main house.
(2) Attached ADU: An addition directly connected to the existing home.
(3) Converted ADU: Converting unused spaces, such as garages, sheds, or storage areas, into livable units with necessary features like a kitchen and bathroom.
You can either build a new ADU or modify an existing one. Converting areas like garages or sheds may help you bypass certain restrictions, such as setback and height requirements, and could allow for small additions. However, working with older buildings might uncover unexpected issues that could increase costs.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Hawthorne?
The minimum side yard and rear yard setback for an ADU is 4 feet. However, the city does not specify setback regulations for corner or through lots.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
The minimum distance an ADU should be from existing structures in Hawthorne is 6 feet.
Are setbacks required if converting existing structures into ADU?
No, setbacks are not required if an existing structure is converted into an ADU or if a new structure is built in the same location and with the same dimensions as the existing structure.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Hawthorne?
Yes, it is possible to build an ADU in the front yard of your property, but only if there is no other space on the lot that can fit a minimum 800 sq ft unit. You should also follow zoning setback requirements.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
In Hawthorne, each ADU is allowed to have a maximum of 2 bedrooms.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
Yes, in Hawthorne, an ADU is required to have only one full kitchen as opposed to JADU’s efficiency kitchen.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
No, an ADU in Hawthorne does not need independent utility meters unless it is newly constructed.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
The California Building Code generally requires a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet for habitable structures like ADUs.
Find out the maximum ADU size for your property here
The parking requirements for ADU
What is the parking requirement for an ADU in Hawthorne?
In Hawthorne, each ADU requires one parking space. However, no parking is needed if the ADU is within half a mile of public transit, located in a historic district, part of the primary residence or accessory structure, or if on-street parking permits are not available to the ADU occupant. Additionally, parking is waived if there's a car-share vehicle within one block.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
In Hawthorne, the exact location of parking spaces for ADUs is not specified. However, in many cities, parking is typically allowed in setbacks or existing driveways, often arranged as tandem parking. Additionally, if a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is removed or converted into an ADU, the city does not require the replacement of off-street parking spaces.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Hawthorne?
In Hawthorne, the process to obtain an ADU permit typically takes around 3.5 to 4 months. Once your permit drawings are finalized, you or your architect will need to submit them for a Plan Check. It’s recommended to schedule a pre-plan check meeting with a planner to ensure the application is complete before submission.
After submission and payment, the city has 60 calendar days to review your application for completeness. If there is no response within this period, the permit is automatically approved. If revisions are needed, your designer will need to make the necessary changes and resubmit the plans. The application must show compliance with ADU requirements, as missing information alone will not result in rejection. The plan check fee for ADU projects in Hawthorne is approximately $180.
Does Hawthorne require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
No, Hawthorne does not require in-person submission of plans for an ADU. All applications should be submitted and paid for by visiting the Hawthorne Citizen Self-Service website.
Does Hawthorne require coastal development permits?
No, Hawthorne does not require permits for coastal development.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Hawthorne?
In Hawthorne, if the project involves non-standard construction methods, a licensed professional is required to design an ADU.
Cost, financing and market value of ADUs
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Hawthorne?
In Hawthorne, constructing an ADU costs roughly $380 per square foot. Beyond construction expenses, you should also account for permits, architect fees, and engineering fees. For example, the total cost for a 900-square-foot ADU is around $390,000, including both soft and hard costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in Hawthorne?
The financial viability of constructing an ADU in Hawthorne depends on construction costs and the local real estate market. A 900-square-foot ADU in this area is valued at about $400,000. With a total construction cost of around $390,000, this results in a return on investment of approximately 5%.
Profitability can also be evaluated by considering potential rental income or the benefits of having family members reside on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in Hawthorne?
AB 1033 allows local agencies in California to create rules for selling ADUs and primary homes as condominiums while upholding existing ADU development standards.
In Hawthorne, selling an ADU should comply with local regulations. An ADU can be sold if it was built by a qualified nonprofit, if there is a recorded tenancy in common agreement, or if the city allows the separate sale of both the ADU and the primary home as condominiums.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in Hawthorne?
No, rent control regulations do not extend to ADUs in Hawthorne. Typically, rent control is applied to older properties, usually those aged 15 years or older. As ADUs are newly built, they are exempt from such regulations. Therefore, legislation like AB 1482, which addresses rent control, does not affect ADUs in Hawthorne.
How do I get money to build an ADU in Hawthorne?
In Hawthorne, there are multiple funding options available for homeowners seeking to build an ADU, including participation in the CalHFA ADU Grant Program. This program allocates 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 to cover various initial expenses such as site preparation, ADU design, permits, and related expenditures. Additionally, homeowners have the freedom to choose tenants for their ADU.
Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.
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