Housable
What are the requirements to build ADU in Hermosa Beach?
Building an ADU in Hermosa Beach enables you to increase your living space and generate rental income. To ensure your ADU project's success, it is essential to understand Hermosa Beach's local regulations and carefully assess the financial implications of construction. This guide provides comprehensive insights into Hermosa Beach's ADU regulations and key financial considerations, helping you efficiently plan and execute your project.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in Hermosa Beach?
In Hermosa Beach, you can build one ADU on a single-family lot with either an existing or proposed dwelling. This includes both attached and detached ADUs.
How large can an attached ADU be in Hermosa Beach?
In Hermosa Beach, an attached ADU can reach up to 850 square feet for a studio or one bedroom and 1,000 square feet for a unit with two or more bedrooms. If the ADU is on a lot with an existing primary dwelling, its size cannot be larger than 50% of the primary dwelling's floor area. However, the ADU minimum size is 800 square feet.
How large can a detached ADU be in Hermosa Beach?
In Hermosa Beach, a detached ADU can be up to 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit, and 1,000 square feet for a unit with two or more bedrooms.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in Hermosa Beach?
Yes, it is allowed to construct a 2-story ADU in Hermosa Beach.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
No, there is no minimum size requirement for an ADU in Hermosa Beach. However, the Building Code will require a minimum size for each room type to create livable spaces.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, you can create an ADU within the proposed or existing single-family dwelling space or an existing accessory structure, such as a garage. You can add an extra 150 square feet for access purposes specifically for the ADU.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
A detached ADU on a lot with a single-family home cannot be over 16 feet in height. However, if it's within half a mile of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor, it can be up to 18 feet tall. It may reach 20 feet if needed to match the roof pitch of the primary dwelling.
For an attached ADU, it should comply with height restrictions, unless converting existing space that exceeds the primary dwelling's height regulations.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does Hermosa Beach allow for multifamily properties?
Multifamily properties can have at least one ADU within the existing building, with a maximum of 25% of the total multifamily units being converted. Additionally, up to two detached ADUs are allowed.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Hermosa Beach?
An attached ADU in a multifamily building can be up to 850 square feet for a studio or one bedroom and 1,000 square feet for a unit with two or more bedrooms. If the ADU is on a lot with an existing primary dwelling, its size cannot be larger than 50% of the primary dwelling's floor area. However, the ADU minimum size is 800 square feet.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Hermosa Beach?
A detached ADU for a multifamily building can also reach 850 square feet for a studio or one bedroom and 1,000 square feet for a unit with two or more bedrooms.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
Hermosa Beach does not have guidelines about stacking detached ADUs on top of each other.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
No, Hermosa Beach does not allow you to attach two ADUs. They should connect to the primary building instead.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, you can convert livable space in existing multifamily dwellings into one or more ADUs.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
A detached ADU on a multifamily lot cannot be over 16 feet in height. However, if located within half a mile of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor, it can be up to 18 feet tall. It may reach 20 feet if necessary to match the primary dwelling's roof pitch.
For multifamily buildings with multiple stories, detached ADUs cannot be higher than 18 feet.
An attached ADU should comply with height restrictions unless it involves converting existing space that exceeds the primary dwelling's height regulations.
What ADU types are allowed to build in Hermosa Beach?
Hermosa Beach provides several options for constructing ADUs:
(1) Detached ADU: A fully independent structure, separate from the main residence.
(2) Attached ADU: A unit that is physically connected to the existing home.
(3) Converted ADU: Converting unused spaces, such as garages, sheds, or storage rooms, into livable areas with essential amenities like a kitchen and bathroom.
You can choose to build a new ADU or repurpose an existing space. Converting areas like garages or sheds may allow you to avoid certain regulations, such as setback and height limitations, and may permit minor additions. However, renovating older buildings can reveal unexpected challenges that could increase costs.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Hermosa Beach?
An ADU requires a front-yard setback of 25 feet, while side and rear-yard setbacks require 4 feet.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
Hermosa Beach doesn’t specify a minimum distance from existing structures for ADUs. However, many cities typically require a distance of at least 6 feet.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
No, if you convert existing structures into an ADU in Hermosa Beach, you don't need to follow setback requirements.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Hermosa Beach?
Yes, you can build an ADU in the front yard of your property, but only if there is no other area on the lot that can accommodate at least an 800 sq ft unit. Additionally, you should follow zoning setback regulations, including a 25-foot front-yard setback.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
In Hermosa Beach, an ADU is allowed to have a minimum of 1 bedroom, unless it's designed as a studio unit.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
While Hermosa Beach's regulations don't explicitly state this, in most cases, ADUs in California are equipped with full kitchens, unlike JADUs, which commonly feature efficiency kitchens.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
Yes, an ADU requires an independent utility meter if it's constructed alongside a new single-family home in Hermosa Beach.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
The minimum ceiling height for ADUs in Hermosa Beach is 7 feet, as required by state regulations.
Find out the maximum ADU size for your property here
The parking requirements for ADU
What is the parking requirement for an ADU in Hermosa Beach?
Each ADU should have one off-street parking space, but there are exceptions. Parking may not be required if the ADU is within half a mile of public transit, located in a historic district, or part of the primary residence or an accessory structure. Additionally, if on-street parking permits are needed but unavailable to the ADU occupant, or if a car share vehicle stop is within one block, parking requirements may be waived.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
Parking for an ADU may be located in setback areas or as tandem parking. If a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is removed or converted alongside ADU construction, there's no requirement to replace off-street parking spaces.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Hermosa Beach?
In Hermosa Beach, the ADU permit process typically takes about 3.5 to 4 months. Once your permit drawings are ready, you or your architect should submit them for a Plan Check. It’s advisable to arrange a pre-plan check meeting with a planner to ensure the application is thorough before submission.
After submission and fee payment, the city has 60 calendar days to assess whether your application is complete. If no response is received within this timeframe, the permit is automatically approved. If revisions are required, your designer will need to make the adjustments and resubmit the plans. The application should demonstrate compliance with ADU regulations, as missing information alone will not lead to denial. The plan check fee for ADU projects in Hermosa Beach is about $2,646.
Does Hermosa Beach require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
Yes, larger plan submissions for ADUs can be made in person using a USB drive.
Does Hermosa Beach require coastal development permits?
Yes, some developments or changes in Hermosa Beach may need a Coastal Development Permit (CDP) from the California Coastal Commission, particularly if they significantly change floor area, height, use, or impact coastal resources.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Hermosa Beach?
A licensed professional, such as an architect or engineer, is required to design an ADU in Hermosa Beach when the construction plans deviate from standard building code requirements.
Cost, financing and market value of ADUs
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Hermosa Beach?
Constructing an ADU in Hermosa Beach typically costs around $380 per square foot, including expenses for permits, architectural design, and engineering services. For example, building a 900-square-foot ADU would generally cost about $390,000, covering both soft and hard costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in Hermosa Beach?
Evaluating the financial viability of building an ADU in Hermosa Beach involves comparing construction costs with local real estate market values. For instance, a 900-square-foot ADU could potentially be valued at approximately $1,170,000. With construction costs estimated at $390,000, this indicates a potential return on investment of 200%.
Additionally, profitability considerations may include potential rental income or the benefits of accommodating family members on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in Hermosa Beach?
AB 1033 allows local agencies in California to create regulations for selling ADUs and primary homes as condominiums while maintaining existing ADU development standards.
In Hermosa Beach, selling an ADU follows local regulations. An ADU can be sold if constructed by a qualified nonprofit, if there is a recorded tenancy in common agreement, or if the city permits the separate sale of both the ADU and the primary home as condominiums.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in Hermosa Beach?
No, ADUs in Hermosa Beach aren't covered by rent control laws. They're treated as new constructions and aren't bound by regulations like AB 1482, which lets landlords hike rents each year. This exception mainly applies to buildings that are at least 15 years old.
How do I get money to build an ADU in Hermosa Beach?
For financing an ADU construction in Hermosa Beach, homeowners can explore options like the Accessory Dwelling Unit Grant Program offered by the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA). Qualified homeowners could receive grants of up to $40,000 to cover pre-development and closing expenses, which may include reductions in interest rates. Eligibility for the grant is determined based on income limits set by CalHFA, with households earning below $158,000 in Los Angeles County being eligible.
Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.
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