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ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Huntington Park
Remaining in their own homes is a priority for many seniors in California who value their independence. As they grow older, however, they often need extra support. Finding a way to provide this assistance without driving up costs—and potentially increasing property value—can be a challenge. This article explores an effective and affordable solution to these concerns.
Adding an ADU to your property is a practical way to provide additional living space. These small units can be tailored with features that make daily life easier and safer for older adults. They offer a cost-effective, long-term solution, keeping seniors close to their home environment while allowing for future adjustments as their needs change.
Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in Huntington Park
What is an ADU?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a small home built on the same lot as the main house. It can be a separate building, an addition to the main house, or a conversion of an existing space like a garage. ADUs are fully equipped with living, sleeping, cooking, and bathroom facilities, providing a self-contained living area.
Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place
Cost-Effective Solution
ADUs are a more affordable option compared to moving into a senior care facility. They also allow families to share a single property, reducing the expense of maintaining multiple homes.
Designed with Seniors in Mind
These units can be customized with safety features like no-step entryways, wider doors, handrails, and floors designed to prevent slips, making them more accessible and secure for older adults.
Close to Loved Ones
Seniors can avoid the stress of leaving their familiar surroundings by living in an ADU on the same property as their family. This setup keeps them connected to their loved ones while preserving their independence.
Adaptable for Future Needs
ADUs are versatile and can be repurposed as circumstances change. They can accommodate caregivers, and family members, or even generate rental income, ensuring they remain a valuable addition to the property in the long run.
Not sure which ADU option is right for you or your property?
Leonard Garage Conversion
How do you improve the property to fit your elderly parent?
Simple changes to your home can make it easier and safer for your aging parent to live comfortably, especially if they have memory challenges. Adding labels to household items or removing extra furniture can help them find things easily and move around safely.
Consider creating a single-level area with essentials like a bedroom, bathroom, and a relaxing space. Make sure the area is well-lit, install handrails where needed, and opt for furniture with soft edges to minimize the risk of accidents. In the kitchen, open shelving or see-through cabinet doors can make it simpler for them to access items.
To enhance safety, you can set up motion-activated lights or use smart devices that can alert you during emergencies. These updates let your parent live more independently while ensuring their safety and keeping them close to home.
What are the economics of building an ADU for the aging-in-place scenario?
For older couples who no longer have a mortgage, taking out a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) to build an ADU can be a practical option. After the ADU is finished and the parents move into it, the main house can be rented out. The income from renting the house might be enough to pay off the loan, making it a cost-effective solution. The important part is ensuring the rent from the main house is high enough to cover the loan payments.
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 Huntington Park is $515,244. A loan that has a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $3,257. 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 $540,000 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 Huntington Park
Where can ADUs be built?
ADUs can only be constructed on properties zoned for single-family or multi-family use.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a single-family zone?
In Huntington Park, ADUs on single-family lots can measure up to 1,000 square feet and have a maximum height of 16 feet.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a multi-family zone?
The same limits apply to ADUs on multi-family properties in Huntington Park: up to 1,000 square feet in size and 16 feet in height.
What is the minimum setback for an ADU?
The minimum setback for an ADU in Huntington Park is 4 feet from the property lines.
What are the safety regulations for an ADU?
Fire sprinklers are generally not required in ADUs unless they are required by building codes for the main residence.
Is independent access from the main house required?
Yes, attached ADUs should have their exterior entrance, separate from the main house.
What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?
To make the space more accessible for seniors, consider adding ramps, handrails, and wider doorways. Some of these modifications might require specific permits.
Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?
No, mobile homes aren’t allowed as ADUs because they lack permanent foundations. ADUs should be built on stable foundations that comply with California’s building codes.
How fast can you build an ADU?
It typically takes 3 to 6 months to build an ADU, depending on the time needed for permit approval, design completion, and site preparation.
What are the rules for ADU ownership in Huntington Park?
Is the property owner required to live in the main house?
Previously, some areas required homeowners to live in either the main house or the ADU. Recent updates to regulations have temporarily removed this requirement for newly built ADUs, but this change has a set expiration date. Rules about owner-occupancy may differ if an ADU is present, often requiring the owner to live within the property.
What are the rental regulations for an ADU?
ADU rentals are only allowed for terms longer than 30 days.
What permits are needed for an ADU?
Huntington Park hasn’t specified exact permits, but generally, building or ADU permits are required for construction. If major renovations or demolitions are involved, a demolition permit may also be needed.
Resources and Where to Start in Huntington Park
To get started, Huntington Park residents can reach out to the Huntington Park City Planning Department for ADU guidelines and zoning details.
ADU Analysis shows the maximum ADU size for the best return on your property.
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