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What are the requirements to build ADU in Imperial Beach?
Adding an ADU in Imperial Beach presents an excellent chance to increase your living space and create personalized areas like a home office or recreation room. To ensure the success of your ADU project, it's essential to comprehend the local regulations governing your property and evaluate the financial feasibility of constructing an ADU in Imperial Beach City. This guide provides a comprehensive summary of Imperial Beach's ADU requirements and essential financial considerations to assist you in planning and executing your project effectively.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in Imperial Beach?
In Imperial Beach, you can build one ADU on a lot that has an existing or proposed single-family home, whether it is attached or detached from the primary building.
How large can an attached ADU be in Imperial Beach?
Attached ADUs are allowed to occupy up to 50% of the gross floor area of the primary dwelling. There are specific size criteria based on the number of bedrooms: at least 850 square feet for units with one or fewer bedrooms, and up to 1,000 square feet for units with 2 or more bedrooms. However, this maximum size can be expanded to 1,200 square feet if the construction of the ADU does not involve removing any existing off-street parking.
How large can a detached ADU be in Imperial Beach?
Detached ADUs should be at least 850 square feet for units with one or fewer bedrooms and 1,000 square feet for units with 2 or more bedrooms. However, this maximum size can increase to 1,200 square feet if no existing off-street parking is removed during the ADU construction.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in Imperial Beach?
Maybe, you can build a 2-story ADU in Imperial Beach depending on the height of the primary dwelling. If the ADU is the same height as the primary dwelling and reaches 20 feet, it is adequate to construct 2 stories.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
Yes, in Imperial Beach, the minimum size requirement for an ADU is set at 150 square feet.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
There is no specific prohibition against such conversions stated in the City’s municipal code.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
The maximum height for either attached or detached ADUs on a single-family property is 16 feet. However, if there are one or more parking spaces provided on the ground floor of the ADU, its height should be the same as the primary dwelling in the underlying zone.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does Imperial Beach allow for multifamily properties?
Multifamily properties can have up to two detached ADUs. Additionally, areas of multifamily structures that are not currently used as living space can be converted to create at least one internal ADU or account for up to 25% of the existing dwelling units.
However, a new bill, SB 1211, expands ADU allowances on multifamily properties by allowing up to 8 detached ADUs, as long as the number of ADUs does not exceed the existing units.
This change removes barriers to construction and gives landlords more flexibility to maximize housing potential.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Imperial Beach?
In Imperial Beach, ADUs for multifamily buildings can occupy up to 50% of the gross floor area of the primary dwelling. The size criteria depend on the number of bedrooms: at least 850 square feet for units with one or fewer bedrooms, and up to 1,000 square feet for units with 2 or more bedrooms. However, this maximum size can be expanded to 1,200 square feet if the construction of the ADU does not require removing any existing off-street parking.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Imperial Beach?
Detached ADUs for multifamily buildings should be at least 850 square feet for units with one or fewer bedrooms and 1,000 square feet for units with 2 or more bedrooms. However, this maximum size can increase to 1,200 square feet if no existing off-street parking is removed during the ADU construction.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
As of now, Imperial Beach City has not specified regulations regarding the stacking of detached ADUs on top of each other.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
No, attaching 2 ADUs to each other is not allowed according to the regulations in Imperial Beach.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, you are allowed to convert existing space into an ADU in Imperial Beach. Specifically, parts of multiple-family structures that are not currently used as living areas.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
Multifamily properties in Imperial Beach follow the same height regulations for ADUs as single-family properties.
What ADU types are allowed to build in Imperial Beach?
In Imperial Beach, homeowners have various options for building an ADU, including:
A. Detached ADU: A completely independent structure that is separate from the main residence.
B. Attached ADU: A unit that is physically connected to the primary house.
C. Converted ADU: Repurposing unused spaces, such as a garage or shed, into livable areas with essential features like kitchens and bathrooms.
Homeowners can either construct a new ADU or convert an existing building. Converting structures like garages or sheds may offer advantages, such as fewer zoning restrictions, including setbacks and height limitations, and allow for smaller projects. However, remodeling older buildings could reveal hidden issues that may increase costs.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Imperial Beach?
In Imperial Beach, ADUs require four-foot side and rear setbacks if they are 16 feet or less. For ADUs taller than 16 feet, setbacks above that height should comply with zoning regulations. Front and street-side setbacks follow the zoning rules.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
Imperial Beach does not specify a minimum distance, but many cities typically require ADUs to be at least 6 feet from existing structures.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
No. Setbacks are not required when converting an existing accessory building into an ADU in Imperial Beach, as long as the conversion does not expand the existing structure by more than 150 square feet.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Imperial Beach?
Building an ADU in the front yard is allowed only if there are no other suitable areas on the property for an ADU of at least 800 square feet. It is important to follow the necessary zoning setback requirements.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
In Imperial Beach, ADUs generally require at least one bedroom, unlike studio units.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
Yes, an ADU typically requires a full kitchen.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
In Imperial Beach City, it's not stated whether ADUs need their utility meters.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
The California Building Code requires that habitable spaces in new residential constructions, including ADUs, should have a minimum ceiling height of 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 Imperial Beach?
In Imperial Beach, one off-street parking space is generally required for each ADU. However, there are exceptions for ADUs near public transit, within a historic district, or if the ADU is part of the primary dwelling or an accessory structure. ADUs on properties west of 3rd Street, or within a quarter-mile of a beach access point, coastal park, or the Imperial Beach Pier, should have two off-street parking spaces.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
Parking can be located off-street or through tandem parking. If garage or carport spaces are removed for the ADU, replacement is not required.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Imperial Beach?
Getting an ADU permit in Imperial Beach takes around 60 to 90 days from selecting the plan and signing the contract. This timeframe includes the process of obtaining approval from both the State and Local authorities for the building plans. Plan checks for ADU projects are estimated to cost $919.
Does Imperial Beach require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
No, Imperial Beach does not require in-person submission of ADU plans. The city has pre-approved a set of Accessory Dwelling Unit Plans, allowing homeowners to use them for their projects without needing to submit plans in person.
Does Imperial Beach require coastal development permits?
Yes, Imperial Beach requires coastal development permits for some ADUs. Detached ADUs in the Coastal Zone need an Administrative Coastal Development Permit, while ADUs outside the zone do not require a public hearing.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Imperial Beach?
In Imperial Beach, whether a licensed professional is needed for designing an ADU largely depends on the complexity of the project.
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How much does it cost to build an ADU in Imperial Beach?
In Imperial Beach, the cost to build an ADU is around $325 per square foot. You should also account for additional expenses such as permits, architect fees, and engineering costs. For instance, constructing a 900-square-foot ADU would cost approximately $330,000 in total, covering both soft and hard costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in Imperial Beach?
The profitability of constructing an ADU in Imperial Beach depends on the construction costs and the local real estate market. A 900-square-foot ADU in Imperial Beach has an estimated market value of about $930,000. With a total project cost of around $330,000, this yields an approximate return on investment of 180%.
Profitability can also be evaluated based on potential rental income or the benefits of having family members live on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in Imperial Beach?
Under California's AB 1033, local authorities have the authority to set rules regarding the sale of ADUs and primary homes as condominiums, as long as they comply with existing development standards.
In Imperial Beach, local laws govern the sale of ADUs. These units can be sold if built by a certified nonprofit, if there is a legitimate tenancy-in-common agreement, or if the city permits the separate sale of the ADU and the primary home as individual condominiums.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in Imperial Beach?
No. ADUs in Imperial Beach are not covered by rent control regulations. Since they are considered new construction, laws such as those outlined in AB 1482, which involve rent control, do not apply. This regulation specifically impacts buildings that are at least 15 years old.
How do I get money to build an ADU in Imperial Beach?
The "ADU Grant Program" offers grants that cover pre-construction or "soft costs," which include expenses such as inspections, estimates, site preparation, land surveys, soil tests, impact fees, architectural drawings, and project design. These costs can be substantial, but the grant will cover up to $40,000 of these expenses, assisting homeowners in managing their overall project budget.
Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.
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