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What are the requirements to build ADU in La Canada Flintridge?
Building an ADU in La Canada Flintridge enables you to increase your living space and increase property value and potential resale value. To ensure the success of your ADU project, it's crucial to understand La Canada Flintridge's local regulations and carefully assess the financial implications of construction. This guide provides comprehensive insights into La Canada Flintridge'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 La Canada Flintridge?
In La Cañada Flintridge, homeowners can build one ADU in the proposed or existing space of a single-family dwelling, whether it is attached or detached from the primary building.
How large can an attached ADU be in La Canada Flintridge?
In La Canada Flintridge, an attached ADU can have a total floor area of up to 1,200 square feet but should not be larger than 50% of the floor area of the single-family dwelling to which it is attached. Additionally, the city allows a minimum total floor area of 800 square feet for any ADU.
How large can a detached ADU be in La Canada Flintridge?
In La Canada Flintridge, a detached ADU can have a total floor area of up to 1,200 square feet, with at least 800 square feet allowed.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in La Canada Flintridge?
Yes, you can build a 2-story ADU in La Canada Flintridge, but it cannot be higher than two stories.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
No, there is no minimum size requirement for an ADU in La Canada Flintridge.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, existing space in La Canada Flintridge can be converted into an ADU. This may include expanding by up to 150 square feet beyond the original footprint if needed for entry and exit.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
For a property with a single-family house in La Cañada Flintridge, an attached ADU can follow the zoning height limit or up to 25 feet if the primary structure is one story, but it should not be higher than two stories. A detached ADU can be up to 16 feet high, or up to 18 feet with an additional 2 feet for roof pitch if within a half mile of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does La Canada Flintridge allow for multifamily properties?
La Cañada Flintridge allows at least one converted ADU within an existing multifamily dwelling, with up to 25% of the existing units eligible for conversion. Additionally, no more than two detached ADUs are allowed.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in La Canada Flintridge?
In La Canada Flintridge, the city has not specified the size limit for an attached ADU in multifamily properties.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in La Canada Flintridge?
In La Canada Flintridge, the city has not specified the size limit for a detached ADU in multifamily properties.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
La Canada Flintridge has not yet addressed whether stacking detached ADUs on top of each other is allowed.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
No, two ADUs cannot be attached to each other in La Canada Flintridge; they should be attached to the primary building.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, existing space in a multifamily property can be converted to an ADU using areas not intended as livable space.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
For a property with a multifamily building in La Cañada Flintridge, a detached ADU should not be higher than 18 feet.
What ADU types are allowed to build in La Canada Flintridge?
La Cañada Flintridge offers several options for constructing ADUs:
A detached ADU is a separate building, fully independent of the main residence. An attached ADU is physically connected to the primary home, either as an extension or integrated into the structure. A converted ADU repurposes existing spaces, such as garages, sheds, or storage rooms, into complete living units with amenities like a kitchen and bathroom.
You can opt to build a brand-new ADU or modify an existing structure. Repurposing areas like garages or sheds may help avoid certain zoning rules, such as setbacks or height limits, and might even allow for minor expansions. However, renovating older buildings could present unexpected challenges that increase costs.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in La Canada Flintridge?
In La Cañada Flintridge, front yard setbacks follow the underlying zoning regulations, while side and rear setbacks are 4 feet.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
In La Cañada Flintridge, there is no specific minimum distance requirement for ADUs from existing structures, though many cities generally require a 6-foot separation.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
No setbacks are required for existing structures to be legally converted into ADUs.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in La Canada Flintridge?
Yes, but only if the property lacks sufficient space to accommodate an ADU of at least 800 square feet elsewhere on the lot. Compliance with zoning setback requirements is still necessary.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
In La Canada Flintridge, there is no specified maximum number of bedrooms for an ADU. However, with a maximum allowable size of 1,200 square feet, it can typically accommodate at least one bedroom.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
Yes, an ADU in La Canada Flintridge requires a full kitchen, unlike JADUs, which may have an efficiency kitchen.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
Yes, an ADU in La Canada Flintridge may have separate utility meters from the primary dwelling unit.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
The minimum ceiling height for ADUs in La Canada Flintridge is 7 feet, following 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 La Canada Flintridge?
Each ADU in La Cañada Flintridge is required to have one off-street parking space. Exceptions apply if the ADU is within half a mile of public transit, in a historic district, attached to an existing home or accessory structure, if on-street parking permits are inaccessible to the occupant, or if there's a car share vehicle stop within one block.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
In La Cañada Flintridge, parking spaces for ADUs can be in setback areas or arranged as tandem parking, unless site or topographical conditions make this unfeasible. Additionally, if a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished or converted into an ADU, replacing off-street parking spaces is not necessary.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in La Canada Flintridge?
The process generally takes around 3.5 to 4 months. After preparing the permit drawings, you or your architect should submit them for a Plan Check. Scheduling a pre-plan check meeting with a planner is recommended to ensure your application is complete before submission.
Once submitted and fees are paid, the city has 60 calendar days to review your application for completeness. If there’s no response within this period, the permit is automatically approved. If revisions are needed, your designer should update the plans and resubmit them. The application should comply with ADU regulations, as missing details won’t result in denial. The plan check fee for ADU projects in La Cañada Flintridge is approximately $53.
Does La Canada Flintridge require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
No, La Canada Flintridge does not require in-person submission of plans for an ADU. The City has transitioned to the ConnectLCF portal, providing an online submission system for applications.
Does La Canada Flintridge require coastal development permits?
No, ADUs in La Canada Flintridge are not subject to coastal development permit requirements.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in La Canada Flintridge?
In La Cañada Flintridge, the requirement for a licensed professional to design an ADU depends on the complexity of the project.
Cost, financing and market value of ADUs
How much does it cost to build an ADU in La Canada Flintridge?
Constructing an ADU in La Canada Flintridge 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 La Canada Flintridge?
Evaluating the financial viability of constructing an ADU in La Canada Flintridge involves comparing construction costs with local real estate market values. For instance, a 900-square-foot ADU could potentially be valued at approximately $990,000. With construction costs estimated at $390,000, this suggests a potential return on investment of 150%.
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 La Canada Flintridge?
California's local agencies can establish regulations for selling ADUs and primary homes as condominiums while maintaining current ADU development standards.
In La Canada Flintridge, the sale of an ADU is controlled by local laws. 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 the ADU and the primary home as condominiums.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in La Canada Flintridge?
No, ADUs in La Canada Flintridge aren't under rent control regulations. They are treated as new constructions exempt from laws like AB 1482, which allows landlords to increase rents annually. This exemption applies specifically to structures that are at least 15 years old.
How do I get money to build an ADU in La Canada Flintridge?
To finance the construction of an ADU in La Canada Flintridge, homeowners can look into the Accessory Dwelling Unit Grant Program provided by the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA). Qualified homeowners may receive grants of up to $40,000 to cover predevelopment and closing expenses, including reductions in interest rates. Eligibility for the grant is determined by 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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