Cali ADU Design+Build
What are the requirements to build ADU in La Mirada?
Constructing an ADU in La Mirada offers a chance to extend your home and create personalized spaces like a home office or recreation room. To ensure your ADU project succeeds, it's important to grasp local regulations and assess the financial aspects of building in La Mirada. This guide covers La Mirada'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 La Mirada?
In La Mirada, each single-family property is allowed to have one attached ADU and one detached ADU in addition to the primary building.
How large can an attached ADU be in La Mirada?
The attached ADUs in La Mirada can be a maximum of 800 square feet in size.
How large can a detached ADU be in La Mirada?
Detached ADUs in La Mirada can also be a maximum of 800 square feet in size.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in La Mirada?
La Mirada does not specify regulations regarding constructing two-story ADUs in the city.
Is there a minimum size of an ADU?
Yes, the minimum size for an ADU in La Mirada is 150 square feet.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, in La Mirada, you can convert existing space into an ADU in single-family residences.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
The maximum height for ADUs on properties with a single-family house in La Mirada is one story, with a peak roof height of 15 feet or 12 feet for flat-roofed structures. The pitch of the roof should align with the existing residence. Yet, if the ADU is constructed above an existing garage, it can reach up to 35 feet in height, bypassing the one-story restriction.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does La Mirada allow for multifamily properties?
La Mirada does not allow ADUs for multifamily properties.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in La Mirada?
La Mirada does not allow ADUs for multifamily properties.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in La Mirada?
La Mirada does not allow ADUs for multifamily properties.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
La Mirada does not allow ADUs for multifamily properties.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
La Mirada does not allow ADUs for multifamily properties.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
La Mirada does not allow ADUs for multifamily properties.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
La Mirada does not allow ADUs for multifamily properties.
What ADU types are allowed to build in La Mirada?
La Mirada offers several options for constructing ADUs:
A detached ADU is an independent structure separate from the main home. An attached ADU is connected to the primary residence, either as an extension or as part of the existing building. A converted ADU converts areas like garages, sheds, or storage spaces into functional living units with essential amenities such as a kitchen and bathroom.
You can choose to build a new ADU or remodel an existing space. Repurposing areas like garages or sheds might allow you to work around certain zoning regulations, like setback or height restrictions, and could include minor expansions. However, older structures may present unexpected challenges, potentially increasing expenses.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in La Mirada?
For the attached ADUs, all setback requirements of the zone where the primary residence is located apply. For detached ADUs, a minimum side and rear yard setback of 5 feet is required, and the front yard setback should meet the zoning regulations for the area.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
ADUs in La Mirada should be at least 6 feet away from existing on-site structures.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
No additional setbacks are required from the existing garage setback when converting existing structures into ADUs in La Mirada.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in La Mirada?
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?
An ADU in La Mirada can have a maximum of one bedroom.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
Yes, an ADU in La Mirada should be equipped with a kitchen, consisting of a sink, stove, and refrigerator.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
No, an ADU does not require independent utility meters. All sewer, water, gas, and electrical connections for the ADU should be integrated into the primary dwelling unit's system.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
The minimum ceiling height for habitable spaces, including ADUs, in La Mirada is 7 feet, complying with the California Building Code.
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 Mirada?
An ADU in La Mirada should have at least one off-street parking space, which can be tandem, covered, or uncovered, but should be paved. Exceptions to this requirement include whether the ADU is within half a mile of public transit, an architecturally significant historic district, part of the main residence, or within a block of a car share vehicle.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
In La Mirada, parking should not be in the front setback unless it's on an approved paved driveway, and yards or open spaces cannot be used for parking.
Parking can be done side by side on a widened paved driveway, with a maximum width of 30 feet.
If a garage or covered parking is converted or removed for ADU construction, it must be replaced on-site to meet the primary residence's parking requirements.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in La Mirada?
Securing an ADU permit in La Mirada usually takes around 3.5 to 4 months. Once your permit drawings are finalized, you or your architect should submit them for a Plan Check. Scheduling a pre-plan check meeting with a city planner is recommended to ensure the application is complete before submission.
After submission and fee payment, the city has 60 days to review the application for completeness. If no feedback is provided within this period, the permit is automatically approved. If revisions are required, the designer should make adjustments and resubmit the plans. The application should comply with ADU regulations, as incomplete details won’t result in rejection. The Plan Check fee for ADU projects in La Mirada is approximately $2,230.
Does La Mirada require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
La Mirada doesn't require ADU plans to be submitted in person; instead, they should be submitted electronically in PDF format as per the City and County of Los Angeles' Building and Safety Division.
Does La Mirada require coastal development permits?
No, La Mirada does not require permits for coastal development in any of its areas.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in La Mirada?
In La Mirada, you will need a licensed professional to design an ADU if the project doesn't follow typical construction methods.
Cost, financing and market value of ADUs
How much does it cost to build an ADU in La Mirada?
Constructing an ADU in La Mirada typically requires a budget of about $380 per square foot. This estimate should also include costs for permits, architectural design, and engineering services. For example, the total cost for a 900-square-foot ADU generally amounts to around $390,000, covering both soft and hard costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in La Mirada?
To determine the financial potential of constructing an ADU in La Mirada, it’s important to compare construction costs with the local real estate market. For example, a 900-square-foot ADU might have a market value of approximately $450,000. Considering construction costs of around $390,000, this indicates a potential return on investment of 15%.
Additionally, profitability can be assessed by considering potential rental income or the advantages of having family members reside on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in La Mirada?
AB 1033 allows local governments in California to create regulations for selling ADUs alongside primary homes as condominiums, all while following the existing ADU development criteria.
In La Puente, specific local laws govern the sale of an ADU. It can be sold if built by a qualified nonprofit, if there exists a recorded tenancy in common agreement, or if the city allows for the separate sale of both the ADU and the main residence as individual condominiums.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in La Mirada?
No, ADUs in La Mirada are not subject to rent control regulations. Since they are considered new constructions, they are exempt from such regulations, including AB 1482, which allows landlords to raise rents annually. However, this regulation only applies to structures that are at least 15 years old.
How do I get money to build an ADU in La Mirada?
Homeowners in La Mirada can explore the CalHFA's ADU grant program, managed by the California Community Economic Development Association (CCEDA), to obtain funding for building an ADU. This program offers grants of $40,000 to qualifying homeowners, aiming to cover pre-construction expenses associated with ADU construction. Notably, 54% of these grants are allocated to low-income households, promoting affordability.
Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.
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