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Cali ADU Design+Build

Cali ADU Design+Build

What are the requirements to build ADU in La Puente

Building an ADU in La Puente provides the opportunity to expand your living space and accommodate multigenerational households or create a separate area for elderly relatives. To ensure your ADU project succeeds, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with local regulations and evaluate the financial considerations of construction in La Puente. This guide presents thorough information on La Puente's ADU regulations and key financial factors, aiding you in efficiently planning and completing your project.

ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home

How many ADUs can you build in La Puente?

In La Puente, each single-family residential lot is allowed to have only one ADU, which can be either attached or detached from the primary building.

How large can an attached ADU be in La Puente?

In La Puente, an attached ADU cannot be larger than 50 percent of the size of the primary dwelling's living area, and its gross floor area should not be larger than 800 square feet.

How large can a detached ADU be in La Puente?

Detached ADUs in La Puente should follow the same limitations as attached units: the maximum size is 50 percent of the primary dwelling's living area and should not go beyond 800 square feet in gross floor area.

Can I build a 2-story ADU in La Puente?

No, you cannot build a 2-story ADU in La Puente. ADUs are only allowed on the first story.

Is there a minimum size for an ADU?

No, there is no minimum size requirement for an ADU in La Puente.

Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?

Yes, you can convert existing space into an ADU in La Puente. Similar to newly constructed ADUs, the converted space cannot be bigger than 800 square feet in size and should not be larger than 50% of the living area of the primary dwelling unit.

What is the maximum height for an ADU?

On a property with a single-family house, the maximum height allowed for a detached ADU is 15 feet.

ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building

How many ADUs does La Puente allow for multifamily properties?

La Puente does not allow ADUs for multifamily properties.

How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in La Puente?

La Puente does not allow ADUs for multifamily properties.

How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in La Puente?

La Puente does not allow ADUs for multifamily properties.

Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?

La Puente does not allow ADUs for multifamily properties.

Can I attach two ADUs to each other?

La Puente does not allow ADUs for multifamily properties.

Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?

La Puente does not allow ADUs for multifamily properties.

What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building

La Puente does not allow ADUs for multifamily properties.

What ADU types are allowed to build in La Puente?

La Puente provides multiple options for adding ADUs:

A detached ADU is a separate structure located away from the main house. An attached ADU is integrated with the primary residence, either as an addition or as part of the existing structure. A converted ADU converts spaces such as garages, sheds, or storage rooms into livable units with necessary features like a kitchen and bathroom.

You can construct a new ADU or renovate an existing space. Converting areas like garages or sheds might help bypass certain zoning requirements, such as setback or height limits, and could allow for small additions. However, working with older structures may lead to unforeseen complications that could increase costs.

ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings

What are the required setbacks for an ADU in La Puente?

An ADU in La Puente should follow the setback requirements of the R-E and R-1 zones:

  • Side setback (Interior and Standard Corner Lots): 5 feet
  • Side setback (Reverse Corner Lot, side adjoining another lot): 5 feet
  • Side setback (Corner Lot where front door fronts side yard): 10 feet
  • Rear setback: 10 feet

What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?

The ADU in La Puente should maintain a distance of at least 10 feet from existing structures, following the guidelines of the R-E and R-1 zones.

Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?

Setbacks are not needed when converting existing structures into ADUs. Yet, for conversions above garages with legal permits, a minimum 5-foot rear and side yard setback is required.

Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in La Puente?

In La Puente, you cannot build a detached ADU in the front yard, as it is not allowed to place such units in front of the primary residence.

Design requirements for ADU

How many bedrooms can an ADU have?

In La Puente, an ADU is limited to one bedroom, unlike some cities where ADUs can have two or more bedrooms.

Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?

La Puente's municipal code doesn't require a kitchen, but most California ADUs feature a full kitchen, unlike JADUs, which typically have efficiency kitchens.

Does an ADU require independent utility meters?

No, an ADU in La Puente does not necessarily require independent utility meters.

What is the minimum ceiling height?

The minimum ceiling height for living spaces, including ADUs, in La Puente, is 7 feet, according to 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 Puente?

Each ADU in La Puente is required to have one off-street parking space. However, additional parking is not required if the property is within half a mile of frequent public transit, in a historic district, lacks on-street parking permits for ADU residents, or is within one block of a city-approved car share area.

Where can I have a parking space on my property?

Parking for an ADU can be located as tandem parking in an existing driveway. If a garage, carport, or covered parking is converted or removed, the required off-street parking must be replaced with spaces that can be covered, uncovered, or tandem, as long as they are on paved driveways leading to the parking area.

How to get permits for your ADU

How long does it take to get an ADU permit in La Puente?

Securing an ADU permit in La Puente 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 Puente is approximately $180.

Does La Puente require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?

Yes, in La Puente, plans for an ADU should be submitted in person to the city's Planning Division since electronic submission of plans is not available on the city's website.

Does La Puente require coastal development permits?

In La Puente, coastal development permits are not needed anywhere within the city.

When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in La Puente?

In La Puente, you need a licensed professional to design an ADU if the project differs from standard construction methods.

Cost, financing and market value of ADUs

How much does it cost to build an ADU in La Puente?

Constructing an ADU in La Puente generally costs about $380 per square foot. This figure should also include expenses for permits, architectural design, and engineering services. For instance, the total cost for a 900-square-foot ADU typically comes to around $390,000, covering both soft and hard costs.

Is it profitable to build an ADU in La Puente?

To determine if building an ADU in La Puente is profitable, it’s essential to compare construction costs with local real estate values. For example, a 900-square-foot ADU could have a market value of roughly $400,000. With construction costs around $390,000, this suggests a return on investment of 5%.

Additionally, profitability can be assessed by considering potential rental income or the advantages of having family members live on the same property.

Can you sell an ADU in La Puente?

AB 1033 allows California's local authorities to establish guidelines for the sale of ADUs and primary residences as condominiums, ensuring compliance with current ADU development standards.

In La Puente, the sale of an ADU is subject to specific local regulations. An ADU can be sold if it has been constructed by a qualified nonprofit organization, if there is a recorded tenancy in common agreement, or if the city permits the ADU and the primary home to be sold separately as condominiums.

Are ADUs rent controlled in La Puente?

No, ADUs in La Puente do not fall under rent control laws. Regulations like AB 1482 allow landlords to raise rents each year, but these do not apply to ADUs because they are treated as new constructions. This exemption applies only to structures that are at least 15 years old.

How do I get money to build an ADU in La Puente?

To finance an ADU construction project in La Puente, homeowners have various options available. For instance, they can explore the CalHFA's ADU grant program, which is managed by the California Community Economic Development Association (CCEDA). This program offers grants of $40,000 to eligible homeowners to cover pre-construction expenses related to ADU construction. It's important to note that 54% of these grants are specifically designated for low-income households to improve affordability.

Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.

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