Cali ADU Design+Build
What are the requirements to build ADU in La Verne?
Building an ADU in La Verne provides an opportunity to expand your living space and accommodate multigenerational living or create separate quarters for aging family members. To ensure your ADU project succeeds, it's essential to understand local regulations and evaluate the financial implications of construction in La Verne. This guide provides comprehensive details on La Verne's ADU regulations and critical financial considerations, helping you plan and execute your project efficiently.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in La Verne?
In La Verne, you can build one ADU per lot that has an existing or proposed single-family home. This includes both attached and detached ADUs.
How large can an attached ADU be in La Verne?
In La Verne, an attached ADU can have a maximum area of 850 square feet for zero or one bedroom, and 1,000 square feet for two or more bedrooms.
How large can a detached ADU be in La Verne?
A detached ADU can be up to 850 square feet for zero or one bedroom, and up to 1,000 square feet for two or more bedrooms.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in La Verne?
Yes, you can build a two-story ADU in La Verne.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
Yes, in La Verne, ADUs have to be at least the size of an efficiency unit, typically having a minimum floor area of 150 square feet.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, you can convert existing space into an ADU in single-family homes.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
In La Verne, the maximum height for an ADU on a single-family property is 16 feet, 18 feet (with an additional 2 feet for roof pitch alignment) for a detached ADU near transit, and 25 feet or the height of the primary dwelling (whichever is lower) for an attached ADU.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does La Verne allow for multifamily properties?
In La Verne, multifamily properties can convert up to 25% of the total dwelling units into ADUs, with a minimum of one ADU. Additionally, a maximum of two detached ADUs are allowed.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in La Verne?
In La Verne, an attached ADU for a multifamily building can measure up to 850 square feet for zero or one bedroom, and up to 1,000 square feet for two or more bedrooms.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in La Verne?
For a multifamily building in La Verne, a detached ADU can reach a maximum size of 850 square feet for zero or one bedroom, and up to 1,000 square feet for two or more bedrooms.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
No, La Verne doesn't allow stacking detached ADUs on top of each other. Instead, you can add an ADU above an existing detached structure like a garage.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
No, attaching two ADUs to each other is not allowed in La Verne. They should be attached to the primary building.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, you can convert existing space into an ADU in multifamily homes.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
In La Verne, the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multifamily building is 16 feet in general. For a detached ADU, the height can be 18 feet, with an additional 2 feet for roof pitch alignment if it's within half a mile of transit. On a lot with an existing or proposed multifamily, multistory dwelling, a detached ADU can also be up to 18 feet. For an attached ADU, the maximum height is 25 feet or the height of the primary dwelling, whichever is lower.
What ADU types are allowed to build in La Verne?
La Verne offers several options for building ADUs:
A detached ADU is a standalone structure separate from the main home. An attached ADU is a unit added to or integrated into the existing residence. A converted ADU repurposes existing spaces like garages, sheds, or storage rooms, turning them into livable areas with essential amenities such as a kitchen and bathroom.
You can either build a new ADU or modify an existing space. Converting areas like garages or sheds may help you avoid certain zoning restrictions, such as setback and height limits, and may allow for minor expansions. However, remodeling older structures could present unexpected challenges, potentially raising costs.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in La Verne?
ADUs require rear and side yard setbacks of at least 4 feet in La Verne. The city has not specified regulations for corner or through lots.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
ADUs are required to maintain a distance of at least 10 feet from any existing structures.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
Setbacks are not necessary when converting existing structures into ADUs in La Verne.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in La Verne?
In La Verne, 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 Verne, an ADU is allowed to have at least one bedroom.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
Yes, an ADU in La Verne needs a full kitchen for cooking, unlike JADUs which only require efficiency kitchens.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
No, an ADU in La Verne doesn't need independent utility meters. Separate utility connections are only required if the ADU is being built along with a new residential dwelling.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
The minimum ceiling height for living spaces, including ADUs, in La Verne is 7 feet, as required by 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 Verne?
One parking space is required for each ADU in La Verne, except when the ADU is created within an existing living space. No parking is required if the ADU is within half a mile of public transit, in a historic district, part of the existing primary residence or accessory structure, in an area with on-street permit restrictions not available to ADU occupants, or within one block of a car share vehicle.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
In La Verne, ADU parking spaces can be located in tandem on an existing driveway as long as they don't block the public sidewalk. They can also be placed in paved setback areas within the allowed paving limits. Additionally, if a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished or converted for the ADU, those parking spaces do not need to be replaced.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in La Verne?
Securing an ADU permit in La Verne 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 Verne is approximately $5,333.
Does La Verne require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
Yes, in La Verne, it's necessary to submit ADU plans in person to the Planning Division of the city. Electronic submission might not be an option, so it's recommended to double-check the submission process with the local authorities.
Does La Verne require coastal development permits?
No, coastal development permits are not required in La Verne.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in La Verne?
In La Verne, hiring a licensed professional is necessary for ADU design when deviates from typical construction methods.
Cost, financing and market value of ADUs
How much does it cost to build an ADU in La Verne?
Constructing an ADU in La Verne generally requires budgeting around $380 per square foot, which should cover expenses like permits, architectural design, and engineering services. For example, building a 900-square-foot ADU would typically total around $390,000, encompassing both soft and hard costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in La Verne?
Assessing the financial viability of constructing an ADU in La Verne involves comparing construction costs with local real estate market values. For instance, a 900-square-foot ADU could potentially have a market value of about $500,000. Considering construction expenses of approximately $390,000, this suggests a potential return on investment of 25%.
Furthermore, profitability can also be evaluated by considering potential rental income or the advantages of accommodating family members on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in La Verne?
Under AB 1033, California grants local agencies the power to create rules for selling ADUs and primary homes as condominiums, while still following the existing ADU regulations.
In La Puente, the sale of an ADU follows particular local guidelines. It can be sold if it is built by a certified nonprofit. If a tenancy in common agreement has been recorded, or if the city permits the ADU and primary residence to be sold as separate condominiums.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in La Verne?
In La Verne, ADUs aren't under rent control laws. They're treated as new constructions, so they're exempt from regulations like AB 1482, allowing landlords to charge rent each year. This exception applies to buildings that are at least 15 years old.
How do I get money to build an ADU in La Verne?
To get money for building an ADU in La Verne, homeowners can apply for the CalHFA's ADU grant program, run by the California Community Economic Development Association (CCEDA). This program gives eligible homeowners grants of $40,000 to cover pre-construction costs for ADU buildings. Additionally, over half of these grants are specifically for low-income households to make it more affordable.
Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.
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