Cali ADU Design+Build
What are the requirements to build ADU in Lakewood?
Constructing an ADU in Lakewood presents an excellent opportunity to increase your living space and support multigenerational living or create separate quarters for aging in-laws. To ensure your ADU project succeeds, it is essential to understand the city's regulations and evaluate the financial feasibility of building an ADU in Lakewood. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Lakewood's ADU regulations and key financial considerations, helping you plan and execute your project effectively.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in Lakewood?
In Lakewood, one ADU is allowed on a lot that has an existing or proposed single-family home, whether it is an attached or a detached ADU from the primary building.
How large can an attached ADU be in Lakewood?
An attached ADU in Lakewood cannot be larger than 50% of the floor area of the existing primary single-family dwelling. However, if you're converting or expanding a space into an ADU, it can be at least 800 square feet, even if that means going beyond the 50% limit.
How large can a detached ADU be in Lakewood?
For detached ADUs in Lakewood, the maximum floor area allowed is 1,200 square feet.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in Lakewood?
Yes, you can build a 2-story ADU in Lakewood. New ADU constructions are allowed to have up to 2 and a half stories.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
Yes, the minimum area required for an ADU is 150 square feet.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, you can convert existing space into an ADU in Lakewood.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
The maximum height of an ADU on a single-family residential property in Lakewood varies based on several factors:
- New ADUs: Maximum height of 2.5 stories or 35 feet.
- Horizontal expansions: should match the existing building's height and style.
- Vertical expansions: Limited to 35 feet.
- Converted ADUs: should match the existing structure’s height.
- Lofts are allowed in ADUs.
- Front yard ADUs: Attached ADUs are limited to 25 feet, and detached ADUs are limited to 18 feet.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does Lakewood allow for multifamily properties?
Lakewood allows up to two detached ADUs for multifamily properties. Also, up to 25% of non-habitable spaces in existing multifamily units can be converted to ADUs.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Lakewood?
The maximum floor area for attached ADUs in multi-family buildings is not specifically stated in Lakewood.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Lakewood?
In Lakewood, detached ADUs in multi-family buildings can have a floor area of up to 1,200 square feet.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
No, stacking detached ADUs on top of each other isn’t allowed. You can add an ADU above an existing detached structure, like a garage, but not one on top of another.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
No, attaching two ADUs to each other isn’t allowed in Lakewood. They should be attached only to the primary building.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, it's possible to convert existing non-habitable space into ADUs.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
On properties with multifamily buildings in Lakewood, the maximum height for an ADU follows the same guidelines as those for single-family homes.
What ADU types are allowed to build in Lakewood?
Lakewood provides various options for building ADUs:
A detached ADU is a completely independent structure, separate from the primary residence. An attached ADU is a unit that is connected to or incorporated into the existing home. A converted ADU converts existing spaces such as garages, sheds, or storage rooms into functional living areas, equipped with basic amenities like a kitchen and bathroom.
You have the choice to either build a new ADU or modify an existing structure. Converting areas like garages or sheds might help you avoid some zoning regulations, such as setbacks and height restrictions, and could allow for minor expansions. However, renovating older structures could bring unforeseen complications, which might increase the overall costs.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Lakewood?
In Lakewood, the setback requirements for an ADU are a minimum of 4 feet for both side and rear yards and a minimum of 20 feet for the front yard. There are no specific regulations for corner or through lots.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
The ADU should be at least 4 feet away from the main building, measured from eaves to eaves.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
No additional setback is required when converting or replacing a structure for an ADU.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Lakewood?
Yes. In Lakewood, you can build an ADU in the front yard, but only if the unit or part of the unit is no larger than 800 square feet. The minimum setback requirement is typically 20 feet.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
In Lakewood, there is no specified maximum number of bedrooms for an ADU. However, considering the maximum allowable size of 1,200 square feet, it can accommodate at least one bedroom.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
Yes, an ADU in Lakewood requires a full kitchen for cooking, unlike JADUs, which only need an efficiency kitchen.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
No. Independent utility meters are not required for an ADU in Lakewood. Instead, the metering of utilities alongside or separately from the primary residence can be decided through an agreement between the applicant and the utilities.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
In Lakewood, including ADUs, habitable spaces in new residential constructions need to meet the minimum ceiling height requirement of 7 feet as per 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 Lakewood?
The parking requirement for an ADU in Lakewood requires one additional parking space, except when specific conditions are met, including if the ADU is part of the primary residence, within a half-mile of public transit, in a historic district, if on-street parking permits aren't available to the occupant, or if a car share vehicle is within one block.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
In Lakewood, the location of parking spaces for ADUs is not specifically mentioned, but in most Los Angeles County cities, they can be placed in setbacks or existing driveways as tandem parking, and converting garages or carports doesn't require replacing off-street parking.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Lakewood?
Getting an ADU permit in Lakewood typically takes about 3.5 to 4 months. After finalizing the permit drawings, you or your architect should submit them for a Plan Check. It’s advisable to meet with a city planner beforehand to ensure the application is complete.
Once the application is submitted and fees are paid, the city has 60 days to evaluate the application. If no response is given within this time, the permit is automatically approved. If changes are needed, the designer should revise and resubmit the plans. The application should follow ADU regulations, as missing details will not lead to denial. The Plan Check fee is around $1,017.
Does Lakewood require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
No, Lakewood doesn't require physical plan submissions for ADUs, instead, plans are submitted digitally via the L.A. County Department of Public Works Building and Safety Online Plan Check (BSOP) website.
Does Lakewood require coastal development permits?
No, in Lakewood, coastal development permits are not required.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Lakewood?
A licensed professional, such as an architect or engineer, is required for ADU designs that involve non-standard practices, especially for residential structures exceeding two stories with a basement.
Cost, financing and market value of ADUs
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Lakewood?
In Lakewood, constructing an ADU costs around $380 per square foot. Besides construction expenses, you should also budget for permits, architect fees, and engineering fees. For example, the total cost for a 900-square-foot ADU is approximately $390,000, including both soft and hard costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in Lakewood?
The financial viability of building an ADU in Lakewood depends on construction costs and the local real estate market. A 900-square-foot ADU in this area is valued at about $630,000. With a total construction cost of around $390,000, this yields a return on investment of approximately 63%.
Profitability can also be evaluated by considering potential rental income or the advantages of having family members live on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in Lakewood?
AB 1033 allows local governments in California to establish regulations for selling ADUs alongside primary residences as condominiums while adhering to current ADU standards.
In Lakewood, specific local rules handle the sale of ADUs. An ADU may be sold if constructed by an accredited nonprofit organization, if there is a recorded tenancy in common agreement, or if the city allows for the ADU and the primary home to be sold separately as condominiums.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in Lakewood?
No, ADUs in Lakewood are not governed by rent control ordinances. As newly constructed units, they are exempt from such regulations, unlike older properties typically aged 15 years or more, which are affected by rent control. Therefore, legislation like AB 1482, addressing rent control, does not apply to ADUs in Lakewood.
How do I get money to build an ADU in Lakewood?
Homeowners in Lakewood have multiple avenues to obtain funding for building an ADU. One option is to participate in the CalHFA ADU Grant Program, which is available within the city. This program provides grants of up to $40,000, depending on the homeowner's income, with an income limit of $158,000 for owner-occupied properties. These funds can be used to cover initial expenses such as site preparation, ADU design, permits, and associated costs. Furthermore, homeowners retain the flexibility to choose tenants for their ADU.
Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.
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