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What are the requirements to build ADU in Lancaster?
In Lancaster, incorporating an ADU provides a significant opportunity to increase your living space and generate rental income. To ensure the success of your ADU project, it's essential to comprehend the local regulations affecting your property and evaluate the financial feasibility of constructing an ADU in Lancaster City. This guide offers a comprehensive summary of Lancaster's ADU requirements and important financial considerations to help you plan and complete your project efficiently.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in Lancaster?
In Lancaster, only one ADU is allowed per single-family property, whether it is attached or detached from the primary building.
How large can an attached ADU be in Lancaster?
An attached ADU in Lancaster can be up to 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit and up to 1,200 square feet for a unit with two or more bedrooms. However, some restrictions, such as front-yard setbacks or maximum lot coverage requirements, may require the ADU to be smaller than 850 square feet.
How large can a detached ADU be in Lancaster?
Just like attached ADUs, a detached ADU in Lancaster can be a maximum of 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit, and up to 1,200 square feet for a unit with two or more bedrooms. Also, the maximum floor area allowed for a detached ADU is limited to 10% of the total square footage of the lot. Front-yard setbacks or maximum lot coverage requirements cannot require the ADU to be less than 850 square feet.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in Lancaster?
You can construct a two-story ADU in Lancaster as per the city's regulations.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
Yes, in Lancaster, the minimum floor area for a detached ADU is 400 square feet.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes. On a single-family lot, converting existing space into an ADU is allowed.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
On a property with a single-family house, the maximum height for an attached ADU is 25 feet. For a detached ADU, the maximum height is 18 feet. An additional 2 feet in height, up to a maximum of 20 feet, is allowed if needed to align the roof pitch of the ADU with that of the primary dwelling unit.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does Lancaster allow for multifamily properties?
Lancaster allows multifamily properties to have a combination of ADUs.
Interior ADUs, built within existing or proposed multifamily structures, can be up to 25% of the total units, with a minimum of one unit. Additionally, each lot can have a maximum of two detached ADUs.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Lancaster?
Lancaster has not specified a particular size for attached ADUs in multifamily buildings.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Lancaster?
A detached ADU for a multifamily building in Lancaster cannot be larger than 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit, and 1,200 square feet for a unit with two or more bedrooms. Additionally, the maximum floor area allowed for a detached ADU is limited to 10% of the total square footage of the lot. Front-yard setbacks or maximum lot coverage requirements cannot require the ADU to be smaller than 850 square feet.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
Lancaster has not set any regulations regarding stacking detached ADUs on top of each other.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
The Lancaster City ordinance does not specify whether two ADUs can be attached to each other.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, you are allowed to convert existing space into an ADU on a multi-family lot in Lancaster. This converted space, called an interior ADU, can come from areas within the multi-family dwelling structures that are not currently used as livable space.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
The maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multifamily building is 18 feet. An additional 2 feet in height, totaling a maximum of 20 feet, is allowed if necessary to align the roof pitch of the ADU with that of the primary structure.
What ADU types are allowed to build in Lancaster?
Lancaster provides various options for building ADUs:
- Detached ADU: A completely independent structure, separate from the primary residence.
- Attached ADU: A unit connected to or integrated into the existing home.
- Converted ADU: Existing spaces such as garages, sheds, or storage rooms are converted into livable areas with essential features like a kitchen and bathroom.
You can either build a new ADU or modify an existing structure. Repurposing areas like garages or sheds may help bypass certain zoning regulations, such as setbacks and height limits, and might allow for small expansions. However, working with older structures could present unexpected challenges, potentially increasing costs.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Lancaster?
The front yard setback should be at least 25 feet, with side and rear yard setbacks set at a minimum of 4 feet.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
Lancaster does not specify a minimum distance for ADUs from existing structures, but many cities typically require a 6-foot separation.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
No, setbacks are not required when converting an existing garage into an ADU in Lancaster.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Lancaster?
Yes, only if there is no place on the property to build a min. 800 sqft ADU. You just need to follow the zoning setbacks.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
In Lancaster, ADUs can have at least one bedroom, unlike studio units.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
Yes, Lancaster ADUs should include a full kitchen, which contrasts with JADUs that may have an efficiency kitchen.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
ADUs can choose to have their utility meters for water, gas, and electricity, separate from those of the main house.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
In Lancaster, ADUs should follow the California Building Code, which requires a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet for livable areas.
Find out the maximum ADU size for your property here
The parking requirements for ADU
What is the parking requirement for an ADU in Lancaster?
ADUs are required to have one off-street parking space each. However, certain exceptions apply. Parking is waived if the ADU is converted from existing space within the primary dwelling or an accessory structure, or if it's within a half-mile walking distance of public transit. Additionally, ADUs meeting the criteria of a state-exemption ADU are also exempt from parking requirements.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
Parking for ADUs in Lancaster should be on the same property, on a paved surface, and accessible by a paved pathway. Tandem parking is allowed, including on a paved driveway, but front setback parking is allowed only if the driveway is at least 20 feet deep. If a garage, carport, or covered parking is removed for an ADU, off-street 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 Lancaster?
In Lancaster, getting an ADU permit typically requires under 6 months. This period includes the building permit issuance and plan review stages. The first plan review after submission takes about 2 to 3 weeks, while any additional reviews follow within 1 to 2 weeks.
Plan checks for ADU projects in Lancaster are estimated to cost $2,097.
Does Lancaster require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
No, Lancaster doesn't require in-person submission of plans for an ADU. Planning reviews and approvals are now handled digitally. Applicants can submit a complete application package either via email or in person at the public counter, where they should bring digital files on a CD or flash drive.
Does Lancaster require coastal development permits?
No, Lancaster does not require coastal development permits in any area of the city.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Lancaster?
In Lancaster, you will need a licensed professional to design an ADU if the project does not follow typical construction methods.
Cost, financing and market value of ADUs
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Lancaster?
In Lancaster, the expense to construct an ADU is roughly $380 per square foot. Additionally, you should account for extra costs such as permits, architect fees, and engineering expenses. For instance, the total expenditure for a 900-square-foot ADU would be around $390,000, including both hard and soft costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in Lancaster?
The profitability of building an ADU in Lancaster depends on the construction costs and the local real estate market. A 900-square-foot ADU in this region has an estimated market value of about $580,000. Considering a total project cost of around $390,000, this yields a return on investment of approximately 50%.
Profitability can also be evaluated based on potential rental income or the benefits of having family members reside on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in Lancaster?
AB 1033 grants California's local authorities the ability to create guidelines for the sale of ADUs and primary homes as condominiums, all while following existing ADU regulations.
In Lancaster, the sale of ADUs is managed by particular 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 permits the separate sale of the ADU and the primary residence as condominiums.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in Lancaster?
No, ADUs in Lancaster are not subject to rent control regulations. Typically, rent control applies to buildings that are at least 15 years old. However, since ADUs are new constructions, they are not covered by laws like AB 1482, which involve rent control.
How do I get money to build an ADU in Lancaster?
Homeowners in Lancaster looking for financial support to construct an ADU can check out programs like the CalHFA ADU Grant Program. This initiative provides grants of up to $40,000, and eligibility is determined by the homeowner's income, allowing for incomes of up to $158,000 for owner-occupied properties. The grant covers initial expenses like site preparation, design, permits, and related costs. Homeowners have the freedom to choose their tenants for the ADU.