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ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Lomita
Aging in place is a priority for many older adults in California who wish to stay in the comfort of their own homes and communities rather than move to senior care facilities. The challenge lies in creating a plan that avoids additional monthly costs, ensures your parents receive proper care, and adds value to the property. This article presents a practical solution to achieve that balance.
ADUs offer a practical option for creating secure, personalized living spaces right on your property. These compact homes can be tailored to suit the unique needs of seniors, providing an affordable and long-lasting living arrangement that helps them stay connected to their community while being adaptable for future uses.
Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in Lomita
What is an ADU?
An ADU, or Accessory Dwelling Unit, is a compact living space built on the same property as your main home. It can be a separate structure, attached to the main house, or a converted area like a garage. Designed to include essentials like a bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom, ADUs are ideal for individuals who value independence while staying close to family.
Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place
Customizable for Safety and Comfort
ADUs can be tailored to meet the specific needs of older adults. Features like single-story designs, wider doorways, and slip-resistant flooring make them safer and easier to navigate. These adjustments help seniors maintain their independence while reducing the risk of falls or other accidents.
Adaptable for the Future
ADUs are incredibly flexible. They can serve as a home for family members or caregivers and later be rented out if not needed for senior living. This adaptability makes ADUs a practical and long-term investment that evolves with your family’s requirements.
Affordable Living Solution
Compared to moving into a retirement community, building an ADU is often a more cost-effective choice. It also allows multiple generations to live on the same property, reducing housing costs for the family.
Stay Close to Family and Support
Relocating from a long-time home can be challenging for older adults, as they leave behind familiar surroundings and social connections. An ADU on the same property as a family offers a balance of independence and proximity, ensuring they have help and companionship when needed. It’s a comforting arrangement for everyone.
Not sure which ADU option is right for you or your property?
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How to improve the property to fit your elderly parent?
As people get older, staying socially connected becomes increasingly important. Losing friends or having fewer opportunities to interact with others can lead to feelings of loneliness, which can negatively affect both mental and physical health. When designing or upgrading an ADU for your elderly parent, it’s essential to address their physical needs while also creating opportunities for social interaction.
An ADU is a separate living space with its entrance, but being on the same property as the main house makes family interaction and support more accessible. To help your parent stay socially active, include spaces that encourage interaction, such as a cozy seating area or a small dining space where family can gather. Outdoor features like a porch or garden can also provide a relaxing environment where they can connect with neighbors or enjoy nature.
Consider mobility needs to ensure they can move around easily and engage with others. Features like ramps for wheelchairs, brighter lighting, and conveniently located seating areas can make it simpler for your parent to navigate the space and stay involved in family and community life.
Having the ADU located near the main house lets your parent maintain their independence while staying close enough to enjoy the company of family members. This thoughtful combination of privacy, accessibility, and social connection can greatly enhance their overall well-being.
What are the economics of building an ADU for the aging-in-place scenario?
The good news is that many older couples have already paid off their home, which gives them more flexibility financially. If this applies to you, you could use a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) to cover the cost of building an ADU. After the ADU is built and your parents move in, you could rent out the main house to help cover the payments on the HELOC. The key is ensuring the rent from the main house is enough to cover those payments. While it might sound a bit tricky, you can use this example to figure out your costs and potential income.
Let's consider that your parents would be happy to live in a 2 bedroom with 2 bath ADU. The size for such an ADU is approx. 1,200 sq. ft. The cost of a 1,200 sq. ft. ADU in Lomita is $519,564. A loan that has a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $3,284. Ideally, you could rent the main house with at least the same amount as your payments for the HELOC. This way you'll break even on your monthly expenses, while you're having someone keeping an eye on your parents and increasing the value of this property.
Besides providing the right living spaces for your parents at potentially break-even costs per month, this ADU could add around $720,000 to the property’s market value if you decide to sell.
ADUs can increase the value of your property. Learn how much they could add.
ADU design restrictions in Lomita
Where can ADUs be built?
ADUs can be constructed in areas designated for residential or mixed-use properties.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a single-family zone?
In Lomita, an ADU in a single-family zone can be up to 1,000 square feet and 27 feet tall.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a multi-family zone?
In a multi-family zone in Lomita, an ADU can be up to 800 square feet and 27 feet tall.
What is the minimum setback for an ADU?
The minimum setback for an ADU in Lomita is 4 feet.
What are the safety regulations for an ADU?
While Lomita does not specify, generally, if the main house has fire sprinklers, they are also needed in the ADU.
Is independent access from the main house required?
Yes, ADUs should have their entrance separate from the main house.
What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?
If the ADU is for seniors, it may need to include special features like ramps, handrails, or level entryways, and might require extra permits for accessibility.
Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?
No, mobile homes aren’t allowed because they use temporary support. ADUs must be built on a permanent foundation and meet California building codes.
How fast can you build an ADU?
Building an ADU typically takes between 3 to 6 months, depending on permits, design, and construction conditions.
What are the rules for ADU ownership in Lomita?
Is the property owner required to live in the main house?
Yes, there is a requirement for the owner to live on the property.
What are the rental regulations for an ADU?
The ADU can only be rented for terms of 30 days or longer.
What permits are needed for an ADU?
To build or convert an ADU, you'll need a building permit, which covers things like construction, plumbing, electrical work, and other necessary systems.
Resources and Where to Start in Lomita
To get started, Lomita residents can reach out to the Lomita City Planning Department for ADU guidelines and zoning details.