Housable

What are the requirements to build ADU in Lomita?

Building an ADU in Lomita allows you to increase your living space and offer affordable housing for adult children transitioning to independent living. To ensure the success of your ADU project, it's crucial to understand Lomita's local regulations and carefully assess the financial implications of construction. This guide provides comprehensive insights into Lomita's ADU regulations and key financial considerations, helping you efficiently plan and execute your project.

ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home

How many ADUs can you build in Lomita?

In Lomita, only one ADU is allowed per lot with an existing or proposed single-family dwelling, whether it's attached or detached from the primary building.

How large can an attached ADU be in Lomita?

In Lomita, attached ADUs with zero or one bedroom can be a maximum of 850 square feet or 50% of the size of the dwelling unit, whichever is less. For attached ADUs with two or more bedrooms, the maximum size is 1,000 square feet or 50% of the size of the dwelling unit, whichever is less, but never less than 800 square feet.

How large can a detached ADU be in Lomita?

In Lomita, a detached ADU with zero or one bedroom can be up to 850 square feet, while an ADU with two or more bedrooms can be up to 1,000 square feet.

Can I build a 2-story ADU in Lomita?

Yes, you can build a 2-story ADU in Lomita, but it cannot be higher than 2 stories.

Is there a minimum size for an ADU?

Yes, in Lomita, the minimum size requirement for an ADU is 150 square feet.

Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?

Yes, in Lomita, you can convert existing accessory structures or parts of the primary dwelling into ADUs.

What is the maximum height for an ADU?

For a property with a single-family house in Lomita:

Attached or detached ADUs with a 4-foot side and 4-foot rear setback are limited to one story and a maximum height of 16 feet.
Within a half mile of a major transit stop, ADUs can reach 18 feet in height, with an additional 2 feet for roof pitch alignment.
Attached ADUs cannot be over 25 feet in height or the principal dwelling's height limit, whichever is lower. South of Pacific Coast Highway attached ADUs over 16 feet require a height variation permit.
ADUs following the underlying zone's setback rules can be up to 16 feet tall for one story and 27 feet for two stories.

ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building

How many ADUs does Lomita allow for multifamily properties?

Multifamily properties in Lomita can have converted ADUs in non-livable spaces, with a minimum of one unit or up to 25% of the existing units. In addition, up to two detached ADUs are allowed.

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

Attached are ADUs for multifamily buildings in Lomita that are limited to a maximum size of 800 square feet.

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

Detached ADUs for multifamily buildings in Lomita have a maximum size limit of 800 square feet.

Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?

In Lomita, there's currently no provision addressing the stacking of detached ADUs on top of each other.

Can I attach two ADUs to each other?

Yes, in Lomita, you can attach two ADUs to each other if they are both detached from the main multifamily residential structure.

Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?

Yes, in Lomita, you can convert existing accessory structures or parts of the main dwelling into ADUs in multifamily properties.

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

For properties with a multifamily building in Lomita:

Attached or detached ADUs with a 4-foot side and 4-foot rear setback are limited to one story and a maximum height of 16 feet.
Within a half mile of a major transit stop, ADUs can reach a height of 18 feet, with an additional 2 feet allowing for roof pitch alignment.
On lots with existing or proposed multifamily, multistory dwellings, detached ADUs with the same setback requirements are limited to a height of 18 feet.
Attached ADUs cannot be over 25 feet in height or the principal dwelling's height limit, whichever is lower. Residential lots south of Pacific Coast Highway require a height variation permit for attached ADUs over 16 feet.
ADUs complying with the principal structure's setback rules can be up to 16 feet tall for one story and 27 feet for two stories.

What ADU types are allowed to build in Lomita?

Lomita offers several options for building ADUs:

Detached ADU: A structure entirely separate from the main house.
Attached ADU: A unit that is connected to or part of the primary residence.
Converted ADU: Converting existing spaces like garages, sheds, or storage rooms into livable units with necessary amenities, such as a kitchen and bathroom.

You can either construct a new ADU or modify an existing space. Converting areas like garages or sheds may help you avoid certain zoning restrictions, such as setback or height limits, and may allow for small expansions. However, renovating older structures could present unforeseen challenges that increase costs.

ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings

What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Lomita?

In Lomita, the setbacks for ADUs include a 20-foot requirement for the front yard, 10 feet for the secondary front, and 4 feet for both the side and rear yards. The city has not specified 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 6 feet away from existing structures in Lomita.

Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?

No, setbacks are not required when converting existing structures into ADUs.

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

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 Lomita, an ADU generally comprises a minimum of 1 bedroom, unless it's configured as a studio unit.

Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?

Yes, in Lomita, an ADU typically requires a full kitchen, as opposed to an efficiency kitchen found in JADUs.

Does an ADU require independent utility meters?

All ADUs in Lomita need to be connected to public utilities like water, electricity, and sewer services. However, if the ADU is solely created by converting an existing single-family dwelling or accessory structure, separate utility connections might be necessary.

What is the minimum ceiling height?

In Lomita, ADUs should have ceilings that are at least 7 feet high, following state regulations.

Find out the maximum ADU size for your property here

The parking requirements for ADU

What is the parking requirement for an ADU in Lomita?

Parking requirements for an ADU in Lomita include one space, but exceptions apply. No parking is needed if the ADU is within half a mile of public transit, in historical districts, part of the main residence, or if on-street permits are required but unavailable. The requirement is also waived if a car-share vehicle is within one block.

Where can I have a parking space on my property?

Parking should be on the same lot, and tandem parking on a driveway is allowed. If a garage or covered structure is converted into an ADU, replacement parking isn't necessary.

How to get permits for your ADU

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

Obtaining an ADU permit in Lomita usually takes 3.5 to 4 months. Once your permit drawings are ready, submit them for a Plan Check. It is recommended to schedule a pre-plan check meeting with the planner to ensure completeness before submission.

After submission and payment of fees, the city has 60 days to assess whether the application is complete. If no response is provided within that period, the permit is automatically approved. If corrections are needed, your designer will need to make revisions and resubmit the plans. The application should meet all ADU requirements, and missing information will not result in a denial. The Plan Check fee is around $1,860.

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

Yes, in Lomita, plans for an ADU typically need to be submitted in person, as they only accommodate minor permitting online.

Does Lomita require coastal development permits?

No, Lomita does not require coastal development permits for ADUs.

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

In Lomita, whether you need a licensed professional to design an ADU depends on how complex the project is.

Cost, financing and market value of ADUs

How much does it cost to build an ADU in Lomita?

Building an ADU in Lomita typically costs around $380 per square foot, which includes expenses for permits, architectural design, and engineering services. For instance, constructing a 900-square-foot ADU would generally cost about $390,000, covering both soft and hard costs.

Is it profitable to build an ADU in Lomita?

Assessing the financial feasibility of building an ADU in Lomita involves comparing construction costs with local real estate market values. For example, a 900-square-foot ADU could potentially be valued at approximately $550,000. With construction costs estimated at $390,000, this indicates a potential return on investment of 40%.

Additionally, profitability considerations may include potential rental income or the benefits of accommodating family members on the same property.

Can you sell an ADU in Lomita?

Under AB 1033, local agencies in California can create regulations for the sale of ADUs along with primary homes as condominiums, as long as they follow the existing ADU standards.

In Lomita, specific local regulations dictate the sale of ADUs. An ADU is eligible for sale if it was constructed by an accredited nonprofit, if a tenancy in common agreement is in place, or if the city allows the ADU and the main residence to be sold separately as condominiums.

Are ADUs rent-controlled in Lomita?

No, ADUs in Lomita aren't under rent control regulations, being considered new constructions exempt from laws like AB 1482, allowing landlords to raise rents annually, which applies to structures at least 15 years old.

How do I get money to build an ADU in Lomita?

Homeowners can explore financial assistance options available through the CalHFA's ADU grant program in Lomita, facilitated by the California Community Economic Development Association (CCEDA). This program provides qualifying homeowners with grants of up to $40,000 to offset initial ADU construction costs. Furthermore, a substantial portion of these grants is allocated to support low-income households, enhancing financial accessibility for eligible applicants.

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