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ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Unincorporated Los Angeles County
Staying in their own homes and familiar neighborhoods provides comfort, independence, and stability, making it a preferred choice over senior living facilities. The challenge lies in finding a solution that avoids extra monthly costs, ensures proper care is available, and increases the property’s value. This approach offers a practical way to meet these needs.
Building an ADU on your family’s property is a smart way to create a safe and customized living space for seniors. These small, separate units can be designed with features that focus on comfort and safety. ADUs provide an affordable option for seniors to stay close to family and remain part of their community, while also offering flexibility to be used for other purposes in the future.
Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in Unincorporated Los Angeles County
What is an ADU?
An ADU, or Accessory Dwelling Unit, is a small living space built on the same property as a main house. Sometimes called granny flats, in-law suites, or backyard cottages, ADUs include everything needed for independent living, such as a kitchen, bathroom, and living area. They can be a separate building, attached to the main house, or created by converting an existing space like a garage.
Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place
Affordable Housing Option
ADUs are a cost-effective way to avoid moving to a retirement home. They let families live together on the same property, reducing the need for separate homes.
Customizable for Comfort and Safety
These units can be designed with senior-friendly features like easy access, wider doorways, grab bars, and slip-resistant floors, making them safe and convenient for daily living.
Flexible for Future Use
ADUs are versatile—later on, they can be used for caregivers, and other family members, or even rented out to generate extra income.
Stay Close to Family
For seniors, moving far away can be tough, as it disrupts routines and social connections. An ADU allows them to stay independent while being near family for support and companionship, providing peace of mind for everyone.
Not sure which ADU option is right for you or your property?
Socal Casitas ADU Construction Specialists
How do you improve the property to fit your elderly parent?
Begin by evaluating how well your parent can live independently right now, and think about how their needs might change in the future. Although it’s not always easy to plan, it’s an important step.
If your parent is still independent but struggles with stairs, creating a single-level living space might be a good idea. This means arranging everything they need—such as the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living room—on one floor.
Since modifying your main house for this can be expensive and disruptive, building a separate living space, like an ADU, might be a better choice. Whether attached to the house or separate, an ADU gives your parent their own space while keeping them close to family.
If you won’t be living in the main house, renting it to tenants who can help care for your parent might be a good solution. While you may have to accept lower rent, the benefit of having someone nearby to support your parent could make it worthwhile.
What are the economics of building an ADU for the aging-in-place scenario?
The good thing is that many older couples have already paid off their mortgage. If that’s true for your parents, you could consider getting a HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) to finance the cost of building an ADU. Once the ADU is ready and your parents move into it, you could rent out the main house to help cover the HELOC payments. The important part is making sure the rent from the main house is enough to cover those payments. It might sound tricky, but using an example to calculate the costs can make it clearer.
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 Unincorporated Los Angeles County is $514,380. A loan that has a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $3,251. 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 $1,800,000 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 Unincorporated Los Angeles County
Where can ADUs be built?
ADUs can be built on properties that are zoned for either single-family or multi-family use.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a single-family zone?
In a single-family zone, ADUs can be up to 1,200 square feet in size and up to 25 feet tall.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a multi-family zone?
In a multi-family zone, attached ADUs can be up to 1,200 square feet, while there’s no maximum size for detached ADUs. Both ADUs can also be up to 20 feet tall.
What is the minimum setback for an ADU?
The minimum setback for an ADU in Unincorporated Los Angeles County is 4 feet.
What are the safety regulations for an ADU?
Although safety regulations are not specific for Unincorporated Los Angeles County, generally if the main house has fire sprinklers, the ADU will also need them.
Is independent access from the main house required?
While it’s not specifically mentioned in the municipal code for Unincorporated Los Angeles County, most cities require that an ADU has a separate entrance.
What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?
For senior-friendly ADUs, features like ramps, handrails, or step-free entrances may be needed. These could require additional permits.
Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?
No, mobile structures on temporary supports aren’t allowed. ADUs should have a permanent foundation and meet California building codes.
How fast can you build an ADU?
The building process typically takes between 3 and 6 months, depending on permits, design work, and construction conditions.
What are the rules for ADU ownership in Unincorporated Los Angeles County?
Is the property owner required to live in the main house?
The Unincorporated Los Angeles County Municipal Code does not specify if the property owner should live in the main house.
What are the rental regulations for an ADU?
ADUs can only be rented out for at least 30 days at a time. Shorter rentals, like for vacations, aren’t allowed.
What permits are needed for an ADU?
You’ll need a building permit, which covers work like plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems. Once your application is complete and the ADU is part of an existing home, the county will decide within 60 days.
Resources and Where to Start in Unincorporated Los Angeles County
To get started, Unincorporated Los Angeles County residents can reach out to the Unincorporated Los Angeles County Planning Department for ADU guidelines and zoning details.
ADU Analysis shows the maximum ADU size for the best return on your property.
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