ADU HOMES
What are the requirements to build ADU in Monrovia?
Constructing an ADU in Monrovia allows you to enhance your living area and create specialized spaces like a home office or recreational room. To ensure the success of your ADU project, it is essential to understand the local regulations and assess the financial implications of building in Monrovia. This guide provides detailed information on Monrovia's ADU rules and critical financial considerations, helping you effectively plan and execute your project.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in Monrovia?
In Monrovia, you can build one ADU on a lot with an existing or proposed single-family unit, whether it's attached or detached from the primary building.
How large can an attached ADU be in Monrovia?
In Monrovia, an attached ADU cannot be larger than 50% of the gross floor area of the single-family dwelling, with a maximum size of 800 square feet.
How large can a detached ADU be in Monrovia?
In Monrovia, the maximum allowable size for a detached ADU is 800 square feet. However, if the ADU is built on a lot with an existing or proposed single-family dwelling that doesn't meet the criteria for the "building permit only" process, it needs a Planning Division Review. In such cases, the detached ADU's size should not be larger than 1,000 square feet.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in Monrovia?
No, it's not possible to build a 2-story ADU in Monrovia, as the maximum height allowed is only 16 feet.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
Yes, there is a minimum size requirement for an ADU in Monrovia, which is 220 square feet.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, you can convert existing space into an ADU in Monrovia, which may involve adding up to 150 square feet of new construction for ingress and egress.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
The maximum height allowed for an ADU on a property with a single-family house is 16 feet.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does Monrovia allow for multifamily properties?
Monrovia allows two new detached ADUs on multifamily properties. You can also convert non-habitable space in existing multifamily buildings into at least one ADU, with a maximum of 25% of the building's allowable units.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Monrovia?
In Monrovia, the maximum size for an attached ADU within a multifamily building is limited to 800 square feet of gross floor area.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Monrovia?
Similarly to attached ADUs, the maximum size for a detached ADU within a multifamily building in Monrovia is restricted to 800 square feet of gross floor area.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
Currently, Monrovia has not specified whether stacking detached ADUs on top of each other is allowed.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
In Monrovia, it's not allowed to attach two ADUs to each other.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, for multifamily properties, existing non-habitable space can be converted into an ADU.
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 the same as for a single-family property: 16 feet.
What ADU types are allowed to build in Monrovia?
Monrovia offers several options for adding an ADU to your property:
Detached ADU: A completely separate structure, not connected to the main residence.
Attached ADU: A unit that is either added to or incorporated within the existing home.
Converted ADU: Changing spaces like garages, sheds, or storage areas into fully equipped living units with features like a kitchen and bathroom.
You can opt to build a new ADU or convert an existing structure. Converting spaces such as garages or sheds may help bypass certain zoning regulations, including setbacks or height limits, and might allow for small expansions. However, renovating older buildings could result in unexpected issues that increase costs.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Monrovia?
In Monrovia, ADUs require a minimum setback of 4 feet from the rear and side yards. They are not allowed in the front yard unless there is no other location available. Regulations for corner or through lots are not specified.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
The City of Monrovia has not specified a minimum distance that ADUs should be from existing buildings, but typically, a 6-foot distance is standard in many cities.
Are setbacks required if converting existing structures into ADU?
No, setbacks are not required for an ADU converted from an existing structure or for a structure built in the same location and with the same dimensions as the existing one.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Monrovia?
In Monrovia, you may build an ADU in the front yard only if no other suitable area on the property can fit an ADU of at least 800 square feet. Following zoning setback rules is required.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
In Monrovia, there are no set rules on the number of bedrooms allowed for ADUs. However, it's common in many cities within Los Angeles County for ADUs to have at least one bedroom, unless they're intended as studio units.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
ADUs in Monrovia require a full kitchen, unlike JADUs, which may have an efficiency kitchen.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
No, ADUs do not require independent utility meters. They should have sufficient water and sewer services, which are typically provided from the same connection points used by the primary dwelling unit.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
According to the California Building Code, the minimum ceiling height for living spaces, including ADUs, in Monrovia is 7 feet.
Find out the maximum ADU size for your property here
The parking requirements for ADU
What is the parking requirement for an ADU in Monrovia?
In Monrovia, each ADU provides one off-street parking space per unit unless specific conditions apply, such as proximity to public transit, being in historic districts, or if the ADU is converted from an existing structure. The requirement is also waived if the ADU is near city-approved car-share parking.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
ADUs in Monrovia can have parking in various configurations on the property, including covered, uncovered, or tandem setups in front, side, or rear setback areas. Existing driveways can be used, as long as they do not obstruct pedestrian pathways or public rights-of-way. Vehicles must be parked on paved surfaces, with front yard parking limited to driveways, occupying no more than 25% of the front yard. Access to parking must be through approved driveway locations, and parking in fire lanes is prohibited.
If an ADU is created by converting or demolishing a detached garage, carport, or covered parking structure, there’s no need to replace the lost parking spaces as long as the ADU remains legally compliant.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Monrovia?
Getting an ADU permit in Monrovia generally takes around 3.5 to 4 months. Once your plans are complete, they must be submitted for a Plan Check. It’s recommended to arrange a pre-plan check meeting with a planner to verify accuracy before filing.
After submission and payment, the city has 60 days to determine if the application is complete. If no response is given within this period, the permit is automatically approved. If changes are needed, your designer must revise and resubmit the plans. The application must meet ADU requirements, as incomplete details won’t result in rejection. The Plan Check fee is roughly $3,350.
Does Monrovia require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
No, Monrovia allows for the submission of plans for an ADU through an online application, eliminating the need for in-person submission.
Does Monrovia require coastal development permits?
No, Monrovia does not require coastal development permits anywhere within the city.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Monrovia?
In Monrovia, you will need a licensed professional to design an ADU if the project doesn't follow the standard construction methods.
Cost, financing and market value of ADUs
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Monrovia?
Constructing an ADU in Monrovia typically involves expenses of about $380 per square foot. This estimate should also cover costs such as permits, architectural design, and engineering services. For example, the total cost for a 900-square-foot ADU generally amounts to around $390,000, encompassing both direct and incidental costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in Monrovia?
To assess the financial viability of building an ADU in Monrovia, it’s important to compare construction costs with local real estate market values. For instance, a 900-square-foot ADU might have an estimated market value of approximately $400,000. Given construction expenses of around $390,000, this suggests a potential return on investment of 3%.
Furthermore, profitability can also be evaluated by considering potential rental income or the advantages of having family members reside on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in Monrovia?
AB 1033 allows California's local jurisdictions to develop regulations for the sale of ADUs as condominiums in conjunction with primary homes, provided they comply with current ADU statutes.
In Monrovia, the sale of ADUs is governed by local laws. An ADU can be sold if it is built by an authorized nonprofit organization. Additionally, sales are permitted if there is a tenancy in common agreement or if the city approves the sale of the ADU and the main residence as distinct condominium units.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in Monrovia?
No, ADUs in Monrovia are not governed by rent control laws. Regulations like AB 1482, which permit landlords to increase rents annually, do not apply to ADUs because they are regarded as new constructions. However, this exemption applies only to structures that are at least 15 years old.
How do I get money to build an ADU in Monrovia?
To fund an ADU construction project in Monrovia, homeowners have several options. One option is to consider the CalHFA's ADU grant program, administered by the California Community Economic Development Association (CCEDA). This program provides grants of $40,000 to eligible homeowners to cover pre-construction expenses associated with ADU construction. It's worth noting that 54% of these grants are designated for low-income households to enhance affordability.
Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.
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