Cali ADU Design+Build
What are the requirements to build ADU in Montebello?
Constructing an ADU in Montebello offers a great opportunity to enlarge your living space and accommodate multigenerational living or provide a separate area for aging in-laws. To ensure your ADU project's success, it's crucial to understand the city's regulations and assess the financial practicality of building an ADU in Montebello. This detailed guide covers Montebello's ADU regulations and key financial considerations, helping you plan and execute your project effectively.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in Montebello?
In Montebello, you can build one ADU per lot in 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 Montebello?
Attached ADUs in Montebello can be a maximum size of 1,000 square feet, provided they do not surpass 35 percent of the existing living area of the primary dwelling unit.
How large can a detached ADU be in Montebello?
The maximum size allowed for a detached ADU in Montebello is 1,200 square feet.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in Montebello?
Yes, building a two-story ADU is allowed in Montebello.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
Yes, the ADU should have a minimum gross living area of 350 square feet.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, converting existing space into an ADU is allowed for both attached and detached units.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
Attached ADUs on properties with single-family houses can reach a maximum height of 25 feet.
For detached ADUs on such properties:
- Normally, the maximum height is 16 feet.
- If the ADU is within a 1/2 mile walking distance of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor, it can be up to 18 feet tall.
- Additionally, it may be increased by up to two feet (maximum 20 feet) to match the roof pitch of the main house.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does Montebello allow for multifamily properties?
In multifamily properties, Montebello allows up to two detached ADUs. Additionally, at least one interior ADU can be created or up to 25% of the total existing units within the multifamily dwelling. If a detached non-livable space is converted to an ADU and expanded beyond 150 sq ft, it counts toward the 2 detached ADUs.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Montebello?
Attached ADUs in Montebello within multifamily buildings can reach a maximum size of 1,000 square feet, as long as they do not surpass 35 percent of the existing living area of the primary dwelling unit.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Montebello?
For multifamily buildings in Montebello, detached ADUs can reach a maximum size of 1,200 square feet.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
Stacking detached ADUs on top of each other is not allowed in Montebello. While you can add an ADU above an existing detached structure like a garage, the regulations do not allow for stacking one detached ADU directly on top of another.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
In Montebello, attaching two ADUs is not allowed. ADU needs to be connected to the main building.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, converting existing space into an ADU is allowed for both attached and detached units within multifamily buildings.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
For an ADU attached to a multifamily building, the maximum height allowed is 25 feet.
For a detached ADU on the property with a multifamily building, the maximum height is 16 feet.
What ADU types are allowed to build in Montebello?
Montebello provides various ways to add an ADU to your property:
- Detached ADU: A standalone building separate from the main house.
- Attached ADU: A unit built onto or within the existing home.
- Converted ADU: Converting areas like garages, sheds, or storage spaces into fully functional living units with amenities such as a kitchen and bathroom.
Homeowners can either construct a new ADU or convert an existing structure. Converting spaces like garages or sheds may help avoid certain zoning rules, such as setbacks or height restrictions, and could permit minor additions. However, upgrading older structures may lead to unforeseen problems that drive up expenses.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Montebello?
The setback requirement for an ADU is 4 feet from both rear and side property lines. However, Montebello has not provided specific 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 10 feet away from existing structures. If the entrance of the ADU faces the rear of the primary dwelling, the separation distance should be 20 feet from the primary dwelling unit.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
Setbacks are not required when converting existing structures into an ADU. Instead, you may follow the same setback requirements as the existing garage or accessory structure.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Montebello?
In Montebello, building an ADU in the front yard is allowed only when no other part of the property can accommodate an ADU of at least 800 square feet. All zoning setback regulations should still be followed.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
In Montebello, an ADU should have a minimum of one bedroom with a closet.
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
Yes, an ADU in Montebello should have at least one efficiency kitchen as opposed to other cities’ full kitchens.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
No, utilities for an ADU should be metered alongside those of the primary dwelling unit.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
In Montebello, livable spaces, including ADUs, should have a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet, as required by the California Building Code.
Find out the maximum ADU size for your property here
The parking requirements for ADU
What is the parking requirement for an ADU in Montebello?
Each ADU in Montebello should have one off-street parking space, enclosed with a garage door opening.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
While Montebello may not be specified, in many cities within Los Angeles County, parking spaces can be located in setbacks or existing driveways, often arranged as tandem parking. Additionally, converting garages or carports into living spaces does not require replacing off-street parking.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Montebello?
The process of obtaining an ADU permit in Montebello typically takes about 3.5 to 4 months. Once your plans are ready, they should go through a Plan Check. Scheduling a pre-plan check meeting with a city planner is advised to ensure accuracy before submission.
After submitting the plans and paying the required fee, the city has 60 days to confirm whether the application is complete. If no response is provided within this timeframe, the permit is automatically approved. If revisions are needed, the designer should update and resubmit the plans. The application should comply with ADU regulations, as incomplete information won’t lead to rejection but will require corrections. The Plan Check fee is approximately $1,645.
Does Montebello require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
No, Montebello provides an electronic plan submittal portal for ADU plans, indicating that in-person submission is not required.
Does Montebello require coastal development permits?
No, Montebello does not require coastal development permits within its city limits.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Montebello?
If the project deviates from standard construction practices, a licensed professional is required to design an ADU in Montebello.
How Much Value Does a Mother-in-Law Suite Add to Your Home?
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Montebello?
Building an ADU in Montebello typically costs about $380 per square foot. In addition to construction expenses, you should account for permits, architectural design, and engineering services. For instance, the total cost for a 900-square-foot ADU is approximately $390,000, which includes both soft and hard costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in Montebello?
Evaluating the financial viability of constructing an ADU in Montebello requires considering both construction costs and the local real estate market. A 900-square-foot ADU in Montebello is valued at around $500,000. With construction costs totaling about $390,000, this results in an estimated return on investment of 27%.
Profitability can also be evaluated by considering potential rental income or the advantages of having family members live on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in Montebello?
AB 1033 gives California cities the authority to create rules for selling ADUs as condominiums alongside primary residences, as long as they follow the existing ADU regulations.
In Montebello, local regulations dictate the sale of ADUs. An ADU may be sold if constructed by a recognized nonprofit organization. Furthermore, sales are allowed if there is a tenancy in a common arrangement or if the city authorizes the sale of the ADU and the main house as separate condominium units.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in Montebello?
Rent control ordinances do not apply to ADUs in Montebello. While rent control typically applies to buildings aged at least 15 years, ADUs, being newly constructed units, are exempt from laws such as AB 1482, which address rent control.
How do I get money to build an ADU in Montebello?
To acquire funds for constructing an ADU in Montebello, homeowners can 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 costs 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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