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ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Monterey Park
A lot of older adults prefer staying in their homes instead of moving to a retirement community because they find comfort in familiar surroundings. The difficulty is figuring out how to make this work without increasing expenses, while also making sure they get the care they need and boosting the property's value. This article looks at a simple way to address these concerns.
Building an ADU on your property is a great way to provide a secure and personalized living space. These smaller homes are perfect for seniors, offering an affordable and practical option that keeps them near their community and can be easily adjusted for future needs.
Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in Monterey Park
What is an ADU?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a small home built on the same property as the main house. It can be a separate building, an addition to the main house, or a converted space like a garage. With basic features like a bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom, ADUs offer a comfortable living space that allows seniors to live independently while staying close to family.
Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place
1. Safe and Comfortable Living. ADUs can be designed with helpful features such as single-floor layouts, wider doors, and non-slip floors, making them safer and easier for seniors to manage on their own.
2. Adaptable for the Future. These units can accommodate family members or caregivers and can later be rented out if not needed by seniors, making them a smart choice for changing family situations.
3. Cost-Effective Housing. Building an ADU is typically more affordable than moving to a senior care facility. It also allows multiple generations to live together, reducing overall housing costs.
4. Staying Close to Loved Ones. For seniors who want to maintain their independence but remain near family, an ADU offers the right balance of privacy and connection, ensuring they’re part of a supportive household.
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 individuals ager, being isolated from others can become a major issue. Losing important connections or having fewer opportunities to socialize can lead to loneliness, which harms both mental and physical health. When designing or improving an ADU for your elderly parent, it’s important to think about their physical needs as well as ways to keep them connected with others.
An ADU provides a private living space with its entrance, but since it’s on the same property as the main house, it allows families to visit easily and provide support. To help reduce feelings of isolation, consider creating inviting spaces for socializing, such as a cozy living room or a small dining area where families can enjoy meals together. Outdoor spaces like a porch or garden can also give your parent a place to relax or chat with neighbors.
Mobility issues can make it more difficult for your parent to stay connected. Adding things like wheelchair ramps, better lighting, and comfortable seating can help them move around easily and engage with others, both inside and outside.
Placing the ADU close to the main house lets your parent maintain their independence while staying close to family, helping prevent loneliness. This balance of privacy and access promotes both their social and physical 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 Monterey Park is $525,324. A loan that has a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $3,320. 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 $660,000 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 Monterey Park
Where can ADUs be built?
ADUs can be constructed in areas that are designated for single-family or multi-family housing.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a single-family zone?
In Monterey Park, an ADU on single-family property can be as large as 1,200 square feet and up to 18 feet tall.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a multi-family zone?
In multi-family areas of Monterey Park, the size limit is also 1,200 square feet, and the height limit is 18 feet.
What is the minimum setback for an ADU?
The minimum setback for an ADU in Monterey Park is 4 feet.
What are the safety regulations for an ADU?
Fire sprinklers are only required for ADUs if they are also required for the main house on the property.
Is independent access from the main house required?
Yes, the ADU should have its separate entrance.
What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?
To make an ADU more accessible for seniors, consider adding features like ramps, handrails, and level entries. Additional permits may be necessary for these modifications.
Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?
No, mobile homes cannot be used as ADUs because they lack a permanent foundation. ADUs should meet California's building codes and be built on a stable foundation.
How fast can you build an ADU?
Building an ADU usually takes between 3 to 6 months, depending on how long the permit process, design, and construction take.
What are the rules for ADU ownership in Monterey Park?
Is the property owner required to live in the main house?
Starting January 1, 2025, property owners should live in either the main house or the ADU as their primary residence. If this requirement is not followed, the ADU permit will be revoked.
What are the rental regulations for an ADU?
ADUs can only be rented out for periods of 30 days or longer.
What permits are needed for an ADU?
To build an ADU, you need both an ADU permit and a building permit. The ADU should follow the city's development rules, and the city will review and make a decision on your application within 60 days of receiving it.
Resources and Where to Start in Monterey Park
To get started, Monterey Park residents can reach out to the Monterey Park City 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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