Cali ADU Design+Build
What are the requirements to build ADU in Monterey Park?
Building an ADU in Monterey Park presents an excellent opportunity to expand your living area and create customized spaces like a home office or recreation room. To ensure the success of your ADU project, it is important to understand the city's regulations and evaluate the financial feasibility of constructing an ADU in Monterey Park. This comprehensive guide outlines Monterey Park's ADU regulations and key financial considerations, assisting you in planning and executing your project efficiently.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in Monterey Park?
In Monterey Park, only one ADU is allowed per lot, regardless of whether there is an existing or proposed single-family dwelling, and it can be either an attached or detached ADU from the primary building.
How large can an attached ADU be in Monterey Park?
An attached ADU in Monterey Park can be up to 50% of the primary dwelling's floor area or a maximum of 1,200 square feet, whichever is less. Alternatively, the ADU can be 850 square feet, or 1,000 square feet for a two-bedroom unit.
How large can a detached ADU be in Monterey Park?
A detached ADU in Monterey Park can be up to 1,200 square feet, with the options of being 850 square feet or 1,000 square feet for a two-bedroom unit.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in Monterey Park?
Yes, a 2-story ADU is allowed in Monterey
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
Yes, in Monterey Park, the minimum size for an ADU is at least 150 square feet, which is the minimum floor area for an efficiency unit.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, existing space can be converted into an ADU.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
ADUs are limited to one story and should not be higher than 18 feet in height unless additional height is needed to align with the roof slope of the main building.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does Monterey Park allow for multifamily properties?
In multifamily properties, two detached ADUs are allowed in Monterey Park. Also, property owners can have one converted ADU or 25% of the existing multifamily dwelling units, whichever is greater.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Monterey Park?
The maximum size for an attached ADU in a multifamily building in Monterey Park is determined by two criteria: it can be up to 50% of the primary dwelling's floor area or a maximum of 1,200 square feet, whichever is less. Additionally, it can be 850 square feet, or 1,000 square feet for a two-bedroom unit.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Monterey Park?
For a detached ADU in Monterey Park within a multifamily building, it can be as large as 1,200 square feet. Alternatively, it can be 850 square feet, or 1,000 square feet for a two-bedroom unit.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
As of now, Monterey Park's regulations do not specifically address the stacking of detached ADUs on top of each other.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
In Monterey Park, the regulations do not allow attaching two ADUs to each other. Instead, each ADU should be attached to the primary dwelling.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, it is allowed to convert existing space into an ADU in a multifamily property.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
Similar to single-family homes, ADUs within multifamily properties are limited to one story and should not be higher than 18 feet, unless an increased height is necessary to match the primary dwelling's roof pitch. However, if the ADU is detached and higher than 16 feet, it's allowed to have two-story ADUs.
What ADU types are allowed to build in Monterey Park?
Monterey Park offers several options for adding an ADU to your property:
- Detached ADU: A separate structure, independent of the main house.
- Attached ADU: A unit added to or integrated within the existing home.
- Converted ADU: Converting spaces like garages, sheds, or storage areas into fully functional living units with amenities such as a kitchen and bathroom.
Homeowners can choose to either build a new ADU or convert an existing structure. Converting areas like garages or sheds may allow you to bypass certain zoning regulations, such as setbacks or height limits, and may permit small additions. However, renovating older structures could uncover unexpected issues that increase costs.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Monterey Park?
ADUs should have a setback of at least 4 feet from the side and rear lot lines. Regulations for corner or through lots have not been specified.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
For new construction ADUs, there should be at least 10 feet (eave to eave) between a detached ADU and the primary dwelling, and at least 5 feet (eave to eave) between the detached ADU and any other non-habitable building or structure.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
Monterey Park does not specify setback requirements for converting existing structures into ADUs. Generally, in most Los Angeles County cities, setbacks are not needed if the ADU is formed entirely within the primary residence or an existing accessory structure.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Monterey Park?
In Monterey Park, you can build an ADU in the front yard only if there is no other suitable area on the property for an ADU of at least 800 square feet. Zoning setback regulations should still be followed.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
An ADU in Monterey Park, given the maximum allowable size of 1,200 square feet, can accommodate at least one bedroom.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
Yes, an ADU in Monterey Park requires a full kitchen, unlike a JADU, which only needs an efficiency kitchen.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
Yes, ADUs might require their utility connections, directly connected to the utility provider, and this could involve paying a connection fee or capacity charge.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
According to the California Building Code, livable areas in Monterey Park, including ADUs, should have a ceiling height of at least 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 Monterey Park?
Each ADU in Monterey Park requires one parking space, but exceptions exist. Parking requirements are waived if the ADU is within half a mile of public transit, in a historically significant area, part of an existing primary dwelling or accessory structure, in an area without parking permits for ADU occupants, or within a block of a carshare vehicle. These exceptions support diverse living arrangements and sustainable transportation.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
Parking spaces may be positioned as tandem parking on a driveway or in required setback areas. Additionally, no replacement off-street parking is necessary when a garage or covered parking structure is demolished to create or convert into an ADU.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Monterey Park?
In Monterey Park, obtaining an ADU permit usually takes around 3.5 to 4 months. After preparing your plans, they need to undergo a Plan Check. It is recommended to meet with a city planner beforehand to ensure the plans are accurate before submission.
Once the plans are submitted and the fee is paid, the city has 60 days to determine if the application is complete. If no response is given during this period, the permit is automatically approved. If revisions are necessary, the designer should update and resubmit the plans. The application should meet ADU requirements, as missing information will not result in rejection but will require corrections. The Plan Check fee is approximately $3,751.
Does Monterey Park require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
No, it's not necessary. The City of Monterey Park operates a One Stop Building Permit Center, where applicants can submit building permits, and plans, and coordinate construction projects online through this link: One Stop Building Permit Center.
Does Monterey Park require coastal development permits?
No, within its city limits, Monterey Park does not require coastal development permits.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Monterey Park?
You will need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Monterey Park if the project deviates from standard construction practices.
How Much Value Does a Mother-in-Law Suite Add to Your Home?
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Monterey Park?
Constructing an ADU in Monterey Park generally costs around $380 per square foot. Besides the construction expenses, you should also consider costs for permits, architectural design, and engineering services. For example, the total cost for a 900-square-foot ADU is about $390,000, encompassing both soft and hard costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in Monterey Park?
Determining the financial feasibility of building an ADU in Monterey Park involves considering both the construction costs and the local real estate market. A 900-square-foot ADU in Monterey Park is estimated to be worth about $500,000. Given the construction expenses of around $390,000, this results in an estimated return on investment of 26%.
Profitability can also be assessed by considering potential rental income or the benefits of having family members reside on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in Monterey Park?
AB 1033 allows cities in California to establish guidelines for selling ADUs as condominiums in conjunction with primary homes, provided they comply with current ADU laws.
In Montebello, local rules govern the sale of ADUs. An ADU can be sold if built by an approved nonprofit organization. Additionally, sales are permitted if there is a tenancy in common agreement or if the city approves selling the ADU and the main residence as distinct condominium units.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in Monterey Park?
Rent control ordinances do not extend to ADUs in Monterey Park. Unlike buildings aged at least 15 years, which are typically subject to rent control, ADUs are exempt from laws like AB 1482, as they are newly constructed units.
How do I get money to build an ADU in Monterey Park?
To finance the construction of an ADU in Monterey Park, homeowners can explore the CalHFA's ADU grant program, overseen by the California Community Economic Development Association (CCEDA). This program provides grants of $40,000 to eligible homeowners to cover pre-construction expenses related to ADU construction. Notably, 54% of these grants are earmarked for low-income households, aiming to enhance affordability.