Unsplash

ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Oceanside

Seniors often prefer living in a familiar place instead of a care facility because it feels more comfortable and gives them more freedom. The challenge is how to provide the care they need without increasing expenses, while also improving the home's value. This article offers a practical way to solve these problems.

Adding an ADU to your property gives seniors a private and safe place to live that's easy to navigate. These small homes are made to be cozy and secure, with features that help make daily activities easier. They allow seniors to stay close to family and connected to their community. The space can also be adapted over time to fit their changing needs.

Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in Oceanside

What is an ADU?

An ADU, or Accessory Dwelling Unit, is a small, independent living space built on the same property as a main house. Often called granny flats, in-law suites, or backyard cottages, they include essentials like a kitchen, bathroom, and living area. ADUs can be detached buildings, attached to the main house, or created by converting units like a garage.

Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place

(1) Safe and Easy to Use
ADUs can include features like ramps, wider doorways, handrails, and slip-resistant floors, making them safer and easier for older adults to live in.

(2) Affordable Housing
ADUs provide a less expensive option for seniors who want to stay near family instead of moving to a care facility. They help reduce overall housing expenses while keeping loved ones close.

(3) Adaptable for the Future
These units can be updated over time to meet changing needs, whether for caregiving, accommodating family members, or even generating income as a rental.

(4) Stay Close to Family
An ADU allows seniors to live near family while keeping their independence, staying connected to loved ones, and getting help when needed.

Not sure which ADU option is right for you or your property?

The Southwest Builders

How do you improve the property to fit your elderly parent?

Start by thinking about how well your parent handles daily activities now and consider how their needs might change over time. This will help you plan for their future care.

If your parent is mostly independent but has difficulty with stairs, a one-story home might be ideal. Having everything—like the bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom—on the same level makes getting around much easier.

Instead of making costly changes to your current house, adding an ADU could be a simpler option. An ADU, whether attached to your home or built separately, offers your parent their own private space while keeping them nearby.

If you won’t be living in the main house, you could rent it out. You might even find a tenant willing to assist your parent in exchange for lower rent, benefiting both sides.

What are the economics of building an ADU for the aging-in-place scenario?

The advantage is that many older couples have already paid off their mortgage. If your parents are in this situation, you might want to look into a HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) to help pay for building an ADU. Once the ADU is built and your parents move in, you could rent out the main house to help pay off the HELOC. The key is ensuring the main house's rent is enough to cover the payments. It might seem complicated, but breaking down the costs with an example can help clarify things.

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 Oceanside is $442,476. A loan with a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $2,796. 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 $578,400 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 Oceanside

Where can ADUs be built?

ADUs can be added to properties zoned for single-family or multi-family homes.

What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a single-family zone?

An ADU in a single-family zone can be built up to 1,200 square feet in size with a maximum height of 18 feet.

What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a multi-family zone?

In a multi-family zone, an ADU can also be up to 1,200 square feet in size but must not exceed a height of 18 feet.

What is the minimum setback for an ADU?

The minimum setback for an ADU in Oceanside is 4 feet.

What are the safety regulations for an ADU?

ADUs do not need fire sprinklers if the main house doesn’t have them.

Is independent access from the main house required?

ADUs should have their exterior entrance and do not require a shared passageway with the main house.

What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?

Designing an ADU for seniors includes features like ramps, wider doorways, and handrails to improve mobility. Additional permits may be necessary for these modifications.

Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?

Mobile homes can only be used as ADUs if they are placed on permanent foundations and comply with California building codes.

How fast can you build an ADU?

It typically takes 3 to 6 months to build an ADU, depending on the permitting, design, and construction process.

What are the rules for ADU ownership in Oceanside?

Is the property owner required to live in the main house?

The Oceanside Municipal Code does not specify if the property owner should live in the main house.

What are the rental regulations for an ADU?

An ADU can be rented out, but only for stays longer than 30 days. It can also be used by family members, guests, caregivers, or others who need a place to stay.

What permits are needed for an ADU?

A building permit is required for any plumbing, electrical, or mechanical work before construction begins. For ADUs added to an existing home, the city will review the application and provide a decision within 60 days.

Resources and Where to Start in Oceanside

To get started, Oceanside residents can reach out to the Oceanside City Planning Department for ADU guidelines and zoning details.

ADU Analysis shows the maximum ADU size for the best return on your property.

All You Need to Know About Building on Properties in Oceanside Under SB-9

Everything You Need to Know About SB-684 Development in Oceanside

How to get your permits fast or the benefits of using SB-423 in Oceanside

How to Make My ADU a Profitable Investment in Oceanside?

What are the requirements to build ADU in Oceanside?