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What are the requirements to build ADU in Oceanside?
Adding an ADU in Oceanside is a fantastic way to expand your living space and create personalized areas like a home office or recreation room. To make your ADU project successful, it is crucial to first understand the local regulations affecting your property and evaluate the financial feasibility of building an ADU in the City. This guide outlines Oceanside's ADU requirements and key financial considerations to help you navigate and plan your project effectively.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in Oceanside?
In Oceanside, one ADU is allowed on a lot with either a proposed or existing single-family dwelling, whether it's attached or detached from the primary building.
How large can an attached ADU be in Oceanside?
An attached ADU can be up to 850 square feet if it's a studio or one-bedroom unit. For units with two bedrooms or more, the maximum size allowed is 1,000 square feet. However, ADU's size should not surpass 50% of the primary dwelling.
How large can a detached ADU be in Oceanside?
Just like attached ADUs, detached ADUs can have a size limit of 850 square feet for studio or one-bedroom units, and up to 1,000 square feet for units with two bedrooms or more. They can also go up to 1,200 square feet in size, following the usual rules about height, how much of the lot they cover, and how far they are set back from the property line in their zoning area.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in Oceanside?
Yes, it's possible to construct a two-story ADU in Oceanside as long as it follows the underlying zoning regulations. With a maximum height of 25 feet, it meets the requirements for a two-story building.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
No. The City has not outlined any rules in place regarding the minimum size an ADU can be.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes. Converting existing space into an ADU is allowed within the city.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
For an attached ADU with a four-foot setback provision, it cannot be taller than 25 feet. If it's detached, it cannot be higher than 16 feet (or 18 feet if it's within a half-mile walk from a rail station). If the ADU is taller than these limits, it has to follow the zoning district's setback rules.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does Oceanside allow for multifamily properties?
Oceanside allows the conversion of at least one ADU or up to 25% of the existing units within non-livable space. Additionally, up to two detached ADUs can be built, subject to size and height restrictions.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Oceanside?
In a multi-family setting, an attached ADU can reach up to 850 square feet if it's a studio or one-bedroom unit. For units with two bedrooms or more, the maximum size allowed is 1,000 square feet. However, ADU's size should not exceed 50% of the primary dwelling.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Oceanside?
Similar to attached ADUs in a multi-family setting, detached ADUs can have a maximum size of 850 square feet for studio or one-bedroom units, and up to 1,000 square feet for units with two bedrooms or more. Additionally, they can extend to a maximum of 1,200 square feet in size, as long as they follow the standard regulations regarding height, lot coverage, and setbacks in their zoning area.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
Currently, stacking detached ADUs on top of each other is not allowed in Oceanside.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
No, because it's not specified in the Oceanside municipal code, and whether it's allowed would depend on the city's planning department.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Converting existing space into an ADU is allowed within the city. However, for existing multi-family dwellings, the livable space of a unit cannot be converted into an ADU.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
For a property with a multifamily building, the height regulations for ADUs are the same. An attached ADU with a four-foot setback provision cannot be over 25 feet in height. If it's detached, the maximum height is 16 feet (or 18 feet if it's within a half-mile walk from a rail station). If the ADU surpasses these limits, it should follow the setback rules of the zoning district.
What ADU types are allowed to build in Oceanside?
Oceanside homeowners have several options for adding an ADU to their property:
A. Detached ADU: A freestanding building that is separate from the main home.
B. Attached ADU: A unit that is directly connected to the main house.
C. Converted ADU: Remodeling existing spaces, such as garages or sheds, into fully functional living areas with amenities like kitchens and bathrooms.
Homeowners can choose to either construct a new ADU or remodel an existing structure. Repurposing areas like garages or sheds may offer more flexibility with zoning rules, including setback and height requirements, and can be ideal for smaller-scale projects. However, renovating older buildings may uncover hidden issues that could increase expenses.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Oceanside?
ADUs require a minimum of four-foot setbacks on the side and rear yards, but there are no specific regulations for corner or through lots.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must be from existing structures?
The city has not set a specific minimum distance for ADUs from existing buildings, but most cities recommend a 6-foot separation.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
Oceanside hasn't provided clear rules about setbacks in this case. But based on San Diego County regulations, if you're converting space within the main house or another building into an ADU, setbacks usually aren't required.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Oceanside?
An ADU can be placed in the front yard only if no other area on the property can accommodate a unit of at least 800 square feet. Following all zoning setback regulations is important.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
In Oceanside, an ADU should have at least one bedroom, unless designed as a studio unit.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
Yes, ADUs in Oceanside include a full kitchen, unlike their counterpart, the JADU, which may have an efficiency kitchen.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
Yes. For new attached and detached ADUs, the City may require separate utility connections, with fees proportional to the burden on the water or sewer system, not exceeding the reasonable service cost.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
In Oceanside, ADUs should have ceilings that are at least 7 feet high, following the California State 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 Oceanside?
An ADU in Oceanside needs one parking space unless it is exempt from parking requirements.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
Parking spaces for the ADU can be set up in various ways on the same lot, such as covered or uncovered spots, tandem spaces, or using mechanical lifts for parking cars. However, if converting a garage means losing parking for the primary building, there's no requirement to replace that parking or provide a new spot for the ADU.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Oceanside?
The permitting process typically lasts between 3.5 to 4 months. After completing the permit drawing set, you or your architect must submit it for a Plan Check. It's recommended to arrange a pre-plan check meeting with a city planner to review the application beforehand.
Once the application is submitted and all fees are paid, the city has 60 calendar days to determine if the submission is complete. If no response is provided within this timeframe, the permit is automatically approved. Should the city request revisions, your designer must make the necessary corrections and resubmit the plans. The application should demonstrate compliance with ADU regulations. Missing information alone is not a valid reason for rejection. The estimated cost for a Plan Check for ADUs in Oceanside is $1,220.
Does Oceanside require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
No, Oceanside does not require in-person submission of plans for an ADU. Electronic Plan Submittals are available, allowing applicants to submit plans and documents electronically instead of submitting paper documents. This includes application forms, drawings, exhibits, and various reports. The city aims to minimize paper submittals soon.
Does Oceanside require coastal development permits?
Yes, Oceanside requires coastal development permits for certain projects within the coastal zone as part of the City's Local Coastal Program.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Oceanside?
In Oceanside, the need for a licensed professional to design your ADU mainly depends on how complicated the project is.
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How much does it cost to build an ADU in Oceanside?
In Oceanside, the average construction cost for building an ADU is around $325 per square foot. This estimate should also account for soft costs such as permits, architects, and engineers. For instance, for a 900-square-foot ADU, the total project cost, including both hard and soft costs, is approximately $330,000.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in Oceanside?
Your profit typically relies on the construction costs in your chosen city and the real estate market value in a particular area. In Oceanside, a 900-square-foot ADU in a neighborhood like Ocean Hills has a market value of approximately $430,000. With the total project cost to build a 900-square-foot ADU around $330,000, this results in an approximate 31% ROI.
Profitability can also be assessed using other metrics, such as the potential passive income generated from renting the ADU compared to the costs, or lifestyle benefits, like the convenience of having relatives living on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in Oceanside?
California law allows local governments to establish regulations for the sale of ADUs and primary residences as condominiums, provided they comply with existing development standards.
In Oceanside, local ordinances govern the sale of ADUs. An ADU can be sold if it was constructed by a certified nonprofit organization, if a valid tenancy-in-common agreement is in place, or if the city approves the separate sale of the ADU and the main residence as individual condominiums.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in Oceanside?
No, ADUs in Oceanside aren't under rent control since they're considered new structures. Landlords can hike rents annually under AB 1482, but this only applies to buildings that are at least 15 years old.
How do I get money to build an ADU in Oceanside?
The CalHFA ADU Grant program offers up to $40,000 to cover pre-development and one-time closing costs linked to constructing the ADU. Pre-development expenses consist of site preparation, architectural designs, permits, soil tests, impact fees, property surveys, and energy reports.
Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.
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