Unsplash
ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Palmdale
Many elderlies in California prefer to stay in their own homes rather than move to a retirement community because they feel more comfortable in familiar surroundings. The challenge, however, is figuring out how to keep it affordable, provide necessary care, and enhance the property's value. This article presents a simple solution to help address these concerns.
Building an ADU on your property is a great way to provide a secure and tailored living space. These small homes are perfect for older adults, offering an affordable and adaptable option that keeps them near family and friends, with the ability to adjust as their needs evolve.
Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in Palmdale
What is an ADU?
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a smaller living space built on the same lot as the main house. It can be a separate building, an extension of the main house, or even a converted garage. With key features like a bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom, ADUs offer a comfortable place for older adults to live independently while staying close to their families.
Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place
- Comfort and Safety. ADUs can be designed with features like single-level layouts, wider doorways, and slip-resistant floors, making them safer and easier for seniors to navigate.
- Adaptable for Changing Needs. These units can accommodate family members or caregivers and can be rented out in the future, providing flexibility as circumstances change.
- Cost-Effective. Building an ADU is usually more affordable than moving to a senior care facility. It also allows multiple generations to live together, helping reduce overall living expenses.
- Proximity to Family. ADUs give seniors the ability to stay independent while still being near their loved ones, offering a mix of privacy and family support.
Not sure which ADU option is right for you or your property?
Abodu
How to improve the property to fit your elderly parent?
As parents age, they can experience isolation, which can affect both their emotional well-being and physical health. When designing or upgrading an ADU for your elderly parent, it's important to consider both their physical comfort and ways to keep them engaged with family and others around them.
An ADU provides a separate living area for your parent with its entrance. But since it’s located on the same property as the main house, it allows family members to easily visit and provide assistance. To help defy loneliness, include areas where they can socialize, such as a cozy living room or a small dining space for family meals. Outdoor spaces like a porch or garden also give them a place to relax and interact with neighbors.
Mobility issues may make it difficult for your parent to move around easily. Installing things like wheelchair ramps, brighter lighting, and comfortable seating can make it easier for them to get around and stay connected with others, both indoors and outside.
By placing the ADU close to the main house, your parent can maintain their independence while still having easy access to family support, which helps keep feelings of isolation at bay. This combination of privacy and proximity promotes both their social interaction and physical health.
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 Palmdale is $520,980. A loan that has a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $3,293. 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 $782,400 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 Palmdale
Where can ADUs be built?
ADUs can be built in both single-family and multi-family residential areas.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a single-family zone?
In Palmdale, an ADU on a single-family property can be up to 1,200 square feet and 25 feet tall.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a multi-family zone?
The size and height limits in multi-family zones in Palmdale are the same as in single-family zones: 1,200 square feet and 25 feet tall.
What is the minimum setback for an ADU?
The minimum setback for an ADU in Palmdale is 4 feet.
What are the safety regulations for an ADU?
If the main house doesn’t require fire sprinklers, then the ADU won’t either.
Is independent access from the main house required?
Although Palmdale’s code doesn’t specifically require it, most cities require ADUs to have their separate entrance from the main house.
What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?
To make the ADU safer and easier for seniors to use, it’s important to include features like ramps, handrails, and level entrances. Additional permits may be needed for these adjustments.
Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?
No, mobile homes can’t be used as ADUs because they don’t have a permanent foundation. ADUs should meet California’s building standards and be placed on a stable foundation.
How fast can you build an ADU?
It typically takes 3 to 6 months to build an ADU, depending on the time needed for permits, design, and construction.
What are the rules for ADU ownership in Palmdale?
Is the property owner required to live in the main house?
The Palmdale Municipal Code does not state whether the property owner must reside in the main house.
What are the rental regulations for an ADU?
ADUs can only be rented for periods longer than 30 days.
What permits are needed for an ADU?
Although Palmdale’s code doesn’t list specific permits, most cities require a building permit or an ADU-specific permit, or both, for construction. If major changes or demolition are involved, a demolition permit is usually needed.
Resources and Where to Start in Palmdale
To get started, Palmdale residents can reach out to the Palmdale City Planning Department for ADU guidelines and zoning details.
ADU Analysis shows the maximum ADU size for the best return on your property.
Related Articles
All You Need to Know About Building on Properties in Palmdale Under SB-9
Everything You Need to Know About SB-684 Development in Palmdale
How to get your permits fast or the benefits of using SB-423 in Palmdale
How to Make My ADU a Profitable Investment in Palmdale?