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ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Pomona

In California, a lot of seniors prefer staying in their own homes rather than moving to retirement facilities because they feel more at ease in a familiar space. The challenge comes in finding ways to keep this option affordable, provide the necessary care, and improve the property’s worth. This article explores a straightforward approach to address these concerns.

Building an ADU on your property provides a comfortable and secure living space designed to suit specific needs. These smaller homes work well for seniors, offering a budget-friendly option that allows them to stay near family while adapting to changes in their requirements over time.

Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in Pomona

What is an ADU?

An ADU, or Accessory Dwelling Unit, is a smaller home located on the same property as a main house. It can be a separate structure, attached to the main home, or a converted garage. ADUs typically include essential features like a bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom, offering a private living space for older adults while keeping them close to family.

Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place

Adaptable Over Time
ADUs are versatile and can meet changing needs. They work well for housing family members or caregivers and can even generate income if rented out. Their ability to serve multiple purposes makes them a smart long-term option.

Staying Close to Loved Ones
For older adults, being near family and friends is important for emotional well-being. Relocating to a new environment can be overwhelming. An ADU allows them to maintain their independence without losing the convenience of nearby family support.

Cost-Friendly Solution
Constructing an ADU is often cheaper than moving to a senior living facility. It also reduces housing expenses by enabling extended families to live together on the same property.

Designed for Safety and Comfort
ADUs can be tailored to meet seniors’ needs, with features like no-step entries, wide doorways, grab bars, and floors designed to prevent slipping. These adjustments ensure the space is safe and easy to navigate.

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

Cali ADU Design + Build

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

Creating a living space for an elderly parent requires balancing comfort, independence, and connection to family. Loneliness can impact both health and happiness as people age, so designing an ADU that supports both privacy and social engagement is key.

An ADU offers your parent their own space while remaining close to the main house, making it easy for family members to visit or assist when needed. To encourage interaction, include areas like a comfortable living room or a small dining space for shared meals. Outdoor features, such as a porch or garden, provide a peaceful spot for relaxation and interaction with neighbors.

As mobility may become more difficult over time, consider adding features like wheelchair ramps, bright lighting, and ergonomic furniture to enhance accessibility and comfort. These adjustments help your parent move safely and comfortably within their space.

Setting the ADU near the main house offers a mix of independence and family support, helping your parent feel cared for and connected, which can greatly enhance their quality of life.

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 Pomona is $520,632. A loan that has a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $3,291. 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 $666,000 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 Pomona

Where can ADUs be built?

ADUs can be constructed on properties zoned for single-family or multi-family housing.

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

ADUs in the single-family zone can have a maximum size of 1,200 square feet and a height of up to 16 feet.

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

The size and height restrictions are the same as single-family zones: 1,200 square feet and 16 feet tall.

What is the minimum setback for an ADU?

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

What are the safety regulations for an ADU?

Fire sprinklers are generally not required in an ADU unless they are required in the main house. For multi-unit buildings, the entire structure is treated as the primary residence for this rule. Adding an ADU won’t require installing sprinklers in the existing main house or multi-unit building.

Is independent access from the main house required?

Yes, ADUs should have a separate external entrance, separate from the main house.

What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?

To make ADUs safer for seniors, consider adding ramps, wider doors, and handrails. These features may require additional permits.

Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?

Mobile homes cannot function as ADUs because they lack permanent foundations. ADUs should follow California building standards.

How fast can you build an ADU?

Building an ADU usually takes 3 to 6 months, including the time for permits, design, and construction work.

What are the rules for ADU ownership in Pomona?

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

For ADUs built between January 1, 2020, and January 1, 2025, there is no requirement for the owner to live on-site. Starting January 1, 2025, however, the property should be the legal and permanent residence of someone who owns it.

What are the rental regulations for an ADU?

ADUs cannot be rented out for periods shorter than 30 days.

What permits are needed for an ADU?

To build or convert an ADU, a building permit is necessary. This permit typically covers structural, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work.

Resources and Where to Start in Pico Pomona

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

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