Cali ADU Design+Build
What are the requirements to build ADU in Pomona?
Constructing an ADU in Pomona offers a valuable chance to expand your living area and enhance both property value and potential resale value. To ensure your ADU project succeeds, it's essential to understand the city's regulations and evaluate the financial feasibility of building an ADU in the City of Pomona. This guide provides a thorough overview of Pomona's ADU regulations and important financial considerations, helping you plan and execute your project effectively.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in Pomona?
In Pomona, up to one ADU can be built on a single-family lot, regardless of whether it is attached or detached from the primary building.
How large can an attached ADU be in Pomona?
The size limits for attached ADUs vary based on lot size. For lots less than 7,200 square feet, attached ADUs are limited to a maximum of 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit and 1,000 square feet for a unit with two or more bedrooms.
In contrast, for lots measuring 7,200 square feet or larger, attached ADUs can be as large as 1,200 square feet.
How large can a detached ADU be in Pomona?
In Pomona, the size limits for detached ADUs align with those of attached ADUs, varying based on lot size. For lots smaller than 7,200 square feet, detached ADUs have a maximum size of 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit and 1,000 square feet for a unit with two or more bedrooms.
While on lots measuring 7,200 square feet or larger, detached ADUs can be as large as 1,200 square feet.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in Pomona?
Yes, in Pomona, you can build a 2-story ADU, but it may not be over two stories in height.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
In Pomona, an ADU is not required to have a minimum size. However, the Building Code will require a minimum size for each room type to create livable spaces.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
In single-family residential zones in Pomona, existing accessory structures may be converted to interior ADUs.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
For properties with a single-family house, a detached ADU cannot be higher than 16 feet. However, if the lot is located within one-half mile walking distance of a major transit stop or a high-quality transit corridor, the detached ADU may reach up to 18 feet in height. Also, it can be extended to 20 feet if necessary to align its roof pitch with that of the primary dwelling unit.
Meanwhile, an attached ADU to the primary dwelling should not be higher than 25 feet or the specified height limitation.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does Pomona allow for multifamily properties?
Multifamily properties can accommodate one or more ADUs within existing structures and at least one interior ADU, up to 25% of existing units. Additionally, up to two detached ADUs are allowed.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Pomona?
In Pomona, the size restrictions for attached ADUs within multifamily buildings are determined by the size of the lot. If the lot is smaller than 7,200 square feet, attached ADUs are limited to 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit and 1,000 square feet for a unit with two or more bedrooms.
Conversely, on lots larger than 7,200 square feet, attached ADUs can be as large as 1,200 square feet.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Pomona?
The size limitations for detached ADUs within multifamily buildings align with those set for attached ADUs, depending on the size of the lot. For lots smaller than 7,200 square feet, detached ADUs have a maximum limit of 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit, and 1,000 square feet for a unit with two or more bedrooms.
In contrast, on lots measuring 7,200 square feet or larger, detached ADUs can be constructed with dimensions of up to 1,200 square feet.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
There are no explicit rules addressing the stacking of detached ADUs on top of each other in Pomona.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
No, you're not allowed to attach two ADUs to each other in Pomona.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, existing accessory structures within multifamily properties may be converted into interior ADUs in Pomona.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
For properties with a multifamily building, a detached ADU is restricted to a maximum height of 16 feet. However, if the property is within one-half mile walking distance of a major transit stop or a high-quality transit corridor, the height limit for the detached ADU may be increased to 18 feet. Additionally, it can be extended to 20 feet if necessary to align its roof pitch with that of the primary dwelling unit. If the property hosts an existing or proposed multifamily dwelling with more than one story above grade, the detached ADU should follow the 18-foot height limit.
An attached ADU to the primary dwelling should not be higher than 25 feet in height or the specified height limitation.
What ADU types are allowed to build in Pomona?
In Pomona, homeowners have multiple ways to add an ADU to their property:
1. Detached ADU: A standalone building separate from the main house.
2. Attached ADU: A unit that is built onto or integrated into the existing home.
3. Converted ADU: Altering existing areas like garages or sheds into livable spaces with key features such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Homeowners can either construct a brand-new ADU or adapt an existing structure. Converting spaces like garages or sheds can offer advantages, such as bypassing certain zoning regulations like setbacks or height limits, and may allow for minor expansions. However, upgrading older structures might reveal unexpected problems that could increase expenses.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Pomona?
In Pomona, the setbacks for an ADU are at least 4 feet for side and rear yards and a minimum of 25 feet for the front yard. Detached ADUs cannot be placed between the primary dwelling unit and the street unless the primary unit is on a through lot.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
ADUs should maintain a minimum distance of 10 feet from the primary dwelling unit and 6 feet from any accessory structure.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
No setbacks are necessary for converting existing structures into ADUs, provided the conversion maintains the same location and dimensions as the original structure.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Pomona?
Yes, provided there’s no available space on the property for an ADU of at least 800 sq ft. You should follow the zoning setback rules, which require a minimum front yard setback of 25 feet for ADUs.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
In Pomona, ADUs are allowed to have a minimum of one bedroom.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
Yes, ADUs in Pomona typically include a full kitchen, unlike JADUs, which often have efficiency kitchens.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
If an ADU is built with a new single-family home, a separate utility connection is necessary, along with the usual connection fee and capacity charge. However, for converted ADUs on a single-family lot under specific conditions, no new utility connection or associated fees are required.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
In Pomona, ADUs are expected to comply with the California Building Code, which specifies a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet for livable areas.
Find out the maximum ADU size for your property here
The parking requirements for ADU
What is the parking requirement for an ADU in Pomona?
No parking is required for an ADU. However, if provided, parking spaces should be located on an approved surface. Open parking spaces should have a minimum dimension of 9-1/2 feet by 18 feet, while covered parking spaces (carports and garages) should measure at least 10 feet by 20 feet.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
Parking spaces in Pomona can be located in yard areas or as tandem parking if provided. Additionally, when a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished for the construction of an accessory dwelling unit or converted to an accessory dwelling unit, replacement of those off-street parking spaces is not required.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Pomona?
In Pomona, securing an ADU permit usually takes about 3.5 to 4 months. Consulting with a city planner before submitting your plans can help ensure they meet all requirements.
After submitting your plans and paying the necessary fees, the city has 60 days to review and confirm the application’s completeness. If there’s no response within that timeframe, the permit is automatically approved. However, if corrections are needed, you should revise and resubmit the plans. Missing information won’t lead to denial but should be fixed. The Plan Check fee is around $2,079.
Does Pomona require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
Yes. Pomona requires that plans for an ADU be submitted directly to the city's Planning Division in person. These plans should demonstrate conformity with local zoning regulations and construction guidelines.
Does Pomona require coastal development permits?
No, coastal development permits are not required in any areas of Pomona.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Pomona?
In Pomona, the need for a licensed professional to design an ADU does not follow the standard construction methods.
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How much does it cost to build an ADU in Pomona?
In Pomona, constructing an ADU costs approximately $380 per square foot. In addition to construction expenses, you should also budget for permits, architect fees, and engineering fees. For example, the total cost for a 900-square-foot ADU is around $390,000, encompassing both soft and hard costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in Pomona?
The financial viability of building an ADU in Pomona depends on the construction costs and the local real estate market. A 900-square-foot ADU in this area is valued at about $500,000. With a total construction cost of around $390,000, this results in a return on investment of approximately 28%.
Profitability can also be assessed by considering potential rental income or the benefits of having family members live on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in Pomona?
California's AB 1033 allows cities to formulate rules regarding the sale of ADUs as condominiums in conjunction with primary residences, provided they adhere to current ADU regulations.
In Pomona, local laws govern the selling of ADUs. They can be sold if built by a recognized nonprofit organization. Furthermore, sales are permitted if a tenancy in a common arrangement exists or if the city approves the independent sale of the ADU and the primary home as separate condominium units.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in Pomona?
No, ADUs in Pomona are not subject to rent control regulations. Rent control typically applies to older buildings, those at least 15 years old. Since ADUs are newly constructed, they are exempt from these regulations. Therefore, laws like AB 1482, which pertain to rent control, do not impact ADUs in the city.
How do I get money to build an ADU in Pomona?
Homeowners in Pomona can consider the City’s ADU/JADU Loan Program, which supports the creation of affordable rental units by offering loans for new ADUs or converting existing structures. The program also provides funding to rehabilitate unpermitted "granny flats" or illegal garage conversions. To qualify, applicants should be low-to-moderate income earners and both occupy and own the property. For example, the income limit for a four-person household is $95,300.
Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.
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