Cali ADU Design+Build
What are the requirements to build ADU in Rancho Palos Verdes?
Building an ADU in Rancho Palos Verdes presents an opportunity to expand your home and offer affordable housing for adult children transitioning to independent living. To ensure the success of your ADU project, it's essential to understand local regulations and evaluate the financial aspects of construction in Rancho Palos Verdes. This guide provides detailed information on the city's ADU regulations and key financial factors, helping you plan and complete your project efficiently.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in Rancho Palos Verdes?
In Rancho Palos Verdes, only one ADU is allowed on a lot with an existing or proposed single-family residence, regardless of whether it is attached or detached from the primary building.
How large can an attached ADU be in Rancho Palos Verdes?
Attached ADUs the total floor space area should be no larger than 50% of the main building floor area of the primary residence, including any existing garage area, while one-bedroom ADUs are limited to 850 square feet, and those with more than one bedroom cannot be larger than 1,000 square feet.
How large can a detached ADU be in Rancho Palos Verdes?
Detached ADUs are limited to 850 square feet of total floor space area, except if they include more than one bedroom, in which case they can extend up to 1,000 square feet.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in Rancho Palos Verdes?
No, as the municipal code does not mention allowing structures higher than 16 feet, so building a 2-story ADU is not allowed.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
There is no minimum size requirement for an ADU in Rancho Palos Verdes.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, you can convert existing space into an ADU in single-family residences in Rancho Palos Verdes.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
The maximum height allowed for an ADU on such a property is 16 feet.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does Rancho Palos Verdes allow for multifamily properties?
Multifamily properties can accommodate at least one ADU or up to a maximum of 25% of the existing dwelling units within portions of the structure not used as livable space. Additionally, up to two detached ADUs may be allowed.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Rancho Palos Verdes?
In Rancho Palos Verdes, attached ADUs should be no more than 50% of the main building's floor area, including garage space. One-bedroom ADUs are limited to 850 square feet, while those with multiple bedrooms are capped at 1,000 square feet.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Rancho Palos Verdes?
Detached ADUs are restricted to 850 square feet of total floor space area, with an exception for those containing more than one bedroom, which may extend up to 1,000 square feet.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
As of now, Rancho Palos Verdes hasn't addressed the possibility of stacking detached ADUs on top of each other.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
No, this configuration is not allowed.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, in Rancho Palos Verdes, it's possible to convert existing space into an ADU within a multifamily setting, provided that the space has been converted into livable quarters.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
For properties with a multifamily building, the maximum height for an ADU is also 16 feet.
What ADU types are allowed to build in Rancho Palos Verdes?
In Rancho Palos Verdes, homeowners have several options for adding an ADU to their property:
(A) Detached ADU: A separate structure that stands apart from the main house.
(B) Attached ADU: A unit that is connected to or built into the existing home.
(C) Converted ADU: Remodeling existing spaces, such as garages or storage sheds, into livable units with essential amenities like kitchens and bathrooms.
Homeowners can choose to build a new ADU or renovate an existing structure. Converting spaces like garages or sheds may provide benefits, such as avoiding certain zoning restrictions like setbacks or height limits, and could allow for small additions. However, renovating older buildings might uncover hidden issues that could lead to higher costs.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Rancho Palos Verdes?
In Rancho Palos Verdes, ADUs should have a minimum setback of 4 feet from the side and rear lot lines, with no specified additional regulations for corner or through lots. Also, if a detached ADU can't be built behind the primary residence, it may be placed in front of or beside it, with a minimum 25-foot front setback.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
Rancho Palos Verdes hasn't set a specific minimum distance that ADUs should be from existing buildings, but most cities typically require a distance of 6 feet.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
No, converting an existing garage, carport, or covered parking structure into an ADU does not require new setbacks.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Rancho Palos Verdes?
Yes, you can build an ADU in the front yard of your house in Rancho Palos Verdes if it is legally or physically impossible to construct an ADU of at least 800 square feet behind the primary residence. In this case, the ADU may be placed in the front or side yard.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
An ADU in Rancho Palos Verdes should have at least one bedroom, unlike in some other cities where only studio units are allowed.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
Yes, in Rancho Palos Verdes, an ADU is limited to having only one full kitchen, unlike JADUs which may include an efficiency type kitchen.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
ADUs are not obligated to install new or separate utility connections directly between the unit and the utility, nor are they required to pay associated connection fees or capacity charges.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
The minimum ceiling height requirement in Rancho Palos Verdes is 7 feet for habitable spaces, including ADUs, in compliance with the California 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 Rancho Palos Verdes?
Under Rancho Palos Verdes regulations, an ADU should provide at least one parking space, which can be enclosed. However, exemptions exist: no parking spaces are required if the ADU is within a half-mile walking distance of a public transit stop, situated within a historically significant structure, part of the existing or proposed primary residence, if on-street parking permits are required but unavailable to the ADU occupant, or if a car share designated location is within one block of the ADU.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
The parking required can be placed in tandem with the parking needed for the primary residence.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Rancho Palos Verdes?
Obtaining an ADU permit in Rancho Palos Verdes typically takes around 3.5 to 4 months. Meeting with a city planner before submitting your plans can help ensure they comply with all guidelines.
Once your plans are submitted and the required fees are paid, the city has 60 days to verify if the application is complete. If no feedback is provided within that period, the permit is automatically approved. If revisions are necessary, the plans must be updated and resubmitted. Incomplete information won’t result in denial but must be corrected. The Plan Check fee is approximately $576.
Does Rancho Palos Verdes require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
No, applicants can utilize the online submittal system, which allows for the flexible submission of engineering and construction documents for review by the City of Rancho Palos Verdes Building & Safety Division.
Does Rancho Palos Verdes require coastal development permits?
Yes, in Rancho Palos Verdes, coastal development permits are required for areas located seaward of Palos Verdes Drive West and Palos Verdes Drive South, which make up the Coastal District.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Rancho Palos Verdes?
In Rancho Palos Verdes, a licensed professional is required for ADU design if the project deviates from typical construction methods.
How Much Value Does a Mother-in-Law Suite Add to Your Home?
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Rancho Palos Verdes?
Constructing an ADU in Rancho Palos Verdes typically costs about $380 per square foot. This estimate should also take into account expenses for permits, architectural design, and engineering services. For instance, the overall cost for a 900-square-foot ADU generally totals around $390,000, including both soft and hard costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in Rancho Palos Verdes?
To evaluate the financial potential of building an ADU in Rancho Palos Verdes, it's essential to compare construction costs with the local real estate market. For example, a 900-square-foot ADU might be valued at approximately $800,000. With construction expenses around $390,000, this suggests a return on investment of 100%.
Moreover, profitability can also be evaluated by considering potential rental income or the benefits of having family members live on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in Rancho Palos Verdes?
Under AB 1033, California cities have the authority to create guidelines for selling ADUs as condominiums alongside main residences, as long as they follow existing ADU laws.
In Rancho Palos Verdes, local regulations oversee ADU sales. ADUs can be sold if they are constructed by a certified nonprofit organization. Additionally, sales may occur through a tenancy in a common agreement or if the city permits the separate sale of both the ADU and the primary residence as individual condominium units.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in Rancho Palos Verdes?
No, ADUs in Rancho Palos Verdes are not governed by rent control regulations. As they are considered new constructions, they are exempt from such regulations, including AB 1482, which allows landlords to annually increase rents. However, this rule only applies to structures that are at least 15 years old.
How do I get money to build an ADU in Rancho Palos Verdes?
To secure funding for constructing an ADU in Rancho Palos Verdes, homeowners can look into the CalHFA's ADU grant program, administered by the California Community Economic Development Association (CCEDA). This program provides grants of $40,000 to qualifying homeowners, aiming to cover pre-construction expenses related to ADU construction. It's important to note that 54% of these grants are earmarked for low-income households, emphasizing affordability.
Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.
Related Articles
ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Rancho Palos Verdes
All You Need to Know About Building on Properties in Rancho Palos Verdes Under SB-9
Everything You Need to Know About SB-684 Development in Rancho Palos Verdes
How to get your permits fast or the benefits of using SB-423 in Rancho Palos Verdes
How to Make My ADU a Profitable Investment in Rancho Palos Verdes?