CityStructure - Feasibility Study simplified
Cali ADU Design+Build

Cali ADU Design+Build

What are the requirements to build ADU in Redondo Beach?

Building an ADU in Redondo Beach offers a valuable chance to expand your living space and create personalized areas such as a home office or recreation room. To ensure the success of your ADU project, it is importantl to understand the city's regulations and assess the financial feasibility of constructing an ADU in Redondo Beach City. This guide provides a thorough overview of Redondo Beach's ADU regulations and key financial considerations, assisting you in planning and executing your project effectively.

ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home

How many ADUs can you build in Redondo Beach?

In Redondo Beach, you can have one ADU on a lot with an existing or proposed single-family dwelling, whether attached or detached from the primary building.

How large can an attached ADU be in Redondo Beach?

In Redondo Beach, the size of an attached ADU is restricted: it cannot be larger than 850 square feet for studios or one-bedroom units, or 1,000 square feet for units with more than one bedroom. Additionally, regulations prevent the living area of an ADU from being reduced below 800 square feet based on factors such as lot size or floor area ratio.

How large can a detached ADU be in Redondo Beach?

Detached ADUs in Redondo Beach are subject to the same size limitations as attached ADUs: they cannot surpass 850 square feet for studios or one-bedroom units, or 1,000 square feet for units with more than one bedroom. Additionally, regulations hinder the living area of an ADU from being diminished below 800 square feet due to factors such as lot size or floor area ratio.

Can I build a 2-story ADU in Redondo Beach?

No. you cannot build a 2-story ADU in Redondo Beach because ADUs are limited to one story in height only.

Is there a minimum size for an ADU?

Yes, the ADU should be at least 150 square feet or meet the minimum size criteria for an efficiency dwelling unit.

Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?

Yes, existing space can be converted into an ADU in single-family properties.

What is the maximum height for an ADU?

The ADU can reach a height of up to 16 feet, measured from the lowest above-ground section to the highest point of the roof, excluding chimneys or vents. Additionally, detached ADU structures cannot be over one story in height.

ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building

How many ADUs does Redondo Beach allow for multifamily properties?

Two-family and multifamily properties can have ADUs totaling up to 25% of the primary units with at least one ADU and are allowed two detached ADUs per lot.

How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Redondo Beach?

For multifamily buildings in Redondo Beach, attached ADUs are limited to 850 square feet for studios or one-bedroom units, and 1,000 square feet for units with more than one bedroom. Regulations also ensure that the living area of these ADUs cannot fall below 800 square feet, factoring in lot size and floor area ratio.

How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Redondo Beach?

Detached ADUs in Redondo Beach, within multifamily buildings, should comply with the same size constraints as attached ADUs: they cannot be larger than 850 square feet for studios or one-bedroom units, and 1,000 square feet for units with more than one bedroom. Additionally, regulations require that the living area of these ADUs cannot be reduced below 800 square feet, factoring in considerations such as lot size or floor area ratio.

Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?

Currently, there are no regulations in Redondo Beach addressing the stacking of detached ADUs on top of each other.

Can I attach two ADUs to each other?

No, attaching two ADUs is not allowed in Redondo Beach. Instead, they should be directly attached to the primary building.

Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?

Yes. In multifamily properties, it's allowed to convert existing space into an ADU.

What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building

For properties with multifamily buildings, the maximum height allowed for an ADU matches that of single-family properties.

What ADU types are allowed to build in Redondo Beach?

In Redondo Beach, homeowners have various options for adding an ADU to their property:

(A) Detached ADU: A standalone structure that is separate from the main residence.

(B) Attached ADU: A unit that is either connected to or built within the existing house.

(C) Converted ADU: Converting existing areas, such as garages or storage sheds, into livable spaces with key features like kitchens and bathrooms.

Homeowners can either construct a new ADU or update an existing structure. Converting garages or sheds can offer advantages, such as avoiding certain zoning rules like setbacks or height restrictions, and may allow for small expansions. However, renovating older buildings may reveal hidden problems that could increase expenses.

ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings

What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Redondo Beach? 

ADUs are required to have a setback of at least 4 feet from the side and rear lot lines, with no specific regulations for corner or through lots.

What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?

An ADU should be at least 5 feet away from any existing structures or other accessory structures on the same property.

Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?

Redondo Beach doesn't specify setback requirements for converting existing structures into ADUs. However, most Los Angeles County cities don't require setbacks when an ADU is built by converting existing space within the main residence or an accessory structure.

Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Redondo Beach?

In Redondo Beach, building an ADU in the front yard is possible as long as it has a separate entrance from the main house. However, it is recommended that the entrance not face the front property line.

Design requirements for ADU

How many bedrooms can an ADU have?

In Redondo Beach, an ADU should have at least one bedroom, as opposed to studio units.

Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?

While there isn't a specific requirement in the municipal code of Redondo Beach for an ADU to have a kitchen, most ADUs in California typically feature a full kitchen, in contrast to JADUs, which often have efficiency kitchens.

Does an ADU require independent utility meters?

If applicants qualify for streamlined approval of ADUs, they may be required to install a new or separate utility connection directly between the ADU and the utility provider.

What is the minimum ceiling height?

The minimum ceiling height requirement of 7 feet, as specified in the California Building Code, applies to habitable spaces in new residential constructions in Redondo Beach, including ADUs.

Find out the maximum ADU size for your property here

The parking requirements for ADU

What is the parking requirement for an ADU in Redondo Beach?

In Redondo Beach, each ADU should have one off-street parking space. However, exemptions apply where no parking is needed if: the ADU is within the existing primary dwelling or part of an existing accessory structure; it's within one-half mile of public transit; it's in an architecturally or historically significant district; or it's on a property within one block of a designated car share parking location.

Where can I have a parking space on my property?

Parking can be located as a tandem space in the existing driveway or within required setbacks, with a permeable surface. If a garage or carport is demolished for ADU construction, replacement off-street parking is needed unless uncovered spaces already meet the minimum requirements for the main structure.

How to get permits for your ADU

How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Redondo Beach?

Securing an ADU permit in Redondo Beach generally takes about 3.5 to 4 months. Consulting a city planner beforehand can help ensure your plans follow all necessary regulations.

After submitting your plans and paying the fees, the city has 60 days to confirm whether the application is complete. If there’s no response within that time, the permit is automatically granted. If any changes are needed, you must revise and resubmit the plans. Missing details won’t cause rejection but must be corrected. The Plan Check fee is around $1,648.

Does Redondo Beach require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?

No, Redondo Beach does not require in-person submission of plans for an ADU. Instead, the permit process remains electronic, with applicants required to provide all applications, plans, and documents on a single USB, which can then be downloaded by permit staff.

Does Redondo Beach require coastal development permits?

Yes, Redondo Beach requires coastal development permits for projects within the Coastal Zone, which includes areas west of Pacific Coast Highway. However, certain projects may be exempt or excluded from these requirements as specified in Section 10-5.2208 of the Municipal Code.

When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Redondo Beach?

In Redondo Beach, whether a licensed professional is needed to design an ADU depends on the project's level of complexity.

How Much Value Does a Mother-in-Law Suite Add to Your Home?

How much does it cost to build an ADU in Redondo Beach?

In Redondo Beach, constructing an ADU costs around $380 per square foot. Beyond construction expenses, you should also budget for permits, architect fees, and engineering fees. For instance, the total cost for a 900-square-foot ADU is approximately $390,000, covering both soft and hard costs.

Is it profitable to build an ADU in Redondo Beach?

The financial feasibility of constructing an ADU in Redondo Beach depends on construction costs and the local real estate market. A 900-square-foot ADU in this area is valued at about $630,000. With a total construction cost of around $390,000, this results in a return on investment of approximately 61%.

Profitability can also be evaluated by considering potential rental income or the advantages of having family members live on the same property.

Can you sell an ADU in Redondo Beach?

California's AB 1033 gives municipalities the power to establish rules for selling ADUs as condominiums in conjunction with primary homes, provided they comply with current ADU regulations.

In Redondo Beach, local regulations govern the sale of ADUs. These units can be sold if they are built by a recognized nonprofit organization. Additionally, sales are allowed under a tenancy in common agreement or if the city approves selling the ADU and the main residence as separate condominium units.

Are ADUs rent-controlled in Redondo Beach?

No, ADUs in the area are not regulated by rent control ordinances. Unlike older properties, typically aged 15 years or more, which are subject to rent control, newly constructed ADUs are exempt from such regulations. Therefore, legislation such as AB 1482, which addresses rent control, does not apply to ADUs in Redondo Beach.

How do I get money to build an ADU in Redondo Beach?

Redondo Beach homeowners have several options for securing funds to build an ADU. One such avenue is the CalHFA ADU Grant Program, which operates within the city. This program offers grants of up to $40,000, depending on the homeowner's income, with an income limit of $158,000 for owner-occupied properties in Redondo Beach. These funds can be used for initial expenses such as site preparation, ADU design, permits, and related costs. Additionally, homeowners in Redondo Beach have the freedom to select tenants for their ADU.

Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.

Related Articles

ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Redondo Beach

All You Need to Know About Building on Properties in Redondo Beach Under SB-9

Everything You Need to Know About SB-684 Development in Redondo Beach

How to get your permits fast or the benefits of using SB-423 in Redondo Beach

How to Make My ADU a Profitable Investment in Redondo Beach?

More articles ...

Resources