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ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Rolling Hills Estates

Many elders in California wish to remain in their own homes and communities, valuing the comfort, familiarity, and independence they provide over moving to senior living facilities. The challenge lies in making this choice practical and affordable without adding extra monthly costs while also ensuring someone is available to look after them and enhance the property’s worth. This article explores a straightforward solution to address these needs.

Building an ADU on your property provides a secure and personalized living space to suit specific needs. These small homes are a budget-friendly option for seniors, offering proximity to family and the flexibility to adapt to changing lifestyles.

Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in Rolling Hills Estates

What is an ADU?

An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a smaller home built on the same property as the main house. It can be a detached unit, an attached unit to the main home, or a converted garage. ADUs typically have a bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom, offering seniors a private space while staying near family.

Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place

Adaptable for Changing Situations: ADUs can house family members or caregivers, and they can also generate rental income, making them a flexible choice for the future.
Proximity to Family: Staying close to loved ones supports emotional health and allows seniors to maintain independence without leaving familiar surroundings.
Budget-Friendly: Adding an ADU often costs less than moving to a retirement home and helps reduce overall living expenses by sharing property with family.
Senior-Friendly Design: Features like ramps, wide doorways, and slip-resistant flooring make ADUs safer and more accessible for older adults.

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

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

Creating a living space for an aging parent means providing them with privacy while ensuring they remain connected to family. As seniors age, isolation can affect their well-being, so designing an ADU that balances independence and interaction is important.

An ADU offers a separate space for your parent, close enough to the main house for easy visits or assistance. Adding a cozy living area or small dining space creates opportunities for shared moments with family. Features like a porch or garden can give them a peaceful area to relax or chat with neighbors.

To ensure safety and comfort, include accessibility features such as ramps, bright lighting, and user-friendly furniture to accommodate mobility needs.

Locating the ADU near the main home allows your parent to maintain independence while having family nearby for support, fostering a sense of connection and care.

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, giving them more financial flexibility. 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 Rolling Hills Estates is $524,400. A loan that has a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $3,314. 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 $1,080,000 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 Rolling Hills Estates

Where can ADUs be built?

ADUs can be built on properties zoned for single-family or multi-family homes.

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

In areas for single-family homes, ADUs can be as large as 1,000 square feet and as tall as 25 feet.

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

The same limits apply to multi-family zones: up to 1,000 square feet in size and 25 feet in height.

What is the minimum setback for an ADU?

The minimum setback for an ADU in Rolling Hills Estates is 4 feet.

What are the safety regulations for an ADU?

If the main house doesn’t need fire sprinklers, adding an ADU won’t require them either. Building the ADU also won’t trigger the need to add sprinklers to the main house.

Is independent access from the main house required?

Yes, ADUs should have a separate entrance.

What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?

Consider adding ramps, wider doors, and handrails for easier access, though these may need extra permits.

Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?

No, ADUs must have permanent foundations and follow California building codes, so mobile homes are not allowed.

How fast can you build an ADU?

The process typically takes 3 to 6 months, covering permits, planning, and construction.

What are the rules for ADU ownership in Rolling Hills Estates?

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

Starting January 1, 2025, ADU applicants should live on the property.

What are the rental regulations for an ADU?

If the property owner doesn't live on-site, the ADU can still be rented, but leases should be for at least 30 days.

What permits are needed for an ADU?

A building permit is required for constructing or converting an ADU, which includes approval for structural work, plumbing, and electrical systems.

Resources and Where to Start in Rolling Hills Estates

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

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