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What are the requirements to build ADU in Rosemead?
Constructing an ADU in Rosemead offers a chance to enlarge your home and create additional living space for hosting family, generating passive income, or potentially increasing property value upon sale. To ensure your ADU project thrives, it's essential to grasp local regulations and assess the financial aspects of building in Rosemead. This guide covers Rosemead's ADU regulations and key financial factors to assist you in planning and executing your project efficiently.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in Rosemead?
In Rosemead, it is allowed to build one ADU, which can be either attached or detached, within the existing or proposed single-family dwelling or an existing accessory structure.
How large can an attached ADU be in Rosemead?
An attached ADU in Rosemead cannot be larger than 50% of the existing living area of the primary residence. If the primary residence is under 1,600 square feet, an 800-square-foot ADU is allowed.
How large can a detached ADU be in Rosemead?
For detached ADUs, the allowed size depends on the floor-area ratio: It can have a maximum size of 850 square feet for a studio or a one-bedroom unit. Additionally, a detached, freestanding ADU can be up to 1,200 square feet if it provides more than one bedroom.
If both a JADU and a detached ADU are constructed on the same property, the ADU's size cannot be larger than 800 square feet.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in Rosemead?
Yes, it is allowed to build a 2-story ADU in Rosemead.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
Yes, the minimum size for an ADU in Rosemead is 150 square feet.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, it is possible to convert existing space into an ADU in Rosemead.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
For a single-family property, the maximum height of an attached ADU is determined by the number of stories and the height of the primary residence. However, a detached ADU can be either two-story, reaching a maximum height of 30 feet, or one-story, with a maximum height of 17 feet.
If the primary residence's height is below 16 feet, the proposed ADU can reach a maximum height of 16 feet.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does Rosemead allow for multifamily properties?
Rosemead allows at least one attached ADU within an existing multifamily or duplex unit, and up to 25 percent of the existing non-livable space can be converted into ADUs. Additionally, no more than two detached ADUs are allowed per lot.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Rosemead?
The size of an attached ADU in Rosemead is restricted to no more than 50% of the existing living area of the primary residence. If the primary residence measures less than 1,600 square feet, an ADU of up to 800 square feet is allowed.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Rosemead?
For detached ADUs, the size allowance varies based on the floor-area ratio. It can reach a maximum size of 850 square feet for a studio or a one-bedroom unit. Moreover, a detached, freestanding ADU can extend up to 1,200 square feet if it accommodates more than one bedroom.
If both a JADU and a detached ADU are built on the same property, the ADU's size cannot go beyond 800 square feet.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
At this point, Rosemead has not specified regulations regarding the stacking of detached ADUs on top of each other.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
No, attaching two ADUs is prohibited in Rosemead. ADUs should only be attached to the primary building.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, it is allowed to convert existing space into an ADU within a multifamily property in Rosemead.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
On a property with a multifamily building, both attached and detached ADUs have distinct height allowances: they can either be two-story, with a maximum height of 30 feet, or one-story, limited to 17 feet in height.
If the primary residence's height is below 16 feet, the proposed ADU can reach a maximum height of 16 feet.
What ADU types are allowed to build in Rosemead?
In Rosemead, homeowners can choose from several options for adding an ADU to their property:
(A) Detached ADU: A separate building, not attached to the main house.
(B) Attached ADU: A unit that is connected to or incorporated into the existing home.
(C) Converted ADU: Converting existing spaces, like garages or sheds, into livable units with essential features such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Homeowners have the option to construct a new ADU or update an existing structure. Converting spaces like garages or sheds may offer benefits, such as bypassing certain zoning requirements like setbacks or height limits, and could allow for smaller additions. However, renovating older buildings may present unexpected issues that could increase costs.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Rosemead?
Rosemead requires a four-foot side and rear yard setback for ADUs. There are no specific regulations for corner or through lots.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
The ADU should be at least 10 feet away from existing structures.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
No, setbacks are not required when converting an existing allowed structure into an ADU, provided the side and rear setbacks are sufficient for fire safety.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Rosemead?
Yes, only if there is no place on the property to build a min. 800 sqft ADU. You just need to follow the zoning setbacks.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
In Rosemead, an ADU is typically required to have a minimum of one bedroom, except for studio units.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
Yes, typically in Rosemead, an ADU requires a full kitchen. However, JADUs can have an efficiency kitchen instead.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
There are no restrictions regarding independent utility meters for ADUs in the City.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
In Rosemead, as required by the California Building Code, livable areas, including ADUs, should have a minimum ceiling height of at least 7 feet.
Find out the maximum ADU size for your property here
The parking requirements for ADU
What is the parking requirement for an ADU in Rosemead?
Rosemead requires one parking space for each bedroom or ADU, whichever is less. Additionally, newly created uncovered off-street parking spaces should be at least 9 feet wide by 18 feet deep.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
Parking spaces can be positioned in tandem on a driveway, meaning that two or more vehicles are parked in a line behind one another on the driveway or elsewhere on the lot.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Rosemead?
In Rosemead, securing an ADU permit typically takes about 3.5 to 4 months. It's advisable to consult with a city planner before submitting your plans to ensure they meet all requirements.
Once you submit your plans and pay the required fees, the city has 60 days to verify that your application is complete. If there is no response within that period, your permit will be automatically approved. If changes are necessary, you will need to revise and resubmit your plans. Missing information won't result in denial, but it should be corrected. The estimated Plan Check fee for ADU projects in Rosemead is $3,291.
Does Rosemead require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
No, Rosemead does not require in-person submission of plans for an ADU. Instead, you can utilize an electronic plan check to submit your plans for review electronically.
Does Rosemead require coastal development permits?
No. Rosemead does not require coastal development permits within any of its areas.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Rosemead?
In Rosemead, whether a licensed professional is needed to design an ADU depends on the project's level of complexity.
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How much does it cost to build an ADU in Rosemead?
Constructing an ADU in Rosemead typically requires budgeting around $380 per square foot for construction. This estimate should also account for expenses such as permits, architectural design, and engineering services. For instance, the total expenditure for a 900-square-foot ADU generally amounts to approximately $390,000, covering both hard and soft costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in Rosemead?
Determining the financial feasibility of constructing an ADU in Rosemead involves comparing construction expenses with local real estate market conditions. For example, a 900-square-foot ADU in Rosemead could potentially hold a market value of about $800,000. Considering construction costs of approximately $390,000, this suggests a potential return on investment of 105%.
Moreover, profitability can be further evaluated by considering potential rental income or the benefits of accommodating family members on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in Rosemead?
California's AB 1033 allows municipalities to establish regulations for selling ADUs as condominiums alongside primary homes, provided they comply with current ADU legislation.
In Rosemead, local rules dictate how ADUs can be sold. These units can be sold if they are built by an approved nonprofit organization. Additionally, sales are allowed through a tenancy-in-common agreement or if the city grants permission for the separate sale of the ADU and the main residence as individual condominium units.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in Rosemead?
In Rosemead, ADUs are not subject to rent control regulations. Despite older buildings potentially falling under rent control if they meet specific criteria, such as being at least 15 years old, ADUs are exempt from such regulations, like AB 1482, as they are newly constructed units.
How do I get money to build an ADU in Rosemead?
To secure funds for constructing an ADU in Rosemead, residents have several options to consider. Although the CalHFA ADU grant, which covers soft costs such as permitting, was fully allocated as of May 2023, residents can look into financing programs available through individual jurisdictions, including Rosemead. These programs may offer low-interest loans or fee exemptions. Additionally, residents can assess the current ADU market, including rental rates and potential income, to make well-informed decisions.
Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.
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