Housable
What are the requirements to build ADU in San Gabriel?
Building an ADU in San Gabriel gives you the opportunity to expand your home and increase living space, enabling you to accommodate family members, generate passive income, or enhance property value for resale. To achieve a successful ADU project, it's crucial to grasp the local regulations and assess the financial implications of construction in San Gabriel. This guide provides detailed information on San Gabriel's ADU regulations and key financial factors, assisting you in planning and completing your project efficiently.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in San Gabriel?
In San Gabriel, you can build one ADU on a single-family property, whether attached or detached from the primary building.
How large can an attached ADU be in San Gabriel?
An attached ADU in San Gabriel can occupy up to 50% of the main dwelling. For a studio or one-bedroom unit, a maximum of 850 square feet is allowed, and for a two-bedroom unit, the maximum is 1,000 square feet. Any additional square footage beyond 800 square feet is included in the total lot coverage and floor area ratio for the property.
How large can a detached ADU be in San Gabriel?
Detached ADUs in San Gabriel can be a maximum of 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit and 1,000 square feet for a two-bedroom unit. Excess square footage beyond 800 square feet is included in the total lot coverage and floor area ratio for the property.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in San Gabriel?
No, you cannot build a 2-story ADU in San Gabriel because the maximum height limit of 16 feet doesn't allow for a structure high enough to accommodate two stories.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
There is no minimum size requirement for an ADU in San Gabriel.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, you can convert existing space into an ADU in single-family properties in San Gabriel.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
The maximum height for an ADU on a property with a single-family house is 16 feet, measured from the ground level to the highest part of the building.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does San Gabriel allow for multifamily properties?
San Gabriel allows two detached ADUs on multifamily properties or converting up to 25% of existing multifamily units into ADUs with at least one unit.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in San Gabriel?
An attached ADU in San Gabriel can utilize up to 50% of the main dwelling's space. For a studio or one-bedroom unit, the maximum allowable size is 850 square feet, while for a two-bedroom unit, it's 1,000 square feet. Any excess square footage beyond 800 square feet is factored into the overall lot coverage and floor area ratio for the property.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in San Gabriel?
Detached ADUs in San Gabriel can measure a maximum of 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit and 1,000 square feet for a two-bedroom unit. Any additional square footage surpassing 800 square feet is factored into the total lot coverage and floor area ratio for the property.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
Currently, San Gabriel hasn't provided guidelines regarding 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 San Gabriel; they should only be connected to the primary unit.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, you can convert some parts of existing multifamily structures that are currently used as non-habitable spaces into an ADU in San Gabriel.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
The maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multifamily building is also 16 feet, measured from the ground level to the highest part of the building.
What ADU types are allowed to build in San Gabriel?
San Gabriel allows various ADU types, including:
- Detached ADU: A standalone structure built separately from the main residence.
- Attached ADU: A newly built addition that is directly connected to the main home.
- Converted ADU: An existing non-livable space, such as a garage, storage room, or shed, remodeled into a living unit with a kitchen or kitchenette and a bathroom.
Repurposing existing structures for ADUs offers flexibility, as setback and height limits usually don’t apply. It’s also possible to expand these structures for more space. However, renovating older buildings may reveal hidden issues that can increase costs.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in San Gabriel?
In San Gabriel, ADUs should have a minimum four-foot setback from the side and rear yards. However, the city has not specified regulations for corner or through lots.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
The ADU needs to be at least 6 feet away from any other buildings on the property, measured from the closest points of the building or structure walls. Additionally, there should be a minimum of 4 feet between eave overhangs, chimneys, bay windows, or other architectural features.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
There's no need for setbacks if you're converting an already legally allowed garage or accessory structure into part of an ADU.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in San Gabriel?
Yes, but only if the property lacks enough space to construct a minimum 800 sq. ft. ADU. Zoning setback requirements should still be followed.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
In San Gabriel, ADUs are required to have a minimum of one bedroom as opposed to having a studio unit.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
Yes, in San Gabriel, an ADU typically requires a kitchen, unlike JADUs, which may have efficiency kitchens.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
Yes, San Gabriel may have independent utility meters for gas, electricity, communications, water, and sewer services, allowing for separate metering from the main dwelling unit.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
The minimum ceiling height for habitable spaces, including ADUs, in San Gabriel is 7 feet, consistent 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 San Gabriel?
In San Gabriel, an ADU requires one parking space, unless it meets specific conditions: within a half-mile walking distance of public transit, situated in a historically significant district, not eligible for on-street parking permits, or if a car-share vehicle is available within one block.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
A parking space for an ADU in San Gabriel can be located in a tandem arrangement on the existing driveway. If existing parking spaces for the primary unit are demolished during the development of the ADU, replacement parking spaces for the main dwelling unit are not required.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in San Gabriel?
In San Fernando, the ADU permit process usually takes about 3.5 to 4 months. Meeting with a city planner beforehand is advised to ensure your plans meet all regulations.
Once plans are submitted and fees are paid, the city has 60 days to determine if the application is complete. If there’s no response within that period, the permit is automatically approved. Any necessary corrections should be made and resubmitted, as incomplete applications won’t be denied but must be updated. The estimated Plan Check fee for ADU projects is $2,230.
Does San Gabriel require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
Yes, currently in San Gabriel, plans for an ADU need to be submitted in person as the city hasn't yet implemented online submission procedures.
Does San Gabriel require coastal development permits?
In San Gabriel, there's no requirement for coastal development permits anywhere.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in San Gabriel?
In San Gabriel, you would need a licensed professional to design an ADU if the project doesn’t comply with the standard construction methods.
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How much does it cost to build an ADU in San Gabriel?
Constructing an ADU in San Gabriel typically costs around $380 per square foot. This estimate should also factor in expenses for permits, architectural design, and engineering services. For instance, the total cost for a 900-square-foot ADU generally comes to about $390,000, including both soft and hard costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in San Gabriel?
To evaluate the profitability of constructing an ADU in San Gabriel, it's important to compare the building costs with the local real estate market. For example, a 900-square-foot ADU might be valued at approximately $450,000. Given construction costs of around $390,000, this indicates a potential return on investment of 15%.
Moreover, profitability can be assessed by considering potential rental income or the benefits of accommodating family members on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in San Gabriel?
Under California’s AB 1033, cities can set specific rules for selling ADUs as condos alongside primary residences, as long as they follow existing ADU laws.
In San Gabriel, local regulations control the sale of ADUs. These units can be sold if constructed by an approved nonprofit organization. Additionally, sales may occur through a tenancy-in-common agreement or if the city allows the ADU and main home to be sold independently as condominium units.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in San Gabriel?
No, rent control laws do not apply to ADUs in San Gabriel, which includes regulations like AB 1482 allowing landlords to increase rents annually. ADUs are exempt from such rules as they are considered new constructions. However, this exemption is applicable only to structures aged at least 15 years.
How do I get money to build an ADU in San Gabriel?
To secure funding for building an ADU in San Gabriel, homeowners can explore various options. For instance, they can consider the CalHFA's ADU grant program, facilitated by the California Community Economic Development Association (CCEDA). This program offers grants of $40,000 to eligible homeowners to cover pre-construction costs related to ADU construction. It's important to note that 54% of these grants are earmarked for low-income households, aiming to improve affordability.