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What are the requirements to build ADU in San Marino?
Building an ADU in San Marino enables you to increase your living space and offer affordable housing for adult children transitioning to independent living. For a successful project, it's essential to understand San Marino's local regulations and thoroughly evaluate the financial aspects of construction. This guide provides detailed insights into San Marino's ADU regulations and important financial considerations, helping you plan and execute your project effectively.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in San Marino?
In San Marino, one ADU is allowed per lot zoned for single-family dwellings, whether attached or detached from the primary building.
How large can an attached ADU be in San Marino?
An attached ADU in San Marino can occupy up to 50% of the existing living area. Studio and one-bedroom ADUs are limited to 850 square feet, while two-bedroom ADUs are limited to 1,000 square feet of livable space.
How large can a detached ADU be in San Marino?
Detached ADUs in San Marino have set size restrictions: studios and one-bedroom units are limited to 850 square feet, while two-bedroom units cannot be larger than 1,000 square feet.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in San Marino?
No, in San Marino, ADUs are limited to a single story; constructing a two-story ADU is prohibited.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
Yes, in San Marino, the minimum size for an ADU is 150 square feet.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, existing space can be converted into an ADU in San Marino.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
On a property with a single-family house in San Marino, the maximum height for an ADU is 16 feet.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does San Marino allow for multifamily properties?
San Marino does not allow ADUs for multifamily properties.
How big can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in San Marino?
San Marino does not allow ADUs for multifamily properties.
How big can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in San Marino?
San Marino does not allow ADUs for multifamily properties.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
San Marino does not allow ADUs for multifamily properties.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
San Marino does not allow ADUs for multifamily properties.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
San Marino does not allow ADUs for multifamily properties.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
San Marino does not allow ADUs for multifamily properties.
What ADU types are allowed to build in San Marino?
San Marino permits several types of ADUs, including:
(A) Detached ADU: A separate structure constructed from the main house.
(B) Attached ADU: A newly added structure connected to the main residence.
(C) Converted ADU: A conversion of an existing non-livable space, like a garage, shed, or storage area, into a living space with a kitchen or kitchenette and a bathroom.
Converting existing structures into ADUs provides more flexibility since setback and height restrictions typically don’t apply. These structures can also be expanded for additional space. However, renovating older buildings may lead to unexpected costs due to hidden problems.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in San Marino?
In San Marino, the minimum setback for ADUs is 4 feet from both the side and rear property lines.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
San Marino doesn't set a specific distance for ADUs from existing structures, but a 6-foot separation is common in many areas.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
When converting existing structures into ADUs in San Marino, setbacks are unnecessary.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in San Marino?
Yes, but only if the property doesn’t have sufficient space to build an ADU of at least 800 sq. ft. Zoning setback rules should still be observed.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
In San Marino, ADUs are limited to a maximum of 2 bedrooms, unlike other cities where there’s no such limit.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
Yes, in San Marino, an ADU requires a full kitchen for cooking and eating, unlike JADUs which typically have more basic efficiency kitchens.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
An ADU in San Marino cannot have separate utility services from the primary residence.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
In San Marino, the minimum ceiling height for habitable spaces, including ADUs, is 7 feet, in accordance with the California Bufollowingilding 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 Marino?
In San Marino, each ADU should have one off-street parking space, except in specific circumstances. These exemptions include situations where the ADU is located within a half-mile of public transit, entirely contained within an existing structure or primary dwelling, within a designated historic district, when on-street parking permits are unavailable to the ADU occupant, or if there's a city-approved dedicated parking space for a car share vehicle within one block of the ADU.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
Parking in San Marino can typically be placed in setbacks or existing driveways, often as tandem parking, though exact rules on placement are unspecified. However, these spaces shouldn't block the primary residence's parking and should be at least 20 feet long and 10 feet wide. Also, when an ADU results from converting or removing a garage, carport, or covered parking, replacing those spots isn't obligatory as long as the ADU stays in operation.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in San Marino?
In San Marino, 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 $2,922.
Does San Marino require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
Yes, currently, San Marino requires in-person submission of plans for ADUs, as online submission isn't available. However, permit applications can be submitted online.
Does San Marino require coastal development permits?
No, San Marino does not require coastal development permits.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in San Marino?
In San Marino, the need for a licensed professional to design an ADU depends on the project's complexity.
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How much does it cost to build an ADU in San Marino?
Constructing an ADU in San Marino typically costs around $380 per square foot, which includes expenses for permits, architectural design, and engineering services. For example, building a 900-square-foot ADU would generally cost about $390,000, covering both soft and hard costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in San Marino?
To evaluate the financial viability of building an ADU in San Marino, it's crucial to compare construction costs with local real estate market values. For instance, a 900-square-foot ADU could be valued at approximately $800,000. With construction costs estimated at $390,000, this suggests a potential return on investment of around 100%.
Additionally, profitability considerations may include potential rental income or the advantages of housing family members on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in San Marino?
California’s AB 1033 allows cities to create guidelines for selling ADUs as condominiums with primary homes, provided they comply with ADU regulations.
In San Marino, local rules govern ADU sales. Units built by authorized nonprofit organizations are eligible for sale. They can also be sold through a tenancy-in-common or if the city permits the separate sale of the ADU and the main house as condo units.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in San Marino?
No, ADUs in San Marino are not subject to rent control. Under AB 1482, rent control only applies to buildings that are at least 15 years old, allowing landlords of newer constructions like ADUs to increase rents annually.
How do I get money to build an ADU in San Marino?
The CalHFA’s ADU Grant Program offers grants of up to $40,000 to finance ADU construction in San Marino. These funds cover pre-development and closing costs such as architectural designs, permits, and site prep, encouraging ADU creation as an affordable housing solution in California.
Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.
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