ADUs offer a practical way to add secure and personalized living spaces to your property. These small, independent units can be designed with safety in mind and adjusted to fit the needs of older adults. They provide an affordable, long-term housing option that allows seniors to stay close to family and friends, with the flexibility to adapt to future changes.

Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in Santa Clarita

What is an ADU?

An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a small, separate living area on the same property as a main house. Often referred to as granny flats, in-law suites, or backyard cottages, an ADU includes its kitchen, bathroom, and living space. It can either be a completely separate building, an extension of the main house, or a converted area within the home.

Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place

1. Close to Family and Support

For seniors, leaving their homes can be a major challenge, often requiring them to say goodbye to friends and their familiar surroundings. By placing an ADU on the same property, seniors can maintain their independence while staying close to family members who can offer help when necessary. This arrangement brings comfort and peace of mind to both seniors and their loved ones.

2. Affordable Option

Building an ADU is usually a less expensive choice than moving to a retirement community. It also helps families save money by keeping everyone under one roof, without the need for extra properties.

3. Designed for Safety and Comfort

ADUs can be specially designed to make life easier for seniors by including features such as wide doorways, ramps, grab bars, and non-slip floors, making everyday tasks safer and more accessible.

4. Flexible for the Future

ADUs are versatile spaces that can serve different purposes over time. They can house family members, and caregivers, or even be rented out for extra income when no longer needed for senior living. This makes ADUs a valuable long-term investment.

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?

As people get older, they may feel lonely due to losing touch with friends, family, or other social activities. This can have a negative impact on their mental and physical health. When adjusting your property for an elderly parent, it's important to focus on both their physical needs and their ability to stay connected with others.

An ADU provides a separate living space with its entrance, but because it's on the same property as the main house, it allows for easy access to family support and interaction. To reduce feelings of isolation, consider creating areas where socializing can happen, such as a cozy living room or a small dining area for family meals. Adding outdoor spaces, like a porch or garden, can also give your parents opportunities to interact with neighbors or enjoy time outdoors.

When designing the ADU, keep in mind any mobility challenges your parent might face, as these could affect their ability to socialize. Features such as ramps, better lighting, and easily accessible seating can help your parent move around and interact with others more easily, both inside and outside.

Having the ADU nearby allows your parent to maintain their independence while still staying close to family, helping to prevent loneliness. This mix of privacy, easy access, and mobility contributes to their overall well-being and happiness.

What are the economics of building an ADU for the aging-in-place scenario?

The good news, many older couples have already paid off their homes, giving them more options financially. If that’s your case, you could use a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) to finance building an ADU. After the ADU is ready and your parents move in, renting out the main house could help cover the HELOC payments. The key is making sure the rent from the main house is enough to handle those payments. While it might seem a little challenging, this method can help you calculate your costs and expected 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 Santa Clarita is $521,796. A loan that has a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $3,298. 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 $660,000 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.

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ADU design restrictions in Santa Clarita

Where can ADUs be built?

ADUs can be built on properties that are zoned for either single-family homes or multi-family buildings. This includes various zones such as residential areas (NU1, NU2, NU3, NU4, NU5), urban residential zones (UR1, UR2, UR3, UR4, UR5), mixed-use zones (MXC, MXN, MXUV), and other specific zones like PI, OS, OS-A, OS-NF, and OS-BLM.

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

In single-family residential areas, ADUs can be up to 1,000 square feet in size and can be as tall as 20 feet.

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

In multi-family zones, ADUs can also be up to 1,000 square feet and reach a height of 20 feet.

What is the minimum setback for an ADU?

The minimum setback for an ADU in Santa Clarita is 4 feet.

What are the safety regulations for an ADU?

ADUs do not need to have fire sprinklers installed if the main house doesn't require them either.

Is independent access from the main house required?

Yes, each ADU should have its separate exterior entrance.

What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?

When designing an ADU for seniors, consider adding features like ramps, wider doors, and handrails to make the space more accessible. These changes may require extra permits.

Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?

No, mobile homes cannot be used as ADUs because they are placed on temporary supports. ADUs should be built on a permanent foundation and meet California’s building codes.

How fast can you build an ADU?

Building an ADU typically takes between three to six months, including time for obtaining permits and completing construction.

What are the rules for ADU ownership in Santa Clarita?

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

For applications submitted before January 1, 2025, the property owner does not need to live in either the main house or the ADU.

What are the rental regulations for an ADU?

An ADU cannot be rented for less than 30 days at a time.

What permits are needed for an ADU?

To build or convert an ADU, you'll need a building permit. This permit covers any structural, plumbing, or electrical work required.

Resources and Where to Start in Santa Clarita

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

ADU Analysis shows the maximum ADU size for the best return on your property.

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