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What are the requirements to build ADU in Santa Clarita?
Adding an ADU in Santa Clarita offers a substantial chance to expand your living space, allowing you to host family members, generate passive income, or increase your property's resale value. To ensure your ADU project is successful, it is crucial to understand the local regulations impacting your property and assess the financial viability of building an ADU in Santa Clarita City. This guide provides a detailed overview of Santa Clarita's ADU requirements and key financial considerations to help you plan and execute your project effectively.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in Santa Clarita?
In Santa Clarita, one ADU is allowed per single-family property, whether it is attached or detached from the primary building.
How large can an attached ADU be in Santa Clarita?
In Santa Clarita, attached ADUs can vary in size based on the number of bedrooms. Units with 0-1 bedrooms can be up to 850 square feet, while those with 2 bedrooms can be up to 1,000 square feet, as long as the ADU does not go beyond 50% of the primary home's floor area. Additionally, an ADU can be built up to 800 square feet, with a maximum height of 16 feet and 4-foot side and rear setbacks.
How large can a detached ADU be in Santa Clarita?
For detached ADUs in Santa Clarita, units with 1 bedroom are restricted to 850 square feet, whereas those with 2 bedrooms can reach up to 1000 square feet.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in Santa Clarita?
Yes, you can build a 2-story ADU in Santa Clarita, as it has a maximum height of 25 feet.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
Yes. The minimum size requirement for an ADU in Santa Clarita is 150 square feet.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, you can convert existing space into an ADU in single-family residences in Santa Clarita.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
For a single-family property in Santa Clarita, the maximum height for an attached ADU is 25 feet. For a detached ADU, the height limit is 16 feet, but this can be increased to 18 feet if the property is within half a mile of a transit stop, with an additional 2 feet allowing for a roof pitch of 2:12.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does Santa Clarita allow for multifamily properties?
Multifamily properties can have converted ADUs with at least one unit and up to 25 percent of the existing units per lot. Additionally, up to two detached ADUs are allowed per multifamily lot.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Santa Clarita?
Attached ADUs for multifamily buildings in Santa Clarita can be up to 850 square feet for 1-bedroom units and 1,000 square feet for 2-bedroom units, provided they stay within 50% of the primary residence's floor area. Additionally, you can build an ADU up to 800 square feet, with a maximum height of 16 feet and 4-foot side and rear setbacks.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Santa Clarita?
Detached ADUs in Santa Clarita within multifamily buildings are limited to 850 square feet for units with 0-1 bedroom and up to 1000 square feet for those with 2 bedrooms.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
As of now, Santa Clarita has not set any rules about stacking detached ADUs on top of each other.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
No, you cannot attach two ADUs in Santa Clarita.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, you can convert existing space into an ADU in multifamily buildings in Santa Clarita.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
The maximum height for an ADU on a multifamily building is just like for a single-family property: the maximum height for an attached ADU is 25 feet. For a detached ADU, the height limit is 16 feet, but this can be increased to 18 feet if the property is within ½ mile of a transit stop, with an extra 2 feet allowed for a roof pitch of 2:12.
What ADU types are allowed to build in Santa Clarita?
Santa Clarita allows different types of ADUs, including:
(A) Detached ADU: A standalone structure separate from the main home.
(B) Attached ADU: A newly built addition that is physically connected to the main house.
(C) Converted ADU: An existing non-livable area, such as a garage, shed, or storage space, converted into a living unit with a kitchen or kitchenette and a bathroom.
Converting existing structures into ADUs offers greater flexibility since setback and height limits generally don’t apply. These structures can also be enlarged for more space. However, remodeling older buildings may uncover hidden issues that could increase expenses.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Santa Clarita?
In Santa Clarita, the required setbacks for an ADU are 4 feet for both side and rear setbacks, including corner lots. However, the city has not specified regulations for through lots.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
For a detached ADU in Santa Clarita, the minimum distance required from the primary residence is 6 feet.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
No, setbacks are not needed when converting existing structures, like garages, into ADUs, as long as the converted structure is in the same location and size as the existing structure.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Santa Clarita?
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 Santa Clarita, ADUs can have at least one bedroom.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
Yes, in Santa Clarita, an ADU requires a full kitchen, which includes permanent provisions for cooking, whereas a JADU may have a kitchenette instead.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
Santa Clarita's guidelines for ADUs don't explicitly state whether they require independent utility meters. It's advisable to contact the relevant authority for clarification on this matter.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
Although not directly outlined in Santa Clarita's local regulations, the California Building Code requires a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet for livable areas in new residential constructions, including ADUs.
Find out the maximum ADU size for your property here
The parking requirements for ADU
What is the parking requirement for an ADU in Santa Clarita?
An ADU requires one parking space. However, there are exceptions to this rule. No additional parking is needed if the ADU is within half a mile of public transit, entirely within the main house, has no bedrooms, or if certain parking permits or car-sharing conditions are met.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
The parking space needed for an ADU should be on the same property as the primary and accessory units. If a garage or carport is removed to build an ADU, replacement parking generally isn't needed for the primary unit.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Santa Clarita?
In Santa Clarita, ADU permit application results typically take around 1 to 2 months or even longer from the time of submission. This timeframe usually includes both the issuance of building permits and plan review processes. Plan checks for ADU projects in Santa Clarita are estimated to cost $2,945.
Does Santa Clarita require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
Yes. Santa Clarita requires in-person submission of plans for an ADU to the city's Planning Division. These plans should show that the proposed construction follows local zoning rules and guidelines.
Does Santa Clarita require coastal development permits?
No, Santa Clarita does not need coastal development permits in any area of the city.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Santa Clarita?
In San Marino, whether a licensed professional is required to design an ADU is based on how complex the project is.
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How much does it cost to build an ADU in Santa Clarita?
In Santa Clarita, the cost to build an ADU is approximately $380 per square foot. It's essential to also consider additional expenses like permits, architect fees, and engineering costs. For example, the total cost for a 900-square-foot ADU would be around $390,000, encompassing both hard and soft costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in Santa Clarita?
The profitability of constructing an ADU in Santa Clarita depends on the construction costs and the local real estate market. A 900-square-foot ADU in this area has an estimated market value of around $490,000. With a total project cost of approximately $390,000, this results in a return on investment of about 27%.
Profitability can also be assessed based on potential rental income or the advantages of having family members live on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in Santa Clarita?
Under California's AB 1033, municipalities can establish rules for selling ADUs as condominiums alongside main residences, as long as they adhere to ADU regulations.
In Santa Clarita, local laws regulate the sale of ADUs. Units constructed by approved nonprofit organizations can be sold, and they may also be sold through a tenancy-in-common agreement or if the city allows the ADU and the main home to be sold separately as condominium units.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in Santa Clarita?
No, ADUs in Santa Clarita are not subject to rent control regulations. These regulations typically apply to buildings that are at least 15 years old. However, ADUs, being new constructions, are not covered by laws like AB 1482, which involve rent control.
How do I get money to build an ADU in Santa Clarita?
To obtain funding for constructing an ADU in Santa Clarita, individuals can explore options like the CalHFA ADU Grant Program. This program offers grants of up to $40,000 to cover initial expenses associated with ADU construction, such as site preparation, design, permits, and related costs. Eligibility is based on the homeowner's income, allowing for incomes of up to $158,000 for owner-occupied properties in Santa Clarita. Homeowners can also choose their tenants for the ADU.
Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.
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