ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home

How many ADUs can you build in Santa Fe Springs?

In Santa Fe Springs, one ADU is allowed on a lot with an existing or proposed single-family home, either attached or detached from the primary building.

How large can an attached ADU be in Santa Fe Springs?

In Santa Fe Springs, an attached ADU can be up to 850 square feet for a unit with one bedroom or less, and up to 1,200 square feet for a unit with more than one bedroom.

How large can a detached ADU be in Santa Fe Springs?

In Santa Fe Springs, a detached ADU can be up to 850 square feet for a unit with one bedroom or less, and up to 1,200 square feet for a unit with more than one bedroom, similar to an attached ADU.

Can I build a 2-story ADU in Santa Fe Springs?

Yes, you can construct a two-story ADU in Santa Fe Springs.

Is there a minimum size for an ADU?

The minimum size of an ADU in Santa Fe Springs is 150 square feet.

Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?

Yes, in Santa Fe Springs, you can convert existing space into an ADU in single-family residences.

What is the maximum height for an ADU?

The maximum height for a detached ADU on a single-family property in Santa Fe Springs is 18 feet if the lot is within half a mile of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor, with an additional allowance of 2 feet if required to match the roof pitch of the primary residence. Attached ADUs should not be higher than 25 feet or surpass the height limitations specified by the zoning regulations for the main dwelling.

ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building

How many ADUs does Santa Fe Spring allow for multifamily properties?

Multifamily properties in Santa Fe Springs can have at least one ADU or up to 25% of the total number of multifamily units, and no more than 2 detached ADUs.

How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Santa Fe Springs?

In Santa Fe Springs, the maximum size for an attached ADU in a multifamily building is 850 square feet for a unit with one bedroom or less, and up to 1,200 square feet for a unit with more than one bedroom.

How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Santa Fe Springs?

In Santa Fe Springs, detached ADUs within multifamily buildings can range up to 850 square feet for units with one bedroom or less and extend to 1,200 square feet for those with more than one bedroom.

Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?

Currently, the regulations in Santa Fe Springs do not specifically address the option of stacking detached ADUs on top of each other.

Can I attach two ADUs to each other?

In Santa Fe Springs, it is not allowed to attach two ADUs to each other. The regulations specify that ADUs should only be attached to the primary building.

Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?

Yes, in Santa Fe Springs, you can convert existing space into an ADU in multifamily residences.

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 in Santa Fe Springs is 18 feet for detached units if the lot is within half a mile of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor. An additional 2 feet may be allowed to match the roof pitch of the primary dwelling. However, if the multifamily building is more than one story above grade, detached ADUs cannot surpass 18 feet in height. Attached ADUs should follow the maximum height of 25 feet or the height limitation specified by the zoning regulations for the primary dwelling.

What ADU types are allowed to build in Santa Fe Springs?

Santa Fe Springs permits various ADU types, including:

(A) Detached ADU: A separate structure built apart from the main residence.
(B) Attached ADU: A newly constructed addition directly connected to the main house.
(C) Converted ADU: A non-livable space, such as a garage, shed, or storage area, remodeled into a living unit with a kitchen or kitchenette and a bathroom.

Repurposing existing structures for ADUs allows 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 issues.

ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings

What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Santa Fe Springs?

In Santa Fe Springs, the side and rear setbacks for ADUs should be at least 4 feet.

What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?

Santa Fe Springs does not set a minimum distance for ADUs from existing structures, but a common practice is to keep at least 6 feet of separation.

Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?

No, setbacks are not required when converting existing structures into an ADU in Santa Fe Springs.

Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Santa Fe Springs?

Yes, but only if the property lacks enough space to construct an ADU of at least 800 sq. ft. Zoning setback regulations should still be followed.

Design requirements for ADU

How many bedrooms can an ADU have?

In Santa Fe Springs, ADUs can have at least one bedroom, unlike studio units.

Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?

Although not explicitly stated in the City's municipal code, most ADUs in California generally require a full kitchen, unlike JADUs, which often feature efficiency kitchens.

Does an ADU require independent utility meters?

An ADU should have its own separate water, sewer, or electrical connection if a utility provider requests it.

What is the minimum ceiling height?

The California Building Code requires habitable spaces, including ADUs in Santa Fe Springs, to have a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet.

Find out the maximum ADU size for your property here

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The parking requirements for ADU

What is the parking requirement for an ADU in Santa Fe Springs?

ADUs in Santa Fe Springs require one parking space per unit, but no parking is needed if the ADU is within a half-mile of public transit, located in a historic district, part of the primary residence or accessory structure, or if on-street parking permits are unavailable. Parking is also not required if a car-share vehicle stop is within one block.

Where can I have a parking space on my property?

Parking can be in setback areas or tandem unless specific site conditions make it impractical. If a garage, carport, or covered structure is demolished during ADU construction, no replacement parking is needed.

How to get permits for your ADU

How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Santa Fe Springs?

The full permitting process typically takes 3.5 to 4 months. Once the permit drawing set is prepared, you or your architect should submit it for a Plan Check. It’s recommended to schedule a pre-plan check meeting with a city planner to review your application beforehand.

After submission and full payment of fees, the city has 60 calendar days to determine if the application is complete. If no response is provided within that period, the permit is automatically approved. If corrections are requested, your designer must make the necessary changes and resubmit the application. The application should demonstrate compliance with ADU requirements, and missing information alone cannot result in a denial. The estimated Plan Check fee for ADU projects in Santa Fe Springs is $180.

Does Santa Fe Springs require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?

No, plans for an ADU in Santa Fe Springs can be submitted digitally via email.

Does Santa Fe Springs require coastal development permits?

No, Santa Fe Springs does not require coastal development permits.

When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Santa Fe Springs?

In Santa Fe Springs, 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 Santa Fe Springs?

Constructing an ADU in Santa Fe Springs typically costs around $380 per square foot, which includes expenses for permits, architectural design, and engineering services. For instance, 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 Santa Fe Springs?

To assess the financial viability of building an ADU in Santa Fe Springs, it's crucial to compare construction costs with local real estate market values. For example, a 900-square-foot ADU could be valued at approximately $400,000. Given the construction cost of $390,000, this suggests a potential return on investment of around 5%.

Additionally, profitability considerations may include potential rental income or the benefits of housing family members on the same property.

Can you sell an ADU in Santa Fe Springs?

California’s AB 1033 allows cities to set guidelines for selling ADUs as condominiums in conjunction with primary residences, provided they comply with existing ADU regulations.

In Santa Fe Springs, specific local regulations govern the sale of ADUs. These units can be sold if they are built by recognized nonprofit organizations. Additionally, they can be sold through a tenancy-in-common arrangement or if the city approves the separate sale of both the ADU and the main residence as condominiums.

Are ADUs rent-controlled in Santa Fe Springs?

In Santa Fe Springs, ADUs are not subject to rent control regulations. As per AB 1482, landlords can annually adjust rents, though this legislation applies exclusively to properties aged 15 years or older.

How do I get money to build an ADU in Santa Fe Springs?

To fund ADU construction in Santa Fe Springs, explore options like the CalHFA ADU Grant Program, offering grants of up to $40,000. These funds can cover various costs such as architectural plans, permits, and site preparation, supporting the state's affordable housing goals.

Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.

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