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ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Santee

Many seniors in California choose to remain in their homes and communities because of the comfort and freedom they provide, rather than moving to retirement facilities. The difficulty lies in finding a cost-effective way to meet their care needs while also increasing the home's value. This article offers a practical solution to achieve both.

Adding an ADU to your property creates a private, easy-to-move-around living area for seniors. These cozy units are built with safety and convenience in mind, making daily activities easier. They also keep seniors close to family and involved in their community. As their needs change over time, the space can be adjusted to meet those needs.

Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in Santee

What is an ADU?

An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a small, separate living space built on the same property as a main house. Known as granny flats, guest houses, or backyard cottages, these units include key features like a kitchen, bathroom, and living area. ADUs can be detached structures, attached to the main house, or created by converting spaces like garages.

Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place

1. Made for Comfort and Safety

ADUs can be designed with features like ramps, wider doors, handrails, and slip-resistant flooring to make them safer and easier for seniors to move around.

2. A More Affordable Option

An ADU is a cost-effective choice for seniors who want to live near family. It reduces housing expenses while keeping loved ones close.

3. Can Adapt to Changing Needs

As needs evolve, ADUs can be easily updated for caregiving, housing other family members, or even renting out for extra income.

4. Close to Family

An ADU lets seniors live independently while being near family, helping them stay connected and get the assistance they need.

Not sure which ADU option is right for you or your property?

Home to Home

How do you improve the property to fit your elderly parent?

To make your property more suitable for your elderly parent, start by looking at how they’re managing day-to-day and think about how their needs might change in the future. It’s not always easy, but planning ahead can make things easier down the road.

If your parent is still independent but struggles with stairs, consider creating a living space where everything is on one level. This would include a bedroom, living room, kitchen, and bathroom all on the same floor, making it easier for them to move around.

Rather than remodeling the main house, which can be costly and disruptive, a great alternative is to build a separate living area, like an ADU. Whether attached or separate, an ADU gives your parent their own space while keeping them close.

If you're not planning to live in the main house, renting it out to a family who is willing to help your parent can be a smart option. Even if the rent is lower, having peace of mind knowing they’re nearby is worth it.

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

The advantage is that many older couples have already paid off their mortgage. If your parents are in this situation, you might want to look into a HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) to help pay for building an ADU. Once the ADU is built and your parents move in, you could rent out the main house to help pay off the HELOC. The key is ensuring the main house's rent is enough to cover the payments. It might seem complicated, but breaking down the costs with an example can help clarify things.

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 Santee is $440,424. A loan with a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $2,784. 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 $580,800 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.

ADU design restrictions in Santee

Where can ADUs be built?

ADUs can be added to properties designated for residential or mixed-use purposes.

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

In a single-family zone, an ADU can be up to 1,200 square feet in size and a maximum of 20 feet tall.

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

The size and height restrictions for ADUs in multi-family zones are the same as in single-family zones—up to 1,200 square feet and 20 feet tall.

What is the minimum setback for an ADU?

The minimum setback for an ADU in Santee is 4 feet.

What are the safety regulations for an ADU?

Fire sprinklers are only required in an ADU if the main house also has them. Building an ADU does not require adding fire sprinklers to the main house.

Is independent access from the main house required?

Yes, an ADU should have its separate entrance, independent from the main house.

What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?

For a senior-friendly ADU, features like ramps, wider doors, and handrails are important for easy movement. You may need extra permits for these changes.

Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?

Mobile homes are not suitable for ADUs because they are supported by temporary foundations. ADUs need to be built on a permanent foundation and meet California building standards.

How fast can you build an ADU?

Building an ADU typically takes 3 to 6 months, depending on the design, permits, and construction process.

What are the rules for ADU ownership in Santee?

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

Currently, the property owner is not required to live in the main house. However, starting January 1, 2025, a new rule will require the owner to live on the property as their main and permanent residence if an ADU is allowed.

What are the rental regulations for an ADU?

ADUs can only be rented out for 30 days or longer. Short-term rentals are not allowed.

What permits are needed for an ADU?

You will need a building permit to make any changes to the structure, plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems. If you add an ADU to an existing home, the city will review your application and respond within 60 days.

Resources and Where to Start in Santee

To get started, Santee residents can reach out to the Santee 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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