The Southwest Builders
What are the requirements to build ADU in Santee?
Adding an ADU in Santee offers an excellent opportunity to increase your living area and create customized spaces like a home office or recreation room. To ensure the success of your ADU project, it's essential to grasp the local regulations applicable to your property and assess the financial viability of constructing an ADU in Santee City. This guide provides a thorough summary of Santee's ADU requirements and essential financial factors to aid in efficiently planning and implementing your project.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in Santee?
In Santee, you can build one new ADU, either detached or attached from the primary building, on a lot that has an existing or proposed single-family residence.
How large can an attached ADU be in Santee?
The maximum size allowed for an attached ADU is 1,200 square feet. However, other development standards, like lot coverage or open space requirements, might also influence the ADU's size. Nevertheless, these standards cannot allow the ADU to be less than 800 square feet in size.
How large can a detached ADU be in Santee?
Similar to attached ADUs, detached ADUs can have a maximum size of 1,200 square feet. However, factors like lot coverage or open space requirements may also impact the ADU's size. Nonetheless, these standards cannot allow the ADU to be smaller than 800 square feet.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in Santee?
Yes, constructing a two-story ADU in Santee is possible. With a maximum height of 20 feet, it meets the requirements for a two-story building,
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
No, Santee hasn't specified any particular rules regarding the minimum size of an ADU.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes. Converting existing space into an ADU on a single-family lot is allowed, provided the ADU meets all general requirements.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
On a property with a single-family house, the maximum height of an ADU can be 16 feet. However, if the property is within a half-mile walk of a major transit stop, it can go up to 18 feet. If necessary for the ADU's roof to align with the main house's roof, it can be up to 20 feet tall.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does Santee allow for multifamily properties?
It is allowed to have a maximum of two detached ADUs on a property that already has a multifamily building.
Additionally, it's possible to convert non-habitable areas of multifamily structures into ADUs, following state building standards. Up to 25% of the existing units, with a minimum of one unit, can be converted into ADUs.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Santee?
For multi-family properties, attached ADUs can reach a maximum size of 1,200 square feet. Yet, additional factors like lot coverage or open space requirements could affect the ADU's dimensions. However, these standards cannot allow the ADU to be smaller than 800 square feet.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Santee?
For multi-family properties, detached ADUs follow the same regulations as attached ones, with a maximum size of 1,200 square feet. However, factors such as lot coverage or open space requirements may influence the ADU's size. Nonetheless, these standards cannot allow the ADU to be smaller than 800 square feet.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
As of now, the city has not addressed the possibility of stacking detached ADUs on top of each other.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
Attaching two ADUs to each other isn't directly mentioned in the city's rules, so you'd need to check with the planning department for clarification.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, existing space can be converted into an ADU. ADUs can also be constructed within non-livable spaces of existing multifamily dwelling structures in the city.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
Similar to single-family houses, on a property with a multi-family house, the maximum height for an ADU is 16 feet. However, if the property is within a half-mile walk of a major transit stop, it can be increased to 18 feet. If needed for the ADU's roof to align with the main house's roof, it can reach up to 20 feet tall.
What ADU types are allowed to build in Santee?
Homeowners in Santee have multiple options for adding an ADU to their property:
- Detached ADU: A fully independent structure separate from the main home.
- Attached ADU: A unit that is physically connected to the primary residence.
- Converted ADU: Altering existing spaces, like garages or sheds, into livable areas with essential features such as kitchens and bathrooms.
Converting structures like garages or sheds can offer more flexibility with zoning regulations, including setbacks and height limits, making them suitable for smaller projects. However, renovating older structures may uncover unexpected issues, leading to higher costs.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Santee?
ADUs are required to have a setback of at least 4 feet from the rear and side property lines. The front setback is the same as an underlying zone. However, the city hasn't established specific rules for corner or through lots.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
ADUs need to be at least 6 feet away from main buildings and 5 feet from other accessory structures.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
In Santee, it's not specified in the municipal code whether setbacks are required when converting existing structures into ADUs. However, in many cities in San Diego, setbacks are typically not required for this scenario.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Santee?
An ADU may be placed in the front yard only if no other area on the property can accommodate a unit of at least 800 square feet. Following all zoning setback requirements are required.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
Santee hasn't specified the number of bedrooms for ADUs. However, according to San Diego County regulations, an ADU should have at least one bedroom if it's not proposed as a studio unit.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
Yes, in Santee, ADUs need to have a full kitchen, as opposed to JADUs, which only require an efficiency kitchen.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
The city didn't specifically mention if ADUs need their utility meters. However, their ADU guidelines suggest reaching out to the relevant authority for clarification.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
In Santee, habitable spaces in newly constructed homes, including ADUs, should comply with the minimum ceiling height requirement of 7 feet as specified by the California Building 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 Santee?
ADUs are required to have one uncovered off-street parking space, measuring 9 feet by 19 feet. However, there are exceptions to this rule. If the property is within a half-mile walking distance of a public transit stop, if the ADU is part of the existing or proposed primary residence or accessory structure with only a small addition of up to 150 square feet for ingress/egress, or if the lot is within one block of an established car share vehicle stop, the off-street parking requirement may be waived.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
Parking spaces for an ADU can be located in setback areas or arranged as tandem parking. If a garage or carport is removed as part of the construction or conversion of an ADU, replacement of those off-street parking spaces is not required.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Santee?
Getting an ADU permit in Santee involves submitting plans for review. The initial review usually takes about 30 days, with follow-up reviews taking around 14 days. The Plan Check fee for ADUs in Santee is approximately $1,080.
Does Santee require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
No. The city has an online Permitting and Licensing Portal up and running. This portal handles permits, inspections, and more, all in one place.
Does Santee require coastal development permits?
No. Santee doesn't need coastal development permits in any part of the city.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Santee?
In Santee, the need for a licensed designer for an ADU depends on the project's complexity.
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How much does it cost to build an ADU in Santee?
In Santee, the cost to develop an ADU is approximately $325 per square foot. Additionally, you should consider soft costs like permits, architects, and engineers. For example, a 900-square-foot ADU would total about $330,000, encompassing both direct and indirect expenses.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in Santee?
The profitability of an ADU depends on construction expenses and the local real estate market. In Santee, a 900-square-foot ADU holds an estimated market value of around $435,000, while the total project cost averages $330,000, yielding a potential return on investment of about 32%.
Assessing profitability can also consider factors such as potential rental income or personal lifestyle benefits, such as accommodating family members on your property.
Can you sell an ADU in Santee?
California regulations allow local governments to establish guidelines for the sale of ADUs and primary residences as condominiums, provided they comply with existing development standards.
In Santee, local laws govern the sale of ADUs. An ADU may be sold if it was constructed by a certified nonprofit organization, if there is a valid tenancy-in-common agreement, or if the city approves the independent sale of both the ADU and the primary residence as separate condominiums.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in Santee?
No, ADUs in Santee are not subject to rent control. They are considered new construction, so rent control regulations, such as those under AB 1482, do not apply. However, it's important to note that AB 1482 only affects buildings that are at least 15 years old.
How do I get money to build an ADU in Santee?
In Santee, California, homeowners could potentially receive a grant of up to $40,000 to help build an ADU through the CalHFA ADU Grant Program. This grant covers pre-development and one-time closing expenses, and it's not a loan, so homeowners don't have to pay it back.