Unsplash
ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Sierra Madre
In California, many older adults prefer staying in their own homes and communities because it gives them a sense of independence and comfort, rather than moving to a nursing home. The challenge is figuring out an affordable way to make this work while also getting the help they need and improving the home's value. This article offers a simple solution to help with these issues.
ADUs are a great way to create safe and customized living spaces on your property. These compact, separate units can be designed to meet the needs of older adults, including safety features. They offer an affordable, long-term solution that allows seniors to stay near family and friends, while also being flexible enough for future changes.
Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in Sierra Madre
What is an ADU?
An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a small, independent living space located on the same property as the main house. These are often referred to as granny flats, in-law suites, or backyard cottages. They come with their own kitchen, bathroom, and living area. An ADU can be a detached building, an attached unit to the main house, or even a converted space within the property.
Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place
1. Proximity to Family and Support
For many older adults, moving away from home can be emotionally hard, as it often means leaving behind familiar surroundings and a close-knit community. Having an ADU on the same property allows seniors to stay independent while being near family for support when needed. This arrangement offers comfort and reassurance to both seniors and their families.
2. More Affordable than Assisted Living
Building an ADU is usually more affordable than moving to an assisted living facility. It also saves families money since they don’t need to buy or rent another home.
3. Designed for Safety and Ease
ADUs can be customized with features that make them safer and more accessible for seniors, such as wider doorways, ramps, grab bars, and non-slip floors, ensuring their comfort and security.
4. Flexible for the Future
ADUs are adaptable spaces that can serve different purposes as time goes by. They can accommodate family members or caregivers, or even be rented out for extra income when no longer needed for senior living. This makes ADUs a great long-term investment.
Not sure which ADU option is right for you or your property?
Southland Remodeling
How do you improve the property to fit your elderly parent?
As people get older, they may start to feel distant from their social circles, which can negatively affect their mental and physical health. When making changes to your home for an elderly parent, it’s crucial to focus on both their physical comfort 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, family members can easily offer help and stay involved. To help prevent loneliness, consider adding spaces where your parent can socialize, like a cozy living area or a small dining space for family meals. Outdoor areas like a porch or garden can also provide a spot for your parent to chat with neighbors or enjoy time outside.
When planning the ADU, consider any mobility challenges your parent might have, as these could impact their ability to move around and interact with others. Adding features like ramps, better lighting, and easy-to-reach seating can help make movement easier and encourage socializing both inside and outdoors.
Having the ADU nearby allows your parent to live independently while staying close to family, helping to reduce feelings of isolation. This mix of privacy, easy access to family, and mobility-friendly design can improve their overall well-being.
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 Sierra Madre is $526,224. A loan that has a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $3,327. 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 $1,140,000 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.
ADU design restrictions in Sierra Madre
Where can ADUs be built?
ADUs can be built on properties that are designated for either single-family homes or multi-family buildings.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a single-family zone?
In single-family zones, an ADU can be as large as 1,200 square feet and up to 25 feet tall.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a multi-family zone?
In multi-family zones, the size and height limits for an ADU are the same as in single-family zones: up to 1,200 square feet and 25 feet tall.
What is the minimum setback for an ADU?
The minimum setback for an ADU in Sierra Madre is 4 feet.
What are the safety regulations for an ADU?
Generally, building an ADU doesn't require adding fire sprinklers unless the main house already has them. In some cases, such as if the main house needs sprinklers, the ADU might also need them. Always check with local fire departments to confirm requirements.
Is independent access from the main house required?
Yes, the ADU should have its outside access, separate from the main house.
What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?
For seniors, it’s essential to include features like ramps, wider doors, and handrails to make the space easier to navigate. These additions may require extra permits.
Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?
No, mobile homes can't be used as ADUs because they aren’t placed on permanent foundations. ADUs should be built on stable, permanent foundations that comply with California’s building codes.
How fast can you build an ADU?
Building an ADU usually takes about three to six months, including the time needed to get permits and complete construction.
What are the rules for ADU ownership in Sierra Madre?
Is the property owner required to live in the main house?
The Sierra Madre Municipal Code does not specify if the property owner should live in the main house.
What are the rental regulations for an ADU?
An ADU can only be rented for a minimum of 30 days. If the property owner rents or advertises the ADU, they should obtain and maintain an annual business license for the rental, as per local regulations. Additionally, ADUs cannot be rented out for short-term stays, like those on vacation rental platforms.
What permits are needed for an ADU?
To build or convert an ADU, you need a building permit. This permit will cover any required changes to the structure, plumbing, or electrical systems.
Resources and Where to Start in Sierra Madre
To get started, Sierra Madre residents can reach out to the Sierra Madre City Planning Department for ADU guidelines and zoning details.