Cali ADU Design+Build
What are the requirements to build ADU in South El Monte?
Constructing an ADU in South El Monte offers the opportunity to expand your living space, support multigenerational living, or create a separate area for aging in-laws. To ensure your ADU project runs smoothly, it's essential to understand South El Monte's local regulations and carefully assess the financial aspects of construction. This guide provides valuable insights into the city's ADU regulations and key financial considerations, helping you effectively plan and complete your project.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in South El Monte?
In South El Monte, you can build one ADU per lot with an existing or proposed single-family dwelling, whether the ADU is attached or detached from the primary building.
How large can an attached ADU be in South El Monte?
The size of attached ADUs is restricted based on bedroom count: those with one bedroom cannot be larger than 850 square feet, while those with two or more bedrooms are limited to 1,000 square feet. Additionally, the ADU's floor area cannot surpass 50% of the existing living area of the primary dwelling; however, for primary dwellings with a living area of 1,600 square feet or less, an attached ADU of up to 800 square feet is allowed.
How large can a detached ADU be in South El Monte?
Detached ADUs in South El Monte have size restrictions: those with one or fewer bedrooms are limited to 850 square feet, while those with two or more bedrooms are limited to 1,000 square feet in gross floor area.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in South El Monte?
Yes, you can build a 2-story ADU in South El Monte.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
No, there is no minimum size requirement for an ADU in South El Monte.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, in South El Monte, you can convert existing space into an ADU
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
For a property with a single-family home, the tallest ADU can depend on the height of the primary residence: a detached ADU is restricted to one story or 16 feet if the main house is one story, or two stories if the main house is two stories, while both attached and detached ADUs cannot be higher than the primary residence.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does South El Monte allow for multifamily properties?
In South El Monte, multifamily properties can have one ADU within an existing multifamily dwelling, limited to 25% of the total existing units, and they can also have up to two detached ADUs.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in South El Monte?
The size of attached ADUs for multifamily buildings is regulated based on bedroom count: those with one or fewer bedrooms cannot be bigger than 850 square feet, while those with two or more bedrooms are limited to 1,000 square feet. Additionally, the ADU's floor area can't surpass 50% of the existing living area of the primary dwelling; however, for primary dwellings with a living area of 1,600 square feet or less, an attached ADU of up to 800 square feet is permitted.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in South El Monte?
Detached ADUs in South El Monte for multifamily buildings should follow size restrictions, with those having one or fewer bedrooms limited to 850 square feet, and those with two or more bedrooms restricted to 1,000 square feet in gross floor area.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
South El Monte doesn't provide clear guidelines regarding the potential for vertically stacking detached ADUs on top of each other.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
No, in South El Monte, it's not allowed to connect two ADUs to each other; rather, they should be attached to the primary building.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, in South El Monte, it's allowed to convert existing space into an ADU within multifamily properties.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
Multifamily buildings have the same height regulations as single-family houses.
What ADU types are allowed to build in South El Monte?
South El Monte allows different types of ADUs, including:
(A) Detached ADU: A completely separate structure built apart from the main home.
(B) Attached ADU: A newly built extension that is physically connected to the primary dwelling.
(C) Converted ADU: A modification of a non-livable space, such as a garage, shed, or storage area, into a living unit equipped with a kitchen or kitchenette and a bathroom.
Repurposing existing buildings for ADUs offers greater flexibility since height and setback restrictions usually don't apply. These structures can also be expanded to create additional space. However, renovation of older structures may uncover unforeseen issues that can lead to increased costs.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in South El Monte?
Detached ADUs require rear and side setbacks of 3 feet (4 feet if more than one story), while attached ADUs require 4 feet for both side and rear setbacks or the same as the main building’s setback.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
A detached ADU should be at least 6 feet away from the primary residence and 10 feet away from the entrance to the wall of another structure on the property.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
No setbacks are required when converting existing structures into an ADU, except when needed for fire safety.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in South El Monte?
You can build an ADU in the front yard of your house, but if any part of the ADU extends in front of the main building, the front and side yard setbacks should comply with the same requirements as the main building in the zoning district.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
In South El Monte, an ADU can have at least one bedroom, except if it's configured as a studio unit.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
In South El Monte, an ADU requires a full kitchen, unlike JADUs, which may have an efficiency kitchen.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
South El Monte's regulations don't explicitly state if ADUs need independent utility meters. To confirm these details, it's best to reach out to the planning department.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
ADUs in South El Monte should follow the minimum ceiling height of 7 feet by state regulations.
Find out the maximum ADU size for your property here
The parking requirements for ADU
What is the parking requirement for an ADU in South El Monte?
In South El Monte, one on-site parking space is required for an ADU. However, this requirement can be waived if the ADU is within half a mile of public transit, located in a significant district, or part of the primary residence, or if on-street parking permits are not provided. Additionally, if a car-share vehicle is within one block, parking is not required.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
The parking space needed for the ADU can be positioned on-site, either as covered, uncovered, or tandem parking on an existing driveway.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in South El Monte?
The approval process generally takes between 3.5 and 4 months. After preparing your permit drawings, you or your architect must submit them for a Plan Check. It’s recommended to meet with a city planner beforehand to review your application.
Once your application is submitted and all fees are paid, the city has 60 days to confirm if it’s complete. If no response is given within that period, your permit will be automatically approved. If corrections are required, your designer must revise and resubmit the application. The application should show that it meets ADU requirements, and that missing information won’t lead to a denial. The estimated Plan Check fee for ADUs in South El Monte is $4,868.
Does South El Monte require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
No. South El Monte allows online submission of ADU plans, but further guidance from City Staff is necessary for the next steps. For assistance, contact the Building Department at 626-242-1666 during business hours, Monday-Thursday from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm, or email at [email protected].
Does South El Monte require coastal development permits?
No, South El Monte does not require coastal development permits.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in South El Monte?
In South El Monte, the requirement for a licensed professional to design an ADU is determined by the project's level of complexity.
How Much Value Does a Mother-in-Law Suite Add to Your Home?
How much does it cost to build an ADU in South El Monte?
Building an ADU in South El Monte typically costs around $380 per square foot, including expenses for permits, architectural design, and engineering services. For example, constructing 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 South El Monte?
Evaluating the financial viability of building an ADU in South El Monte involves comparing construction costs with local real estate market values. For instance, a 900-square-foot ADU could potentially be valued at approximately $450,000. With construction costs estimated at $390,000, this suggests a potential return on investment of 15%.
Additionally, profitability considerations may include potential rental income or the benefits of accommodating family members on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in South El Monte?
California's AB 1033 allows cities to establish guidelines for selling ADUs as condominiums in conjunction with primary dwellings, provided they follow the relevant ADU regulations.
In South El Monte, specific local laws govern the sale of these units. ADUs constructed by recognized nonprofit organizations can be sold, and there is also the option to sell them through a tenancy-in-common agreement or if the city permits the separate sale of both the ADU and the main home as condominiums.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in South El Monte?
No, ADUs in South El Monte are not subject to rent control laws. They are considered new constructions and are not governed by regulations such as AB 1482, which allows landlords to increase rents annually. This exemption primarily applies to buildings that are at least 15 years old.
How do I get money to build an ADU in South El Monte?
Homeowners have the option to explore programs like the Accessory Dwelling Unit Grant Program provided by the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA). Qualified homeowners in South El Monte may receive grants of up to $40,000 to cover pre-development and closing costs, potentially including interest rate reductions. Eligibility is based on income limits set by CalHFA, with households earning below $158,000 in Los Angeles County qualifying.