Source: Cali ADU Design+Build
What are the requirements to build ADU in South Gate?
Building an ADU in South Gate offers a great chance to expand your living space and enhance property value and resale potential. To ensure your ADU project is successful, it is crucial to understand the city's regulations and assess the financial feasibility of constructing an ADU in South Gate. This guide provides an in-depth overview of South Gate's ADU regulations and important financial considerations, assisting you in planning and executing your project efficiently.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in South Gate?
In South Gate, one ADU is allowed on lots with an existing or proposed single-family dwelling, whether it is attached or detached from the primary building.
How large can an attached ADU be in South Gate?
Attached ADUs cannot be larger than 50 percent of the existing primary dwelling, with size limits set at 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit, or 1000 square feet for units with more than one bedroom, whichever is less. However, a minimum of 800 square feet is allowed for ADU construction.
How large can a detached ADU be in South Gate?
Detached ADUs cannot be larger than 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit, or 1000 square feet for a unit with more than one bedroom.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in South Gate?
It's possible to build a 2-story ADU in South Gate, but whether you can do so depends on its height relative to the primary dwelling, especially for attached ADUs.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
No, in South Gate, there is no minimum lot size requirement for an ADU.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, existing space within single-family dwellings in South Gate can be converted into an ADU if it can be made habitable according to local building codes.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
For properties with a single-family house in South Gate, detached ADUs have a maximum height of 16 feet, measured from the finished grade to the peak of the roof, while attached ADUs should match the height of the primary dwelling's roofline.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does South Gate allow for multifamily properties?
South Gate allows a minimum of one ADU within an existing multifamily structure, with a limit of up to 25% of the total units. Additionally, you can have no more than two detached ADUs.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in South Gate?
In South Gate, attached ADUs for multifamily buildings are limited to 50 percent of the existing primary dwelling, with size restrictions of either 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit, or 1000 square feet for units with more than one bedroom, whichever is less. However, a minimum of 800 square feet is allowed for ADU construction despite these limits.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in South Gate?
Detached ADUs for multifamily buildings are limited to 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit or 1000 square feet for a unit with more than one bedroom.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
No, stacking detached ADUs vertically on top of each other is generally not allowed in South Gate. Alternatively, an exception exists for placing an ADU above a detached garage, but only if it would not surpass the roofline of the primary dwelling, measured from the finished grade to the peak of the roof.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
No, attaching two ADUs to each other is not allowed in South Gate.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, existing space within multi-family dwellings in South Gate can be converted into an ADU if it can be made habitable according to local building codes.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
On a property with a multifamily building in South Gate, the maximum height for ADUs remains consistent with that of single-family properties: detached ADUs are limited to a height of 16 feet from the finished grade to the roof's peak, while attached ADUs should align with the height of the primary dwelling's roofline.
What ADU types are allowed to build in South Gate?
South Gate permits various types of ADUs, such as:
(A) Detached ADU: A fully independent structure built separately from the main house.
(B) Attached ADU: A new structure that is physically joined to the primary home. (C) Converted ADU: A conversion of a non-livable space, like a garage, shed, or storage area, into a livable unit with a kitchen or kitchenette and a bathroom.
Repurposing existing structures for ADUs provides more flexibility, as height and setback restrictions typically do not apply. These structures can also be expanded for additional space. However, renovating older buildings may expose hidden problems that could result in higher costs.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in South Gate?
ADUs are required to comply with the front yard setbacks of the property's zoning designation and have a minimum setback of 4 feet for both rear and side yards, with no specific regulations for corner or through lots.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
In South Gate, the minimum distance an ADU should maintain from existing structures is 6 feet.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
No setbacks are required when converting existing structures into ADUs in South Gate.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in South Gate?
No, you cannot build an ADU in the front yard of your house in South Gate, as detached ADUs are not allowed in front of the main building or directly between the main building and the street.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
ADUs in South Gate can have a minimum of one bedroom, setting them apart from studio units that might not feature a separate sleeping area.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
Yes, in South Gate, an ADU typically requires a full kitchen.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
Yes, an ADU requires independent utility meters, including separate water, sewer, and electrical connections, if requested by the utility servicing the primary dwelling.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
The minimum ceiling height for accessory dwelling units is up to 8 feet, measured from the finished floor to the ceiling within the habitable space.
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 Gate?
No parking is required for ADUs. However, tandem garage parking is allowed in NL or NM zones to fulfill a required three-car garage for a single residential unit, with a minimum of 2 parking spaces side-by-side at the garage entrance, and a minimum dimension of 9 feet by 20 feet provided behind.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
While not explicitly stated in South Gate, it's common practice in most cities in Los Angeles County to allow parking in setbacks or the existing driveway as tandem parking if needed. Also, converting garages or carports typically doesn't necessitate the replacement of off-street parking.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in South Gate?
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 Gate is $1,601.
Does South Gate require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
No, South Gate does not require in-person submission of plans for an ADU. The Planning Division only accepts digital applications sent via email to [email protected] for residential project proposals.
Does South Gate require coastal development permits?
No, in South Gate, coastal development permits are not necessary.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in South Gate?
In South Gate, whether you need a licensed professional for ADU design depends on how complex the project is.
How Much Value Does a Mother-in-Law Suite Add to Your Home?
How much does it cost to build an ADU in South Gate?
In South Gate, the expense of constructing an ADU is roughly $380 per square foot. Beyond construction costs, you should also account for permits, architect fees, and engineering fees. For example, the total cost for a 900-square-foot ADU is around $390,000, including both soft and hard costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in South Gate?
The financial viability of building an ADU in South Gate relies on construction costs and the local real estate market. A 900-square-foot ADU in this area is valued at approximately $440,000. With a total construction cost of around $390,000, this results in a return on investment of about 13%.
Profitability can also be evaluated by considering potential rental income or the advantages of having family members live on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in South Gate?
California's AB 1033 allows municipalities to create regulations for selling ADUs as condominiums along with primary residences, as long as they comply with applicable ADU rules.
In South El Monte, local regulations dictate the sale of these units. ADUs built by approved nonprofit organizations are eligible for sale, and they can also be sold via a tenancy-in-common arrangement or if the city allows the independent sale of both the ADU and the primary residence as condominiums.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in South Gate?
No, ADUs in South Gate are not bound by rent control ordinances. Rent control typically impacts older properties, those aged 15 years or more. Since ADUs are newly constructed, they are exempt from such regulations. Therefore, legislation like AB 1482, which addresses rent control, does not impact ADUs in South Gate.
How do I get money to build an ADU in South Gate?
Homeowners in South Gate have several avenues to obtain funding for building an ADU. One option is to participate in the CalHFA ADU Grant Program, available within the city. This program provides grants of up to $40,000, depending on the homeowner's income, with a maximum income threshold of $158,000 for owner-occupied properties. These funds can cover various initial expenses such as site preparation, ADU design, permits, and related costs. Furthermore, homeowners retain the flexibility to choose tenants for their ADU.
Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.
Related Articles
ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in South Gate
All You Need to Know About Building on Properties in South Gate Under SB-9
Everything You Need to Know About SB-684 Development in South Gate
How to get your permits fast or the benefits of using SB-423 in South Gate