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What are the requirements to build ADU in Temple City?
Building an ADU in Temple City offers a valuable chance to extend your living space and create rental income. To achieve a successful ADU project, it's important to be familiar with the city's rules and review the financial practicality of constructing an ADU in Temple City. This overview outlines the city's ADU requirements and critical financial factors, helping you to plan and complete your project smoothly.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in Temple City?
In Temple City, you can build only one ADU, either attached or detached from the primary building, on a single-family lot.
How large can an attached ADU be in Temple City?
- Studio ADU: Up to 600 square feet
- One-bedroom ADU: Up to 850 square feet
- More than one-bedroom ADU: Up to 1,000 square feet
An accessory use cannot be larger than 50% of the primary dwelling's size or 800 square feet, whichever is greater.
How large can a detached ADU be in Temple City?
A detached ADU can be the same size as an attached ADU in Temple City.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in Temple City?
No, building a two-story ADU is not allowed in Temple City.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
Yes, the minimum size for an ADU is 220 square feet.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, in Temple City, you can convert an existing space into an ADU.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
A detached ADU on a single-family property is limited to 16 feet in height from the natural grade to the highest roof ridge, with a top plate height of up to 9 feet.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does Temple City allow for multifamily properties?
Multifamily properties can have at least one ADU, with the total allowed being up to 25 percent of the existing multifamily dwelling units. Additionally, up to 2 detached ADUs are allowed.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Temple City?
- Studio ADU: Up to 600 square feet
- One-bedroom ADU: Up to 850 square feet
- More than one-bedroom ADU: Up to 1,000 square feet
An accessory use cannot be larger than 50% of the primary dwelling's size or 800 square feet, whichever is greater.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Temple City?
A detached ADU can be the same size as an attached ADU for a multifamily property in Temple City.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
Temple City does not have specific rules addressing the stacking of detached ADUs.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
No, attaching two ADUs in Temple City is prohibited.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, in Temple City, you can convert an existing space into an ADU within a multifamily property.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
The height restrictions for an ADU on multifamily properties are the same as those for single-family properties.
What ADU types are allowed to build in Temple City?
Temple City permits a variety of ADU types, such as:
(A) Detached ADU: A fully independent structure located separately from the main home.
(B) Attached ADU: A newly built structure physically attached to the main residence.
(C) Converted ADU: A conversion of an existing non-livable area, like a garage, shed, or storage space, into a livable unit with a kitchen or kitchenette and a bathroom.
Reusing existing buildings for ADUs provides added flexibility, as setback and height restrictions typically do not apply. These structures can also be expanded to increase space. However, renovating older buildings may reveal hidden issues that could raise costs.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Temple City?
The required setbacks for an ADU in Temple City are as follows:
A. For single-family properties, the minimum setbacks are 4 feet for the side, street side, and rear yard.
B. For multifamily properties, the minimum setbacks for the rear and sides are also 4 feet.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
The ADU should be at least 15 feet away from any habitable structure on the same lot, with a clear space to the sky.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
Temple City does not specify any requirements for setbacks when converting existing buildings into ADUs.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Temple City?
Yes, only if there is no place on the property to build a min. 800 sqft ADU. You just need to follow the zoning setbacks.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
In Temple City, ADUs should include a minimum of one bedroom, offering more privacy than studio apartments.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
Yes, the municipal code allows an ADU to include a kitchen.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
No. An ADU does not require independent utility meters; it can share utility connections and meters with the primary dwelling.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
The California Building Code requires that livable areas in ADUs in Temple City have a minimum ceiling height of 7 feet.
Find out the maximum ADU size for your property here
The parking requirements for ADU
What is the parking requirement for an ADU in Temple City?
One open parking space is required for a detached ADU with at least one bedroom. Parking is not required if the ADU is within half a mile of public transit, located in a historic district, part of the primary residence, or an accessory structure, subject to on-street parking permits, or near a car-share vehicle.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
Parking spaces in Temple City may be placed in the side and rear setbacks provided a three-foot landscaped buffer is maintained along the property lines. This space can also be in tandem with an existing driveway. Replacement parking is not needed if a garage or covered structure is demolished for the ADU.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Temple City?
The approval process generally takes between 3.5 and 4 months. After preparing your permit drawings, you or your architect should 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 Temple City is $3,893.
Does Temple City require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
Yes, Temple City requires that your project be approved by the Planning Division and that you have a plan check application filed and paid to the Building Division before submitting plans online for building plan review.
Does Temple City require coastal development permits?
No, Temple City, ADUs are not subject to coastal development permit requirements.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Temple City?
In Temple City, a licensed professional is required for ADU projects that are more complicated.
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How much does it cost to build an ADU in Temple City?
In Temple City, constructing an ADU costs about $380 per square foot. Beyond construction expenses, you should also account for permits, architect fees, and engineering fees. For example, the total cost for a 900-square-foot ADU is approximately $390,000, including both soft and hard costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in Temple City?
The economic feasibility of building an ADU in Temple City depends on construction costs and the local real estate market. A 900-square-foot ADU in this area is valued at approximately $900,000. With a total construction cost of around $390,000, this results in a return on investment of about 130%.
Profitability can also be evaluated by considering potential rental income or the benefits of having family members reside on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in Temple City?
AB 1033 allows California's local governments to create rules for selling ADUs and primary dwellings as condominiums while following current development standards for ADUs.
In Temple City, the sale of an ADU is governed by local laws. An ADU can be sold if constructed by a qualified nonprofit, as long as a tenancy in common agreement is recorded, or if the city allows the ADU and the primary dwellings to be sold separately as condominiums.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in Temple City?
No, ADUs in Temple City are not subject to rent control. Rent control pertains to older buildings, usually those aged at least 15 years. As ADUs are newly constructed, they are exempt from such regulations. Consequently, laws like AB 1482, which deals with rent control, do not apply to ADUs in the city.
How do I get money to build an ADU in Temple City?
Homeowners looking to construct an ADU in Temple City have various funding avenues available. The CalHFA ADU Grant Program offers financial assistance of up to $40,000, with eligibility determined by the homeowner's income, which can reach up to $158,000 for properties where the owner resides. This grant can cover preliminary costs such as site preparation, design, permits, and related expenses. Additionally, homeowners can choose their tenants for the ADU.
Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.
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