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ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Torrance

How seniors in California can stay in the homes and communities they love while maintaining comfort and independence is an important consideration. The challenge lies in finding an affordable way to achieve this, ensuring they receive the necessary support, and potentially increasing the property’s value. This article presents a clear and practical solution to these issues.

Building a small home on your property is a smart way to offer a comfortable and secure place for seniors. These homes can be designed with safety in mind, making them ideal for older family members. They're affordable, durable, and provide a flexible living option that can be modified as needs evolve.

Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in Torrance

What is an ADU?

An ADU, or Accessory Dwelling Unit, is a small home located on the same lot as the main house. Often referred to as granny flats or backyard cottages, these units come with their own kitchen, bathroom, and living area. They can be separate buildings, attached to the main house, or created by converting part of the existing home.

Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place

(1) Close Proximity to Family
ADUs let seniors enjoy their independence while staying close to family, which makes it easier for loved ones to provide support and helps seniors stay in a familiar environment.

(2) More Affordable Than Assisted Living
Building an ADU can be cheaper than moving to an assisted living facility. It also avoids the ongoing cost of buying or renting a separate home, offering long-term savings.

(3) Designed for Safety and Ease
ADUs can be built with features like ramps, wide doors, and slip-resistant floors to make them safer and easier for seniors to move around in, ensuring they feel both comfortable and secure.

(4) Flexible for Changing Needs
ADUs are versatile and can serve different purposes over time, such as housing caregivers or family members, or being rented out to earn extra income. This makes them a valuable investment for the future.

Not sure which ADU option is right for you or your property?

Cali ADU Design + Build

How do you improve the property to fit your elderly parent?

Isolation can have a significant impact on older adults, affecting both their mental and physical health. Creating a living space that meets your parent’s needs while encouraging social interaction can help address this issue.

An ADU, a separate living unit on the same property, offers your parents privacy while keeping them close for regular family visits. To promote connection, include spaces like a cozy living room or dining area where family can gather. Outdoor features, such as a garden or porch, can also provide opportunities for fresh air and socializing with neighbors.

Mobility challenges can make it harder for your parent to stay socially connected, so it’s important to add features like ramps, good lighting, and easily accessible seating to make movement easier.

With the ADU nearby, your parent can maintain independence while staying connected to family, reducing the risk of loneliness. This thoughtful design can enhance their overall quality of life.

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 Torrance is $519,408. A loan that has a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $3,283. 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 Torrance

Where can ADUs be built?

ADUs can be added to properties designated for single-family or multi-family housing.

What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a single-family zone?

In areas for single-family homes, an ADU can be as large as 1,000 square feet and 25 feet tall.

What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a multi-family zone?

In multi-family areas, an ADU can also be up to 1,000 square feet but can only be 16 feet tall.

What is the minimum setback for an ADU?

The minimum setback for an ADU in Torrance is 4 feet.

What are the safety regulations for an ADU?

In most cases, if the main house has fire sprinklers, the ADU will need them too, though Torrance doesn’t specify this.

Is independent access from the main house required?

Although not specifically stated in Torrance’s rules, it’s common for an ADU to have a separate entrance from the main house.

What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?

For seniors, it’s important to include easy-access features like ramps, wider doors, and handrails. These adjustments may require special permits.

Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?

No, mobile homes can’t be used as ADUs because they need to be on permanent foundations and meet California’s building standards.

How fast can you build an ADU?

Building an ADU usually takes 3 to 6 months, depending on factors like permits, design, and construction.

What are the rules for ADU ownership in Torrance?

Is the property owner required to live in the main house?

The property owner should live on the property when applying for a permit to build an ADU on a lot that already has a main house.

What are the rental regulations for an ADU?

An ADU cannot be rented out for short-term stays or less than 30 days.

What permits are needed for an ADU?

Before beginning construction, you will need a permit that covers the building and any necessary plumbing, electrical, or mechanical work. If the application is complete and the ADU is part of an existing single-family or multi-family property, the city will approve or deny it within 60 days.

Resources and Where to Start in Torrance

To get started, Torrance residents can reach out to the Torrance City Planning Department for ADU guidelines and zoning details.

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