Cali ADU Design+Build
What are the requirements to build ADU in West Covina?
Creating an ADU in West Covina provides a significant opportunity to enhance your living area and boost property and resale value. To successfully complete your ADU project, it's essential to comprehend the city's regulations and evaluate the financial practicality of building an ADU in West Covina. This comprehensive guide details West Covina's ADU rules and important financial aspects, helping you plan and carry out your project efficiently.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in West Covina?
In West Covina, only one ADU is allowed per single-family lot, whether it is attached or detached from the primary building.
How large can an attached ADU be in West Covina?
An attached ADU can be up to 850 square feet for units with one bedroom or less, or up to 1,000 square feet for units with two or more bedrooms. It can also be up to 50% of the square footage of the existing primary single-family home. Additionally, any residential property is allowed to build an ADU of at least 800 square feet with four-foot side and rear setbacks.
How large can a detached ADU be in West Covina?
A detached ADU in West Covina can be up to 1,200 square feet in size.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in West Covina?
Yes, it's allowed to construct a two-story ADU in West Covina.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
No specific minimum size is required for an ADU in West Covina. However, the Building Code will require a minimum size for each room type to create livable spaces.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, you can convert existing space into an attached ADU in West Covina.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
The maximum height allowed for ADUs on properties with single-family houses is 16 feet, except in cases where the ADU is a conversion of existing second-floor space, an addition on the second story of an existing residence, or within the second floor of a new two-story home.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does West Covina allow for multifamily properties?
Multifamily properties can have up to 25% of the existing units as ADUs, with at least one ADU within non-livable spaces of the existing structure. Additionally, up to two detached ADUs are allowed.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in West Covina?
An attached ADU within a multifamily building in West Covina can range up to 850 square feet for one-bedroom units or less, or 1,000 square feet for units with two or more bedrooms. Alternatively, it can be up to half the square footage of the existing primary single-family home. Moreover, any residential property can construct an ADU of at least 800 square feet with four-foot side and rear setbacks.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in West Covina?
In West Covina, a detached ADU for a multifamily building can reach a maximum size of 1,200 square feet.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
Stacking detached ADUs on top of each other is not subject to specific regulations in West Covina.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
No, attaching two ADUs is prohibited in West Covina.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, conversion of existing space to an ADU is allowed provided it meets all criteria in the municipal code.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
The maximum height for ADUs on properties with multifamily buildings follows the same regulations as for single-family houses.
Find out how many ADUs you're allowed to have on your property.
What ADU types are allowed to build in West Covina?
West Covina permits several types of ADUs, including:
(A) Detached ADU: A fully independent structure that stands apart from the main home.
(B) Attached ADU: A newly built addition that is physically connected to the primary house.
(C) Converted ADU: The modification of a non-livable space, such as a garage, shed, or storage area, into a livable unit that includes a kitchen or kitchenette and a bathroom.
Converting existing structures into ADUs offers more flexibility since setback and height restrictions usually don't apply. These buildings can also be expanded for additional space. However, renovating older structures may uncover unexpected issues that could lead to higher costs.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in West Covina?
ADUs should have a minimum setback of 4 feet from the side and rear lot lines and should comply with front yard setback requirements. Regulations for corner or through lots are not specified.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
A detached ADU in West Covina should be at least 10 feet away from the primary dwelling and all other structures on the property.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
No setbacks are needed for ADUs created by converting existing living areas.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in West Covina?
No, you cannot build an ADU in the front yard of your house in West Covina. Detached ADUs are not allowed in the area between the front property line and the line parallel to, and touching, the back of the primary residence.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
ADUs can have at least one bedroom, in contrast with studio units in West Covina.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
Yes, an ADU in West Covina should have a full kitchen, unlike JADUs, which can have an efficiency kitchen.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
No, an ADU in West Covina doesn't need an independent utility meter.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
The minimum ceiling height requirement for livable spaces, including ADUs, in West Covina, complies with the California Building Code, specifying a minimum 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 West Covina?
In West Covina, ADUs generally require one parking space, except for studios with no bedrooms, which do not need any parking. Exceptions apply if the ADU is near public transit, in a historic district, part of the primary residence, or if no on-street parking permits are available. A car-share vehicle nearby also waives the requirement.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
Parking spaces can be located in setbacks or as tandem parking, and no replacement parking is required if a garage or carport is converted to an ADU.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in West Covina?
The permit approval process usually takes around 3.5 to 4 months. Once the permit drawings are finalized, you or your architect should submit them for a Plan Check. It’s recommended to meet with a city planner ahead of time to review your application.
Once submitted and fees are paid, the city has up to 2 months to confirm whether the application is complete. If there is no response during this period, the permit will be automatically approved. If revisions are required, your designer will need to make the necessary adjustments and resubmit the application. The application should meet ADU regulations, and missing information alone will not lead to a denial. The estimated Plan Check fee for ADUs in West Covina is $2,230.
Does West Covina require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
No, West Covina doesn't require in-person submission of plans for an ADU. Instead, applicants are directed to use the city's One Stop Building Permit Center Portal for online submission of permit applications, plan checks, and supporting documents.
Does West Covina require coastal development permits?
No, in West Covina, coastal development permits are not required within the city limits.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in West Covina?
In West Covina, a licensed professional is required for ADU design if the project is more complex.
How Much Value Does a Mother-in-Law Suite Add to Your Home?
How much does it cost to build an ADU in West Covina?
The expense of constructing an ADU in West Covina is approximately $380 per square foot. Beyond the actual building costs, you must also consider expenses for permits, architectural design, and engineering services. For instance, the total cost for a 900-square-foot ADU is about $390,000, encompassing both soft and hard costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in West Covina?
Evaluating the financial viability of building an ADU in West Covina requires considering both the construction costs and the local real estate market. A 900-square-foot ADU in West Covina is valued at around $450,000. Construction expenses totaling around $390,000 result in an estimated return on investment of 15%.
Profitability can also be assessed by looking at potential rental income or the benefits of having family members live on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in West Covina?
California's AB 1033 allows local authorities to establish rules for selling ADUs and primary residences as condominiums, as long as they comply with existing ADU development regulations.
In West Covina, the sale of an ADU follows local rules, which state that it can be sold if built by an approved nonprofit organization, if there is a recorded tenancy in a common agreement, or if the city allows the separate sale of the ADU and the primary residence as individual condominiums.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in West Covina?
ADUs in West Covina are not governed by rent control ordinances. Generally, rent control applies to buildings that are at least 15 years old. However, since ADUs are newly constructed units, they are exempt from laws like AB 1482, which pertain to rent control.
How do I get money to build an ADU in West Covina?
To fund the construction of an ADU in West Covina, you can consider different avenues like home equity loans, personal savings, second mortgages, or financial support from relatives. Furthermore, you might qualify for a California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) grant, which offers up to $40,000 to cover pre-development costs such as architectural designs, permits, soil tests, and energy reports.