abodu
What are the requirements to build ADU in West Hollywood?
Building an ADU in West Hollywood offers the opportunity to expand your living space and support independent living for adult children at a lower cost. To ensure your ADU project is successful, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with local regulations and evaluate the financial aspects of construction in West Hollywood. This guide offers comprehensive details on West Hollywood's ADU regulations and key financial factors, assisting you in efficiently planning and completing your project.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in West Hollywood?
In West Hollywood, you can build one ADU on a lot with an existing or proposed single-family residence, whether it is an attached or detached ADU from the primary building.
How large can an attached ADU be in West Hollywood?
In West Hollywood, an ADU cannot go beyond 50 percent of the floor area of the primary unit. ADUs have a maximum size of 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit, and 1,200 square feet for units with two or more bedrooms.
How large can a detached ADU be in West Hollywood?
In West Hollywood, a detached ADU can be up to 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom, and up to 1,200 square feet for two or more bedrooms.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in West Hollywood?
Yes, in West Hollywood, you can build an ADU that is up to 2 stories high only.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
Yes, the minimum size for an ADU in West Hollywood is 150 square feet.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, existing spaces can be converted to ADUs. West Hollywood may allow additional square footage for a separate entrance or exit.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
For a detached ADU, the maximum height is 18 feet, but it can be extended up to 20 feet if needed to match the roof pitch of the main dwelling unit.
For an ADU attached to the main dwelling, the height cannot be higher than 25 feet or the height restriction of the zone where the main dwelling is located, whichever is less.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does West Hollywood allow for multifamily properties?
West Hollywood allows at least one converted ADU within each existing multifamily dwelling, with a maximum of 25 percent. Additionally, no more than two detached ADUs are allowed.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in West Hollywood?
For a multifamily building in West Hollywood, the attached ADU cannot be larger than 50 percent of the floor area of the primary unit. The maximum size for such an ADU is 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit, and it can go up to 1,200 square feet if the unit has two or more bedrooms.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in West Hollywood?
A detached ADU for a multifamily building can have a maximum size of 850 square feet if it’s a studio or one-bedroom unit. However, if the unit has two or more bedrooms, it can be as large as 1,200 square feet.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
As of now, West Hollywood has not provided clear regulations on stacking detached ADUs on top of each other.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
While West Hollywood allows up to two detached ADUs on a lot with an existing multifamily dwelling, it does not allow the attachment of two ADUs together.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, in a multifamily building, spaces that are currently not being used as living areas can be converted into an ADU.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
Multifamily buildings have the same regulations as single-family houses regarding the maximum height.
What ADU types are allowed to build in West Hollywood?
West Hollywood allows the construction of different types of ADUs, such as:
(A) Detached ADU: A standalone unit that is separate from the main house.
(B) Attached ADU: A newly constructed extension that is directly connected to the primary residence.
(C) Converted ADU: A remodeled non-livable area—like a garage, shed, or storage space—turned into a functional unit with a kitchen or kitchenette and a bathroom.
Transforming existing structures into ADUs provides more flexibility because setback and height rules typically do not apply. These structures can also be expanded for extra space, though updating older buildings may reveal hidden problems that increase expenses.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in West Hollywood?
In West Hollywood, ADUs should be at least 4 feet from the side and rear property lines. However, the city has not specified regulations for corner or through lots.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
The minimum distance an ADU should be from existing structures is 6 feet.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
No, West Hollywood does not require setbacks when converting existing structures into ADUs, and most cities in Los Angeles County likely follow the same rule.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in West Hollywood?
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?
An ADU can have a minimum of one bedroom, but the specific number of bedrooms may vary depending on the size and design of the unit.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
Yes, an ADU in West Hollywood is required to have a full kitchen. This is in contrast to JADUs, which only need to have an efficiency kitchen.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
Yes, ADUs generally do not need to have a new or independent utility connection between the ADU and the utility. However, an exception is made if an ADU is being built along with a new single-family home. In such a case, a separate utility meter may be required.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
The minimum ceiling height for living spaces, including ADUs in the City, is 7 feet according to the California Building Code.
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 Hollywood?
West Hollywood does not require off-street parking for ADUs.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
Parking spaces in West Hollywood can be located in setbacks or existing driveways, typically arranged as tandem parking. Converting garages or carports into living spaces usually doesn’t require adding replacement off-street parking.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in West Hollywood?
Obtaining an ADU permit in West Hollywood typically takes about 3.5 to 4 months. After completing the permit drawings, you or your architect should submit them for a Plan Check. It’s advisable to consult with a city planner beforehand to review the application.
Once the application is submitted and fees are paid, the city has up to two months to determine if the application is complete. If the city does not respond within this timeframe, the permit is automatically approved. If changes are needed, your designer should revise and resubmit the plans. The application should comply with ADU regulations, but missing details alone won’t result in a denial. The estimated Plan Check fee for ADUs in West Hollywood is $5,061.
Does West Hollywood require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
No, West Hollywood now uses a digital process for submitting ADU plans. The WeHo e-Plan Check Program lets applicants submit their plans online, removing the requirement for physical documents.
Does West Hollywood require coastal development permits?
No, West Hollywood does not require coastal development permits within the city limits.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in West Hollywood?
In West Hollywood, whether you need a licensed professional for ADU design depends on the project's complexity.
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How much does it cost to build an ADU in West Hollywood?
Building an ADU in West Hollywood typically costs around $380 per square foot. This estimate should also include expenses such as permits, architectural design, and engineering services. For instance, the total cost for a 900-square-foot ADU generally comes to about $390,000, covering both direct and incidental costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in West Hollywood?
Assessing the financial feasibility of building an ADU in West Hollywood involves comparing construction costs with local real estate market values. For example, a 900-square-foot ADU might have an estimated market value of approximately $1,620,000. With construction expenses around $390,000, this indicates a potential return on investment of 300%.
Additionally, profitability can be evaluated by considering potential rental income or the advantages of having family members reside on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in West Hollywood?
Under California's AB 1033, local governments can set regulations for selling accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and primary homes as condominiums, provided they adhere to current ADU development guidelines.
In West Hollywood, local regulations govern the sale of ADUs. An ADU can be sold if it was constructed by a certified nonprofit, if there is a recorded tenancy-in-common agreement, or if the city allows the independent sale of both the ADU and the main residence as separate condominiums.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in West Hollywood?
No, in West Hollywood, ADUs are not subject to rent control laws. This is because they are considered new constructions, and regulations such as AB 1482, which allows landlords to raise rents annually, do not apply to them. However, this exemption is only valid for structures that are at least 15 years old.
How do I get money to build an ADU in West Hollywood?
The WeHo ADU Pilot Program assists single and multifamily property owners in creating affordable rental units. It offers financial support, design advice, permitting, and construction help for new ADUs.
Single-family homeowners should have lived in their property as their primary residence for at least a year, while this requirement doesn’t apply to multifamily applicants. The ADU should be rented to a Section 8 voucher holder for a minimum of seven consecutive years.
The program provides loans up to $150,000, covering pre-development costs like site analysis and project design, as well as permitting and construction expenses. However, it does not fund renovations or upgrades to the main house or other structures.
Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.
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