Source: abodu
What are the requirements to build ADU in Westlake Village?
Building an ADU in Westlake Village allows you to increase your living space, allowing you to host family members, generate passive income, or enhance your property's resale value. For a successful project, it is vital to understand Westlake Village's local regulations and evaluate the financial aspects of construction carefully. This guide provides comprehensive insights into Westlake Village's ADU regulations and key financial considerations, helping you efficiently plan and execute your project.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in Westlake Village?
In Westlake Village, regulations allow one ADU per lot with a proposed or existing single-family dwelling, regardless of whether it is attached or detached from the primary building.
How large can an attached ADU be in Westlake Village?
In Westlake Village, an attached ADU can have a maximum size of 850 square feet if it has one bedroom, or 1,000 square feet if it has at least two bedrooms. Alternatively, it can be up to 50% of the primary residence's living area, whichever is less.
How large can a detached ADU be in Westlake Village?
In Westlake Village, a detached ADU can be a maximum of 850 square feet if it has one bedroom, or 1,000 square feet if it has at least two bedrooms.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in Westlake Village?
Yes, a 2-story ADU can be built in Westlake Village.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
No, there is no minimum size requirement for an ADU in Westlake Village.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, existing space in a single-family home in Westlake Village can be converted into an ADU.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
The maximum height for an ADU on a property with a single-family house in Westlake Village is 18 feet for a detached ADU within a half-mile walking distance of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor, or 20 feet if necessary to match the roof pitch of the primary dwelling. For an attached ADU, the maximum height is 25 feet or the height limit of the primary dwelling, whichever is less.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does Westlake Village allow for multifamily properties?
In Westlake Village, multifamily properties can have one converted ADU within non-livable areas of existing multifamily structures, up to 25% of the total units. Additionally, up to two detached ADUs are allowed.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Westlake Village?
In Westlake Village, an attached ADU in a multifamily building can be up to 850 square feet if it has one bedroom or 1,000 square feet if it has at least two bedrooms. Alternatively, it can be up to 50% of the primary residence's living area, whichever is less.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Westlake Village?
In Westlake Village, a detached ADU for a multifamily building can be a maximum of 850 square feet if it has one bedroom, or 1,000 square feet if it has at least two bedrooms.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
Westlake Village currently does not have guidelines on stacking detached ADUs on top of each other.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
No, in Westlake Village, two ADUs cannot be attached. Each ADU should be attached to the primary building.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, existing space in a multifamily building in Westlake Village can be converted into an ADU.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
For an ADU on a property with a multifamily building in Westlake Village, the maximum height is 18 feet for a detached ADU within a half-mile of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor, or 20 feet if needed to match the primary dwelling's roof pitch. For a detached ADU on a lot with an existing or proposed multi-story multifamily dwelling, the maximum height is also 18 feet.
For an attached ADU, the maximum height is 25 feet or the height limit of the primary dwelling, whichever is less.
What ADU types are allowed to build in Westlake Village?
Westlake Village permits various types of ADUs, including:
(A) Detached ADU: An independent structure built separately from the main residence.
(B) Attached ADU: A newly added structure that is physically connected to the main home.
(C) Converted ADU: A renovated non-livable space—such as a garage, shed, or storage area—converted into a livable unit with a kitchen or kitchenette and a bathroom.
Repurposing existing structures into ADUs offers greater flexibility since setback and height limitations typically don’t apply. These structures can also be expanded to create more space, though 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 Westlake Village?
In Westlake Village, new ADUs should have a minimum setback of 4 feet from the rear property line and 4 feet from the side yard property line. However, regulations for corner or through lots have not been specified.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
A detached ADU should be at least 10 feet away from any other building on the property and at least 8 feet away from the eave of the ADU to the eave of any adjacent structure on the same property.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
No, setbacks are not required when converting existing structures into ADUs in Westlake Village.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Westlake Village?
Yes, but only when the property lacks enough space elsewhere to accommodate an ADU of at least 800 square feet. In this case, the ADU should still comply with the required zoning setbacks.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
An ADU in Westlake Village should have at least one bedroom if it's not designed as a studio unit.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
In Westlake Village, ADUs are required to have full kitchens, unlike the simpler efficiency kitchens typically found in JADUs.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
Property owners in Westlake Village should ensure a new or independent utility connection between the ADU and the utility.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
In Westlake Village, the minimum ceiling height required for habitable spaces, including ADUs, is 7 feet as required by 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 Westlake Village?
An ADU in Westlake Village needs one off-street parking space if it has at least one bedroom. Exceptions apply if the ADU is near public transit, in a historic district, part of the main home or an accessory structure, in an area without on-street parking permits, or within one block of a designated car-share space.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
Parking space can be positioned as tandem parking on an existing driveway.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Westlake Village?
Securing an ADU permit in Westlake Village usually takes between 3.5 and 4 months. After finalizing the design plans, you or your architect should submit them for a Plan Check. Meeting with a city planner beforehand is recommended to ensure the application is properly prepared.
Once submitted and fees are paid, the city has up to two months to verify if the application is complete. If there’s no response within that period, the permit is automatically granted. Should revisions be necessary, the designer should update and resubmit the plans. While the application should meet ADU requirements, incomplete information alone won’t cause a denial. The Plan Check fee for an ADU in West Hollywood is approximately $5,529.
Does Westlake Village require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
In Westlake Village, there's no need for in-person submission of ADU plans. The city shifted its plan check software from BSOP to EPIC-LA.
Does Westlake Village require coastal development permits?
No, Westlake Village does not require coastal development permits.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Westlake Village?
In Westlake Village, the requirement for a licensed professional to design an ADU is based on how complex the project is.
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How much does it cost to build an ADU in Westlake Village?
Constructing an ADU in Westlake Village typically costs around $380 per square foot, including expenses for permits, architectural design, and engineering services. For instance, building a 900-square-foot ADU would generally cost about $390,000, which covers both soft and hard costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in Westlake Village?
To determine the financial viability of building an ADU in Westlake Village, it's important to compare construction costs with local real estate market values. For example, a 900-square-foot ADU might be valued at around $400,000. Given the construction cost of $390,000, this indicates a potential return on investment of approximately 80%.
Additionally, profitability considerations may include potential rental income or the benefits of accommodating family members on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in Westlake Village?
California's AB 1033 permits local jurisdictions to establish rules for selling ADUs and primary residences as condominiums, as long as they comply with existing ADU development standards.
In Westlake Village, the local rules dictate the sale of ADUs. An ADU is eligible for sale if built by an accredited nonprofit organization, if there is a documented tenancy-in-common agreement, or if the city permits the separate sale of both the ADU and the primary home as individual condominiums.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in Westlake Village?
No, in Westlake Village, ADUs are not under rent control laws. Being new constructions, they are exempt from regulations like AB 1482, which allows landlords to annually increase rents, typically applying to buildings aged at least 15 years.
How do I get money to build an ADU in Westlake Village?
In Westlake Village, homeowners can explore the CalHFA's ADU grant program, overseen by the California Community Economic Development Association (CCEDA), to secure funding for constructing an ADU. This program offers grants of $40,000 to eligible homeowners to cover pre-construction expenses associated with ADU construction. Notably, 54% of these grants are designated for low-income households, aiming to enhance affordability.
Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.
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