CityStructure - Feasibility Study simplified

What are the requirements to build ADU in Elk Grove?

Building an ADU in Elk Grove allows you to expand your living space, making it possible to host family members, earn passive income, or sell your property at a higher price. To ensure the project's success, it's crucial to understand Elk Grove's local regulations and thoroughly evaluate the financial aspects of construction. This guide provides comprehensive insights into Elk Grove's ADU regulations and critical financial considerations, helping you effectively plan and execute your project.

Number of ADUs on a property

How many ADUs can you build in Elk Grove?

In Elk Grove, you can build 1 ADU within the proposed space or existing space of a single-family dwelling or accessory structure.

How many ADUs does Elk Grove allow for multifamily properties?

In Elk Grove, multifamily properties can have up to 1 ADU and up to 25% of the total existing multifamily units as ADUs within the development. Additionally, a maximum of 2 detached ADUs are allowed.

Setbacks for an ADU

What are the setbacks required for an ADU in Elk Grove?

ADUs should maintain a minimum of 4 feet for interior side and rear yard setbacks, while front and street side setbacks should comply with the regulations of the underlying zoning district.

What is the minimum distance the ADU must be from existing structures?

Elk Grove does not specify the minimum distance required between ADUs and existing structures, but typically, ADUs should maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from these structures.

Are setbacks required if converting existing structures into ADU?

No, setbacks are not required when converting existing structures into ADUs in Elk Grove.

Find out FREE if the zoning designation for your property allows you to build an ADU

The size of ADU for properties with a single-family home

How big can an attached ADU be in Elk Grove?

Attached ADUs in Elk Grove can be up to 50% of the total floor area of the primary dwelling unit. However, studio and one-bedroom units can be up to 850 square feet, while units with more than one bedroom can be up to 1,000 square feet.

How big can a detached ADU be in Elk Grove?

Detached accessory dwelling units in Elk Grove cannot surpass 1,200 square feet in size.

Is there a minimum size of an ADU?

Yes, the minimum size for an ADU in Elk Grove is 150 square feet.

Can you convert existing space to an ADU?

Yes, you can convert existing space into an ADU in a single-family home in Elk Grove.

The size of ADU for properties with a multi-family home

How big can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Elk Grove?

Attached ADUs in multifamily buildings in Elk Grove can occupy up to 50% of the total floor area of the primary dwelling unit. Studio and one-bedroom units can be up to 850 square feet, while units with more than one bedroom can be up to 1,000 square feet.

How big can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Elk Grove?

Detached accessory dwelling units in Elk Grove are limited to a maximum size of 1,200 square feet.

Can you stack detached ADUs on top of each other?

Currently, Elk Grove does not provide specific guidelines regarding the stacking of detached ADUs on top of each other.

Can you attach two ADUs to each other?

No, Elk Grove does not allow the attachment of two ADUs together. While regulations allow up to two ADUs on a property with an existing multifamily building, they should remain detached structures.

Can you convert existing space to an ADU?

Yes, it is allowed to convert existing space into an ADU in multifamily properties in Elk Grove.

The height for ADU

What is the max height for an ADU on a property with a single family house?

Attached ADUs cannot be higher than the primary dwelling unit within the building envelope. Detached ADUs or parts thereof should not surpass 16 feet. In agricultural and agricultural-residential zoning districts, detached structures can reach up to 30 feet in height.

What is the max height for an ADU on a property with a multifamily building?

Similar to single-family properties, attached ADUs on multifamily buildings cannot surpass the height of the primary dwelling unit within the building envelope. Detached ADUs or portions thereof should not go beyond 16 feet in height. In agricultural and agricultural-residential zoning districts, detached structures can reach heights of up to 30 feet.

Can you build a 2-story ADU in Elk Grove?

Yes, you can build a two-story ADU in Elk Grove.

The parking requirements for ADU

What is the parking requirement for an ADU in Elk Grove?

Parking requirements for ADUs in Elk Grove typically involve needing one additional off-street parking space per bedroom in the ADU. However, exemptions apply if the ADU meets specific criteria: it is within a half-mile of public transit, located in a historic district, part of an existing residence or structure, or if on-street parking permits are required but unavailable to the ADU occupant. Additionally, parking requirements may be waived if a car share vehicle is located within one block of the ADU.

Where can a parking space be located?

Parking for an ADU can be arranged as tandem parking on an existing driveway. Additionally, off-street parking is allowed within setback areas.

Design requirements for ADU

How many bedrooms can an ADU have in Elk Grove?

In Elk Grove, ADUs can have a minimum of one bedroom as they are not only limited to studio units.

Does an ADU need a kitchen in Elk Grove?

Yes, an ADU in Elk Grove should have a full kitchen, not just an efficiency kitchen like a JADU.

Does an ADU require independent utility meters?

No, ADUs in Elk Grove do not need to have independent utility meters.

What is the minimum ceiling height?

ADUs in Elk Grove are designed to have ceilings that are at least 7 feet high, in line with state regulations.

Get the size of the ADU possible to build on your property after applying all these regulations

Permits for ADU

How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Elk Grove?

In Elk Grove, cities are required by state regulations to process ADU permit applications within approximately 2 months, which includes issuing building permits and conducting plan reviews.

When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Elk Grove?

It is advisable to involve a licensed professional, such as an architect or engineer, for designing an ADU in Elk Grove, especially for unconventional building techniques.

Does Elk Grove require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?

No, Elk Grove does not require ADU plans to be submitted in person; instead, planning applications can be done electronically.

Does Elk Grove require coastal development permits?

No, Elk Grove does not require coastal development permits.

Economics of ADU

How much does it cost to build an ADU in Elk Grove?

Constructing an ADU in Elk Grove typically costs about $380 per square foot, which includes expenses like permits, architectural design, and engineering services. For example, a 900-square-foot ADU would cost around $390,000, covering both soft and hard costs.

Is it profitable to build an ADU in Elk Grove?

Assessing the financial feasibility of constructing an ADU in Elk Grove involves comparing construction costs with local real estate market values. For instance, a 900-square-foot ADU might be valued at around $500,000. With construction costs at $390,000, this indicates a potential return on investment of about 28%.

Additional factors influencing profitability may include potential rental income or the benefits of housing family members on the same property.

Can you sell an ADU in Elk Grove?

Yes, in Elk Grove, state laws such as AB 1033 may permit the sale of an ADU. This legislation allows for potential sales or conversions into condominiums, which may involve establishing a Homeowner Association (HOA) for governance and upkeep.

Are ADUs rent controlled in Elk Grove?

ADUs in Elk Grove are not governed by rent control rules, allowing owners to adjust rents annually as per laws such as AB 1482, which usually apply to buildings aged 15 years or older.

How to get money to build an ADU in Elk Grove?

You can explore financing options, such as the CalHFA's ADU Grant Program, to secure funds for building an ADU in Elk Grove. These grants, which can go up to $40,000, cover expenses like architectural plans, permits, and site preparation, aimed at promoting ADU development as affordable housing in the city.

Get a cost estimate for your ADU