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ADU Solutions for Aging in Place in Whittier
Remaining in their own homes and familiar neighborhoods provides comfort, independence, and a sense of stability for many seniors in California, making it a preferred alternative to senior living facilities. The challenge is to find a solution that avoids extra monthly expenses, ensures proper care is available, and increases the property’s value. This approach offers a practical way to meet these needs.
Adding an ADU to your family’s property provides a practical solution for creating a safe and tailored living space for seniors. These compact, standalone units can be designed with features that prioritize their comfort and safety. ADUs offer an affordable way for seniors to stay connected to loved ones and maintain ties to their community, while also being versatile enough to serve other functions down the line.
Understanding ADUs and their Benefits for Aging in Place in Whittier
What is an ADU?
An ADU, or Accessory Dwelling Unit, is a small, independent home built on the same property as a larger main house. Often called granny flats, in-law suites, or backyard cottages, ADUs come with all the essentials for living, including a kitchen, bathroom, and living area. They can be added as a separate building, attached to the main house, or created by converting spaces like garages.
Benefits of ADUs for Aging in Place
Affordable Housing Option
ADUs can be a cost-effective alternative to retirement facilities. They allow families to live together on one property, which lowers the cost of owning or renting separate homes.
Customizable for Safety and Comfort
These units can be built with senior-friendly features like no-step entries, wider doorways, grab bars, and floors designed to prevent slipping. This ensures a safe and convenient space for daily living.
Adaptable for Future Uses
ADUs aren’t just for seniors—they can later be used to house caregivers, and other family members, or even rented out to bring in extra income.
Keep Loved Ones Nearby
Relocating far from familiar surroundings can be hard for seniors, as it disrupts their routines and social ties. An ADU provides a way for them to maintain their independence while staying close to family for support and companionship, offering peace of mind for everyone involved.
Not sure which ADU option is right for you or your property?
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How do you improve the property to fit your elderly parent?
Start by assessing how well your parent can live on their own now and consider that their needs may grow in the future. While it can be hard to plan for this, thinking ahead is important.
If they’re still independent but have trouble with stairs, creating a single-level living space could be ideal. This means designing an area where essentials like the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living room are all on the same floor.
Since modifying your main house for this setup can be costly and disruptive, building a separate living space, such as an ADU, is often a better option. An ADU, whether attached or detached, offers your parent their own space while still keeping them close to family.
If you won’t be living in the main house, renting it out to tenants who can assist your parent when needed might be a good idea. While this may mean accepting slightly lower rent, the added support for your parent can be worth the trade-off.
What are the economics of building an ADU for the aging-in-place scenario?
The good thing is that many older couples have already paid off their mortgage. If that’s true for your parents, you could consider getting a HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) to finance the cost of building an ADU. Once the ADU is ready and your parents move into it, you could rent out the main house to help cover the HELOC payments. The important part is making sure the rent from the main house is enough to cover those payments. It might sound tricky, but using an example to calculate the costs can make it clearer.
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 Whittier is $525,852. A loan that has a 6.5% interest rate, requires a monthly payment of $3,324. 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 $720,000 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 Whittier
Where can ADUs be built?
ADUs can be built on properties that are zoned for residential or mixed-use areas
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a single-family zone?
In single-family zones, ADUs can be up to 1,200 square feet in size and as tall as 25 feet.
What is the maximum size and height of an ADU in a multi-family zone?
In multi-family zones, ADUs can be up to 800 square feet and also 25 feet tall.
What is the minimum setback for an ADU?
The minimum setback for an ADU in Whittier is 4 feet.
What are the safety regulations for an ADU?
Sprinklers are not necessary if they wouldn’t be required as part of an addition to the main house or if the main house doesn’t need them. This applies to ADUs in both single-family and multi-family homes.
Is independent access from the main house required?
Yes, the ADU should have its entrance, separate from the main house.
What should be considered when designing an ADU for seniors?
ADUs for seniors may need features like ramps, handrails, or step-free entry. These features might require additional permits.
Can you use a mobile structure as an ADU?
No, mobile structures on temporary supports are not allowed. ADUs should have a permanent foundation and meet California building codes.
How fast can you build an ADU?
The process usually takes 3 to 6 months, depending on permits, design work, and construction conditions.
What are the rules for ADU ownership in Whittier?
Is the property owner required to live in the main house?
The Whittier Municipal Code does not require the property owner to live in the main house.
What are the rental regulations for an ADU?
ADUs can only be rented out for periods of 31 days or more.
What permits are needed for an ADU?
A building permit is needed to start construction, covering plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work. Once your application is complete and the ADU is attached to an existing home, the city will decide within 60 days.
Resources and Where to Start in Whittier
To get started, Whittier residents can reach out to the Whittier City Planning Department for ADU guidelines and zoning details.