Source: ADU HOMES
What are the requirements to build ADU in Whittier?
Constructing an ADU in Whittier presents an excellent opportunity to increase your living space and add value to your property, whether by hosting family members, generating passive income, or boosting resale value. To ensure the success of your ADU project, it is essential to understand the city's regulations and evaluate the financial feasibility of building an ADU in Whittier. This guide offers a comprehensive overview of Whittier's ADU regulations and key financial considerations, helping you plan and execute your project effectively.
ADU regulations for properties with a single-family home
How many ADUs can you build in Whittier?
In Whittier, one ADU is allowed per lot with an existing or proposed single-family residence, whether attached or detached. Additionally, if there's already an ADU on the property, you cannot add any more accessory living spaces.
How large can an attached ADU be in Whittier?
In Whittier, the maximum size for an attached ADU depends on whether it's newly constructed or part of an existing dwelling.
For new construction, it can be up to 850 square feet for an ADU with zero to one bedroom, or 1000 square feet for an ADU with two or more bedrooms.
If there's already a primary single-family dwelling on the property, the maximum size is 50% of the square footage of that existing dwelling.
How large can a detached ADU be in Whittier?
Detached ADUs in Whittier are limited to 1,200 square feet for new constructions, with a maximum of 1,500 square feet on lots larger than 20,000 square feet; however, if the ADU is constructed within an existing accessory structure, it should maintain the same footprint, with allowances for expansion up to 1,200 square feet if the existing structure is smaller, or by 150 square feet if it surpasses 1,200 square feet to accommodate ingress and egress.
Can I build a 2-story ADU in Whittier?
Yes, you can build a 2-story ADU in Whittier if the primary dwelling is also two stories, with a 25-foot height limit.
Is there a minimum size for an ADU?
No, there is no minimum lot size requirement for an ADU within a single-family property in Whittier.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, you can convert an existing single-family dwelling into an ADU if all requirements are met.
What is the maximum height for an ADU?
For a detached ADU on a property with a single-family house, the maximum height is 16 feet. If the property is within half a mile of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor, the height can be up to 18 feet, with an additional 2 feet allowed for roof pitch alignment.
For an ADU attached to the primary dwelling, the maximum height is 25 feet or the height limit of the primary dwelling, whichever is lower.
ADU regulations for properties with a multi-family building
How many ADUs does Whittier allow for multifamily properties?
In Whittier, up to 25 percent of the units in multifamily properties can be converted into interior ADUs, with at least one unit required. Additionally, a maximum of two detached ADUs is allowed.
How large can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Whittier?
Attached ADUs within existing multifamily structures in Whittier should meet a minimum size requirement of 150 square feet.
How large can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Whittier?
For detached ADUs in multifamily buildings in Whittier, both new constructions and conversions entirely within detached accessory structures have a maximum size limit of 800 square feet.
Can I stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
In Whittier, there are no specific regulations addressing whether stacking detached ADUs on top of each other is allowed.
Can I attach two ADUs to each other?
No. In Whittier, although the city allows for the existence of up to two separate ADUs on a property with an existing multifamily dwelling, regulations prohibit attaching them to each other.
Can I convert the existing space to an ADU?
Yes, you can convert existing space to an ADU if it's from an existing accessory structure.
What is the maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multi-family building
For a property with a multifamily building, the maximum height for a detached ADU is 16 feet. This increases to 18 feet if within half a mile of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor, with an additional 2 feet allowed for roof pitch alignment. For a lot with an existing or proposed multistory multifamily dwelling, the height limit is also 18 feet.
For an ADU attached to the primary dwelling, the maximum height is 25 feet or the height limit of the primary dwelling, whichever is lower.
What ADU types are allowed to build in Whittier?
Whittier allows the development of several ADU types, such as:
(A) Detached ADU: A separate building constructed away from the main house.
(B) Attached ADU: A newly built addition that directly connects to the existing home.
(C) Converted ADU: A transformed space—like a garage, shed, or storage room—redesigned into a functional living area with a kitchen or kitchenette and a bathroom.
Adapting existing structures into ADUs provides more design flexibility because setback and height restrictions typically don’t apply. These spaces can also be expanded for additional room, but updating older structures may uncover hidden problems that could increase expenses.
ADU setbacks from the property lines and other buildings
What are the required setbacks for an ADU in Whittier?
In Whittier, an ADU requires a minimum setback of 4 feet from the interior side and rear lot lines. It should also meet the front and street-side yard setbacks. If placed at the front, the ADU should maximize the front setback within these rules.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must have from the existing structures?
The ADU should be at least 10 feet away from the primary dwelling unit. However, this separation requirement doesn't apply to existing structures converted into an ADU.
Are setbacks required when converting existing structures into ADU?
No setbacks are necessary for portions of ADUs created by converting existing living areas.
Can I build an ADU in the front yard of my house in Whittier?
Yes, you can build an ADU in the front yard of your house in Whittier, but only if placing it elsewhere on the property would prevent the construction of at least an 800-square-foot unit. In this case, the ADU should follow all required front and street-side yard setbacks, with the front setback maximized as much as possible. However, priority is given to placing ADUs in the rear of the property if space allows.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have?
In Whittier, an ADU should have at least one bedroom, unlike studio units that may lack a separate sleeping area.
Does an ADU need to have a kitchen?
Yes, an ADU in Whittier typically requires a full kitchen, unlike a JADU’s efficiency kitchen.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
An ADU in Whittier requires a separate utility connection, except when it is built within an existing single-family structure, in which case a separate connection is not required unless a new single-family home is also being constructed.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
The minimum ceiling height for habitable spaces for new residential constructions in Whittier, including ADUs, should comply with the requirement of 7 feet as per 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 Whittier?
In Whittier, an ADU requires one parking space. However, this requirement is waived if the ADU is within half a mile of public transit, in an architecturally or historically significant district, part of an existing or proposed primary residence or accessory building, in an area where on-street parking permits are needed but unavailable to ADU occupants, near a car share vehicle within one block, or if the ADU permit is submitted with a permit for a new single-family or multifamily dwelling on the same lot.
Where can I have a parking space on my property?
The required parking space can be located as tandem parking on an existing driveway, within a setback area, or in locations deemed feasible by the city. If a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished or converted to create the ADU, the off-street parking spaces do not need to be replaced, as long as any existing driveway remains unless blocked by a new habitable structure.
How to get permits for your ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Whittier?
Obtaining an ADU permit in Whittier typically takes around 3.5 to 4 months. Once the design plans are complete, you or your architect should submit them for a Plan Check. It’s advisable to consult a city planner in advance to ensure the application is accurate and complete.
After submission and payment of fees, 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 corrections are needed, the designer should revise and resubmit the plans. The application should follow ADU regulations, but missing details alone won’t lead to rejection. The estimated Plan Check fee for an ADU in Whittier is $4,029.
Does Whittier require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
No, Whittier no longer requires in-person plan submissions for an ADU, as they are now accepting online applications for planning purposes.
Does Whittier require coastal development permits?
No, in Whittier, coastal development permits are not required.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Whittier?
In Whittier, whether a licensed professional is needed for ADU design depends on the complexity of the project.
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How much does it cost to build an ADU in Whittier?
In Whittier, constructing an ADU costs around $380 per square foot. Besides construction costs, you should also budget for permits, architect fees, and engineering fees. For example, the total cost for a 900-square-foot ADU is approximately $390,000, covering both soft and hard costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in Whittier?
The financial viability of building an ADU in Whittier depends on construction costs and the local real estate market. A 900-square-foot ADU in this area is valued at about $540,000. With a total construction cost of around $390,000, this results in a return on investment of approximately 37%.
Profitability can also be assessed by considering potential rental income or the benefits of having family members live on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in Whittier?
In Westlake Village, the local regulations oversee the sale of accessory dwelling units (ADUs), allowing their sale if specific conditions are met. These conditions include being built by an accredited nonprofit organization, having a documented tenancy-in-common agreement, or obtaining city approval for the separate sale of both the ADU and the primary residence as individual condominiums.
This aligns with California's AB 1033, which allows local governments to establish guidelines for selling ADUs and primary homes as condominiums, provided they adhere to current development standards.
Are ADUs rent-controlled in Whittier?
No, ADUs in Whittier are not subject to rent control ordinances. Since ADUs are newly constructed, they are exempt from such regulations, unlike older properties typically aged 15 years or more, which are impacted by rent control. Therefore, legislation like AB 1482, addressing rent control, does not affect ADUs in Whittier.
How do I get money to build an ADU in Whittier?
In Whittier, homeowners have various options to secure funding for constructing an ADU. One avenue is through participation in the CalHFA ADU Grant Program, accessible within the city. This program offers grants of up to $40,000, depending on the homeowner's income, with an income threshold of $158,000 for owner-occupied properties. These funds can cover initial expenses like site preparation, ADU design, permits, and related costs. Additionally, homeowners have the freedom to select tenants for their ADU.
Find out how much value an ADU could add to your property.
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