California ADU and Garage Conversion Builders
Located in Beverly Hills, CA, we are expert California garage conversion builders specialized in the ADU (accessory dwelling units) permitting process for Ventura County, Orange County, and Los Angeles. New California ADU laws opened a flood gate of adu garage conversion permit applications, and each county responded a little differently.
We know that it has been hard for California homeowners to follow each municipal guidance change, so we did it for you. The permitting process is sketched to the back of our hand. If you have a garage conversion permit question we can’t answer, our close contacts at city councils can get that answer in no time.
The great news is that if you decide to use our garage conversion builders, we manage the entire permit application process for you! That way, our designers can help you focus on maximizing your garage space for a comfortable and stunning dwelling place.
Ventura County ADU and Garage Conversion Considerations
According to state law, most counties – with few exceptions – are required to allow ADU and garage conversion builders to make at least on ADU project on a single-family or multifamily lot. Ventura County is one of them. State lawmakers also made the total number of ADUs permitted on a single lot open-ended. After consideration, Ventura County decided to limit one ADU to each household.
Municipal officials also have the discretion to approve ADUs for vacation rentals. Ventura County requires that you sign an affidavit stating that you will rent the garage conversion for no less than 30 days at a time.
Check out the Ventura County ADU Ordinances for a comprehensive list of garage conversion requirements.
Los Angeles ADU and Garage Conversion Considerations
Los Angeles County allows 1 ADU and 1 Junior ADU per single family residence, but it does allow 2 detached ADUs for multifamily zone residencies.
The permissions for using ADUs for a vacation rental unit is a little more complex. Los Angeles requires that ADUs be rented for a minimum of 30 consecutive days, but they have different rules for Airbnbs. Essentially, in order to get approval for Airbnb listings, you need to demonstrate that the listing is your primary residence. We recommend that you check out our article on making passive income with rental property for a full list of requirements and exceptions.
Check out the Los Angeles County ADU Ordinances for a comprehensive list of garage conversion requirements.
Orange County Considerations
In addition to accessory dwelling units permitted within converted portions of the existing multifamily residential structures, a maximum of two (2) detached accessory dwelling units may be constructed. The ordinance does not specify if a junior accessory dwelling unit is permitted on multifamily structures.
Orange County also requires that garage conversion adus have a minimum tenant occupancy of 30 days.
Check out the Orange County ADU Ordinances for a comprehensive list of garage conversion requirements.
General California State ADU Requirements
Source: Senate Bill 13, Assembly Bill 68, Assembly Bill 670, Assembly Bill 881
Separate Entrance: An ADU must have its own separate entrance.
Kitchen: An ADU must have an efficiency kitchen which includes a sink, cooking appliance, counter surface, and storage cabinets.
Bathroom: An ADU must include the minimum of a 3/4 bath.
Fire Sprinklers: ADUs are to be considered part of the single-family residence for the purposes of fire and life protection ordinances and regulations, such as sprinklers and smoke alarms. ADUs shall not be required to provide fire sprinklers if they were not a requirement for the primary residence.
City Approval and Hearings: Cities are required to approve an ADU within 60 days, without a hearing or discretionary review.
Homeowner Occupancy: Cities cannot require owner occupancy until 2025.
Minimum Size: An ADU must have a minimum living area of 150 square feet.
ADU Size Single Family: A city is required to approve any attached or detached ADU under 1200 square feet unless the city adopts a new ADU ordinance setting local government standards for a single-family zoned lot. If a city adopts such an ordinance it must follow two restrictions: One, no maximum unit size limit under 850 square feet (or 1000 square feet for a two-bedroom ADU). Two, a floor area ratio must allow development of at least one 800 square feet attached or detached ADU on every lot.
Conversion Size: A conversion ADU may be up to 1200 SF regardless of the size of the parcel or home.
Conversion Additional Square Footage: A Conversion ADU may be expanded up to 150 square feet, not to exceed 1200 square feet total, except as may be necessary to accommodate ingress and egress to the ADU.
Conversion of a Structure: A conversion ADU can be created from a legal structure built at any time (i.e. garage, accessory structure, storage room) and has setbacks sufficient for fire safety based on local ordinance.
Junior ADU Limits: JADUs are limited to no more than 500 square feet in size and must be: Attached to a single family home, exterior entrance is separate from the primary residence, include a kitchenette with counter space, cabinets, and appliances and interior access to a bathroom.
Junior ADU Connections to Primary Residence: Allowing interior connection between ADU and primary unit is allowed, i.e. laundry room.
New Home and ADU Construction: An ADU can be developed at the same time as a primary unit, under most of the same rules.
Single Story Height Limit and Property Line Set Backs: The height limit for a single story ADU is 16 feet with a side and rear set back of 4 feet.
Second Story Height Limit and Set Backs: The height limit and set back requirements for a two story ADU is dependent on local ordinance.
Lot Requirements and Coverage: There are no minimum lot size requirements.
Development and Impact Fees: ADUs that are 750 square feet and smaller are not subject to impact fees (schools, parks, water). Fees for ADUs over 750 square feet are limited and determined based on the primary dwelling square footage.
Homeowners Associations: An HOA must allow the construction of ADUs.
Utility Fee Requirements for Conversions: Where ADUs are being created within an existing structure (primary or accessory), new or separate utility connections and fees (connection and capacity) are not required.
Parking: There are no parking requirements for an ADU created through the conversion of existing space or located within a half-mile walking distance of a bus stop or transit station.
Multi-Family and Mixed-use Zoned Properties: Up to 2 new construction ADUs (either attached or detached) is permitted, and up to the number that equals 25% of the existing dwelling units may be added by converting non-livable space within existing multi-family buildings with a 4-foot set and rear setback and 16-foor maximum height
Persons with Disabilities: Local governments must provide exception to zoning and land use regulations which includes an ADU ordinance for people with disabilities. Potential exceptions are not limited and may include development standards such as setbacks and parking requirements and permitted uses that further the housing opportunities of individuals with disabilities.
Sale of an ADU: An ADU cannot be sold separately from the primary residence.
Disclaimer: This list of rules and guidelines are a summary of the key provisions as a result laws Senate Bill 13, Assembly Bill 68, Assembly Bill 670, Assembly Bill 881, and previous ADU legislation.
Accessory Dwelling Unit Benefits
An accessory dwelling unit or ADU can be a secondary housing space on residential lots or a room addition. They can often be referred to as a granny flat. The spaces can come in a garage conversion adu, detached garage, or any other type of adu conversion.
Our ADU contractor specializations are basement conversions, detached ADU garages, attached ADU above garages, converted attics, and garage conversions.
A homeowner wanting a guest house can typically be under the impression that ADUs will only increase their property value. While this is true, there’s also a bigger picture to consider when investing in an ADU – affordable housing! Our ADU Builders can offer the perfect solution for those who can’t afford traditional homes with mortgages and other expenses such as taxes or insurance.
People are always looking for ways to add value and space in their lives. Property owners have the opportunity to do just that by converting an existing garage into a living area or ADU (accessory dwelling unit). Who doesn’t want more room?
Additional Benefits
Converting your garage into a living space is the most common example of an ADU. It is the perfect way to create an office, or gym. Our Garage Conversion Builders allow homeowners to increase their square footage by including any converted garage within the home’s total area (sqf).
The types of ADUs you can create from your converted garage are unlimited, whether turning the basement into another floor level with additional bedrooms or transforming unused attic space into new luxury lofts. Garage conversions provide homeowners with many options when they’re ready to take on this type of project!
info@ucanrinc.com | 310-500-7234
