By now, I think we have all seen the State Farm television commercial where Cheryl is lamenting to her agent that her “she shed” has been burned down.
While it’s unclear what exactly happened to that adorable little structure in their backyard, the fact is, many people are turning to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) to provide them with additional space from their main residence.
I wanted to take a moment to discuss how ADUs might be a benefit to your situation. There are some details that need to be addressed in order to have a legal ADU on your property, so here we will take a look at the requirements and more.
Accessory Dwelling Units can be built on residential or agriculturally-zoned property that you own. These are much more involved than purchasing a shed for your backyard and hanging up curtains; in fact, ADUs must have a full kitchen and bathroom.
But this is great because they can become an income-producing rental asset on your property should you wish to use it that way. Of note, ADUs cannot be sold separately from the primary, single-family residence.
There is a formal process in place for establishing an ADU on your property. You will need to submit a site plan application to the Department of Regional Planning with the following documentation:
- Copies of Building Description Blank/Slip from LA County Assessor’s office
- Copies of building permits from LA County Building & Safety office
Additionally, there are standards in place for the development of an ADU as well. This includes size, height, yard setbacks, parking and more.
The best course of action is to visit LA County’s Planning website and download a copy of the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Ordinance. It’s a two-page document that outlines some excellent information and covers some frequently asked questions about ADUs.
The City of Pasadena also has put together a wonderful brochure that can be accessed online with more information about ADUs in our city specifically. You can find it here.
If you are considering building an ADU on your property and would like to discuss the process in more detail, I would love to speak with you. I am a local real estate agent with years of experience and numerous area contacts, so I’m confident I can be of assistance with your project.