Are you considering building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in California? If so, you will need to obtain a permit from your local municipality. ADUs can provide additional living space for family members or tenants and can be a great way to increase the value of your property.
In this article, we will provide an overview of the ADU permit process in Los Angeles and San Diego counties.
Building Permit Requirements
In California, building permits for ADUs are subject to local zoning laws and building codes. In Los Angeles County, for example, the building permit process requires that plans be reviewed by multiple departments including Planning, Fire Prevention, and Public Works. In addition, properties must meet certain requirements such as having sufficient parking and access for emergency vehicles.
The permit application process can take several months and may require revisions to your plans based on feedback from the review departments. It is important to work closely with an experienced architect or contractor to ensure that your plans meet all necessary building requirements.
San Diego County also has specific guidelines for building permits for ADUs. One notable requirement is that the lot does not have existing guest living quarters, accessory living quarters, or accessory apartment. Additionally, there are limitations on the size and height of the unit (the total floor area cannot exceed 1,200 square feet and is limited to 24’ in height).
The ability to add an ADU to a property is not always cut and dry. If a property is considered "non-conforming," it means that it does not meet the current zoning and land use requirements in the area. In these instances, obtaining a permit for an ADU can be more complicated. However, California has implemented policies such as Senate Bill 1069 to help streamline and simplify the permitting process for non-conforming properties. It's important to keep in mind that even with these policies in place, there may still be additional hurdles to jump through when attempting to obtain a permit for a non-conforming ADU. As always, it's best to consult with local authorities and do thorough research before embarking on your ADU journey.
Fees
The cost of building permits for ADUs can vary depending on the location and scope of the project. In Los Angeles County, building permit fees start at $1,105 for a detached ADU under 500 square feet, with additional fees for larger units or if the ADU is attached to an existing structure. In San Diego County, building permit fees range from $2,482 to $9,096 depending on the size and type of construction.
Overall, it is important to factor in building permit fees when budgeting for your ADU project. Working with an experienced professional can also help streamline the permitting process and ensure that your plans meet all necessary building requirements.
To learn more about building permits for ADUs in California, you can visit the websites for the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety and the San Diego Development Services Department.
Special Types of ADU Permits
California's Coastal Act requires that any new construction within coastal zones, including accessory dwelling units, must first obtain a Geological Hazard Clearance certificate. This is to ensure that the proposed development will not pose a risk to public safety from potential natural hazards such as landslides or flooding. ADU permits in California's coastal zones also require compliance with local zoning and building regulations. Overall, this extra layer of regulation can make obtaining an ADU permit in California's coastal areas more complicated and time-consuming, but ultimately helps protect both property and human life.
In California, obtaining a permit for an ADU often requires navigating utility easements. These are areas where utility companies have the right to access land for maintenance and repairs of their equipment. It's important to confirm with your local government and utility providers that building on or near a utility easement won't interfere with their operations. Failure to do so could result in costly delays or even forced demolition of your newly built ADU. So before starting construction, make sure you check for any potential conflicts with utility easements.
Another important aspect of ADU permits is the Address Assignment Request. In California, all residences must have a unique and official address assigned by the local government. This includes ADUs on a property. Before applying for a building permit, one must first submit an Address Assignment Request to their local government in order to receive an official address for the ADU. Without an official address, the ADU cannot move forward in the permitting process. So don't forget to submit your Address Assignment Request before starting your ADU project.
Both Los Angeles and San Diego counties require electrical permits for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), also known as "granny flats" or secondary units on a property. This means that any electrical work done in the ADU must be approved and inspected by the local government to ensure safety standards are met.
How to Apply for the ADU Permits
The first step is to gather materials and complete a site survey. This includes determining the size and location of the unit on your property.
Next, you'll need to submit floor plans for review and approval by your local building department.
The good news is that California’s Bill 68 states that local governments must review permit applications within 60 days (before the limit was 120 days).
When you partner with Next Generation Builders, we take care of the permits and plans, so you don’t have to worry about this.
Here is how it works:
An Onboarding Customer Service Agent sets you up with a Buildertrend app so you can follow the whole process.
If you need it, we conduct a Boundary Survey.
We create a Sewer Line Report.
We do on-site measurements of the building space.
You meet with our architect to create and approve the designs.
We prepare all the documents and submit them to the city.
You pay the city fees.
If needed, we make any corrections requested by the city.
We receive the clearances and the approval of the plans.
The city issues the permit.
Get in touch with us to discuss all the details and get a free estimate.