An accessory dwelling unit, often known as an ADU, is a secondary housing unit on a single-family lot. The word “accessory dwelling unit” has a clinical sound to it, but it’s the most frequent phrase in the United States to identify this type of tiny house without wheels.
An attached ADU is connected to the main house, or it can be a detached ADU structure, like a small cottage. It may be used as living space for a relative, such as an aging parent, or it could provide rental income. The regulations for ADUs vary from state to state. In California, the process of finalizing regulations for ADUs including the need for a limited building permit is well settled, and both CA state and local laws make adding an accessory dwelling unit an simple reality for many homeowners.
The current rules for construction and use of ADUs in California are available on the website of the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). According to these regulations, an ADU must be constructed on a single-family lot and must comply with all applicable local zoning requirements
There are a few reasons people might want a ADU in their backyard. The primary motivations are to provide more living space for a family member to create rental income, or to accommodate aging parents or adult children or giving a teen their own space. In addition, if you are choosing to make your tiny house your permanent residence, their benefits to tiny houses which can be used save money.
When supporting aging family members, having an accessory structure in your backyard might save you a lot of time and aggravation. The necessity for alternative living choices has never been higher. An attached ADU is an excellent method to offer in-law rooms while retaining the solitude of elderly parents or adult children who may want some alone time yet still desire proximity when required.
Even if your family members are still living at home, you may hire a live-in home health professional or caregiver like a nanny to help with caregiving and household management in a detached ADU. This tiny house in your backyard will provide them with privacy and independence while also providing you on-site convenience.
There are some restrictions in the State of California on who can build an ADU. However, the zoning laws and local government regulations are far less than those found in other states. In most cases, the property owner must live on the property and the local zoning codes generally state the total number of units on the lot cannot exceed two. There may also be other requirements based on your local zoning ADU regulations.
It’s important to check with your local governments’ city or local planning department before starting any construction project. Often times, if you work with an experienced accessory dwelling unit builder, they will be well aware of any zoning ordinance, zoning laws and development standards that need to be followed for that additional square footage you desire.
Building an ADU typically follows a similar process regardless of location. First, you’ll need to check with your local zoning office or planning department to make sure an ADU is allowed on your property and to find out what, if any, permits are required. Next, you’ll need to engage the services of a licensed ADU contractor who specializes in building accessory dwelling units. The contractor will pull the necessary permits and oversee construction.
Once construction is complete, the tiny house must pass a final inspection by the city or county before it can be occupied as someone’s primary residence.
Adding tiny houses to property, whether they be backyard cottages or an above garage ADU, they can provide you and your extended family with the extra living space you need while also providing rental income. With California’s simple process and regulations, it’s never been easier to add an ADU to your backyard. For more information on accessory dwelling units, visit the website of the California Department of Housing and Community Development.