Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Downey, CA

California has passed new laws making it easier for homeowners to build accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on their property. Often called granny flats, in-law units, or backyard cottages, ADUs are small dwellings built on the same lot as an existing single-family home. As housing costs continue to rise across the state, ADUs provide an innovative, affordable housing option allowing multi-generational living and rental income potential.

If you’re a homeowner in Downey interested in adding an ADU, Surfside Builders Group can guide you through the process. With over 15 years of experience building and remodeling homes in Los Angeles County, we are familiar with Downey’s ADU regulations and permit requirements. We can consult on your ADU plans, apply for permits, and complete your project on time and within budget.

ADU Basics

An ADU is a secondary dwelling unit with complete living facilities located on the same lot as a primary single-family home. An ADU can be either detached from or attached to the main residence. Detached ADUs are standalone structures separated from the main home, while attached ADUs can be added to an existing structure like a garage or basement. According to California legislation, ADUs must include living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation facilities. They can be an apartment, guesthouse, cottage, converted garage, or similar dwelling.

In the past, complicated zoning laws and stringent regulations presented obstacles for adding ADUs. However, recent updates to California’s ADU laws at both the state and local levels have made it much easier for homeowners to obtain approval. The state’s goal is to address housing shortages and rising costs by increasing the number of ADUs built.

Benefits of Building an ADU

ADUs provide many advantages for Downey homeowners:

• Added Income– Constructing an ADU creates potential for rental income from extra living space on your property. Depending on size and features, an ADU can rent for $1000-$2500 per month in the Los Angeles area, allowing homeowners to offset housing costs.
• Flexible Living Spaces– An ADU offers flexible space for multigenerational families, adult children, elderly parents, long-term guests, caregivers, or other family members. The separate entrance provides privacy.
• Increased Property Value– Adding a well-designed ADU typically increases a home’s overall value, appeal, and selling potential down the road. Upgraded electrical, plumbing and HVAC systems also add value.
• Efficient Use of Space– An ADU makes efficient use of your lot area without needing to purchase additional land. Well-designed, compact ADUs maximize functionality on a limited footprint.
• Environmental Benefits– Infill development like ADUs helps conserve land while concentrating housing near jobs and amenities, reducing urban sprawl and reliance on cars.

ADU Regulations in Downey

Local governments in California are required to set standards in their zoning codes regulating the development of ADUs, following a statewide framework of new laws. Here are some key regulations homeowners need to know about building an ADU in Downey:

• ADUs are permitted by right on any residentially zoned lot that allows single-family dwellings. No special approvals are required.
• Lots must meet minimum size standards specified in Downey’s zoning ordinance. The minimum lot size to build a detached ADU is 5,000 sq ft. For attached ADUs, the minimum lot size is 3,500 sq ft.
• Only one ADU is allowed per lot in addition to the main house. A lot may contain a detached ADU or a Junior ADU, but not both.
• ADUs cannot exceed 50% of the floor area of the main dwelling unit up to a maximum of 1,200 sq ft. Any ADU over 800 sq ft requires discretionary approval.
• Total lot building coverage for the primary home plus ADU cannot exceed maximums designated for that zoning district.
• Setback minimums apply based on ADU type, size and height. Fire separation is required between detached ADUs and main homes.

Importantly, Downey does not require additional parking spaces for ADUs. This provision helps to facilitate ADU projects for homeowners with space constraints.

We can help you review setbacks, height limits, lot coverage, and other dimensional requirements to design an ADU that conforms to Downey’s zoning. Our ADU specialists stay up-to-date on any changes to city or state ADU codes.

ADU Design Possibilities

ADUs come in all shapes and sizes offering homeowners flexibility. Determining functionality, aesthetics, layout and features that best suit your needs and budget is key in planning a successful ADU project.

Here are some of the most popular ADU design configurations Surfside Builders Group can create for your property:

• Garage Conversion– Converting an existing garage into a residential living area is one of the most cost-effective routes for adding an ADU. The existing structure helps expedite the project. An attached garage conversion has the added benefit of shared access for convenience.
• Junior ADU– Repurposing interior areas like master bedrooms, offices or basements to create private living quarters is an affordable option. Junior ADUs utilize bathrooms, kitchens and entrances of the main home making them simpler to build.
• Backyard Cottage– Constructing a new detached structure from the ground up allows creativity and flexibility in layout and design. Though more expensive upfront, detached ADUs of up to 1200 sq ft provide ample rental income potential.
• Tiny Home– For smaller lots, tiny homes offer an innovative, eco-friendly housing alternative using space efficiently. Basic tiny homes can cost as little as $150K fully finished in Los Angeles.

The ADU style you select may depend on factors like budget, existing structures, lot dimensions, zoning, desired features, and rental income goals. Our team brings decades of construction expertise helping homeowners make optimal ADU decisions.

ADU Construction Process

At Surfside Builders, we make ADU projects as smooth and stress-free as possible for homeowners. Having built dozens of ADUs in the Los Angeles area, we know what it takes to deliver beautiful, functional results homeowners love.

If you’re ready to move forward with your ADU, here is an overview of what you can expect working with our team:

1. Initial Design Consult– During an initial meeting at your home (or virtually), we’ll discuss your ADU goals, ideas and vision while reviewing property specifics. We can provide recommendations on ADU design suitability for your lot along with estimated pricing.
2. Schematic Drawings– Next, we’ll prepare basic schematics showing preliminary layouts, measurements, spatial relationships and aesthetics of the ADU design. This allows you to visualize concepts before finalizing plans.
3. Floor Plans– Once you approve schematic designs, we will create detailed architectural plans indicating exact room sizes, door/window locations, finishes, fixtures, and structural elements. Floor plans ensure your specifications are accounted for.
4. Permitting– Surfside Builders Group handles all permitting paperwork including plan check submittals and revisions with the city’s building department on your behalf. We ensure designs meet lingering safety and zoning criteria before approval.
5. Construction– With permits secured, construction begins at last! We oversee all aspects of your ADU build from demolishing existing structures to framing, electrical, plumbing, drywall, finishes, fixtures and insulation. Our project managers closely supervise subcontractor crews ensuring quality benchmarks are achieved.
6. Inspections & COO– Once construction nears completion, city building inspectors examine our work at various checkpoints to guarantee safety and code compliance. After your ADU passes all inspections, you receive a Certificate of Occupancy permitting legal residential occupancy.
7. Project Completion– The final walkthrough allows you to tour your fully completed ADU and compile any last-minute punch list items before final payment. Then it’s time to start enjoying your amazing new living space!

With Surfside Builders Group as your partner, we make adding an ADU surprisingly smooth. Leveraging decades of construction expertise, we handle stressful details – so you can focus on designing your ideal ADU project.

Contact our team today to explore how an ADU can be a game-changing addition improving your quality of life and financial future through rental income.