Is building an ADU a good investment in East Los Angeles?

Whether your residence is near Dodger Stadium, CSULA, Boyle Heights, or any other part of East Los Angeles, it’s highly likely that one of your neighbors is currently in the midst of constructing an Accessory Dwelling Unit. With property values on the rise and the new USC Health Sciences campus contributing to local growth, there couldn’t be a more opportune moment to embark on building an Accessory Dwelling Unit. Whether it involves converting a garage, undertaking a complete detached ADU rebuild, or opting for an attached ADU, the additional value derived from a newly permitted ADU is an immediate advantage for both you and your property.

East Los Angeles Accessory Dwelling Unit Requirements.

ADU permits are rapidly increasing in East Los Angeles. Here is a breakdown of ADU requirements in East Los Angeles for 2024.

General ADU requirements

Detached, attached, and conversion ADU types, along with JADU’s are all allowed in East Los Angeles. Both, single and two-story ADU’s are permitted.

For independent living your ADU must be equipped with: Exterior access separate from primary residence, Living, Sleeping, Dining, Cooking, and Bathing.

The kitchen must have at minimum the following: A sink, a refrigerator, a cooktop or range and cabinetry.

JADU can share a bathroom with the primary residence. However, JADU’s must have their own separate entrance.

Zoning

All zones single-family and multi-family most probably are eligible for ADU’s. ADU’s are not allowed in properties located in a Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone without two means of access to a highway.

Number of Units

  • One ADU + One JADU in lots zoned single-family
  • For lots zoned multi-family, up to two detached ADU’s.

Building Size

  • JADU, maximum 500 SF
  • 150 SF Minimum for ADU’s and JADU’s.
  • 1,200 SF maximum for detached ADUs
  • Attached ADUs maximum 50% of the existing residence. When an ADU exceeds 2 bedrooms floor area can reach 1,000 SF

Building Height

  • Detached ADUs in Los Angeles city have a limit of 2 stories. up to 25 feet
  • Attached ADU’s follow local zoning height limit.

Setbacks

Minimum setbacks:

  • 4 feet side and rear yard setbacks
  • 6 feet separation from existing structure.

Parking

Unless the property is exempt, one parking space is required for an ADU. Your ADU is exempt from parking in the following situations:

  • Your property is situated on a street where a parking permit is mandatory.
  • You property is within 1/2 mile of public transportation.
  • Your property is less than a block away from a care share area.
  • Your property is situated in an area of architectural or historical significance.
  • On-street parking permits are required and not offered to the ADU tenants.
  • The ADU is part of the proposed or existing primary residence or an accessory structure. (No proposed addition)

Fees

The exact number of fees depends on the zoning of your lot and the overall scope of your ADU project. This is a list of some of the typical fees you can expect to pay.

  • Plan Check fees
  • City Impact Fees
  • School Impact Fees
  • Building Code and Green Code Fees
  • Permit Fees
  • Utility Connection fees

Sprinkler System

When a fire sprinkler is not required for the primary residence, they are not required for your ADU or JADU.

Basements

You can convert an existing unfinished basement space to an attached ADU.

Owner Occupancy

Owner occupancy is not a requirement for permitting an ADU. Owners are required to live on the property only if a JADU has been constructed on it. This is a state law requirement.

Taxes

Building an ADU does not trigger a reassessment of the value of the primary residence. However property taxes are based on property values and an ADU does increase the value of the property.

Rental Limitations

Short-term rentals under 30 days are not allowed East Los Angeles.

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