Is building an ADU a good investment in Hermosa Beach?

 

Hermosa Beach is an excellent location for building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). The favorable weather conditions make it an ideal environment, and the proximity to the beach adds to the appeal. There are numerous opportunities throughout the city to construct ADUs, offering a variety of suitable locations. Whether taking advantage of the coastal ambiance or catering to diverse resident preferences, Hermosa Beach provides a range of options for crafting unique and desirable ADUs.

General ADU requirements

Detached, attached, and conversion ADU types, along with JADU’s are all allowed in Hermosa Beach. 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.

Zoning

All zones single-family and multi-family most probably are eligible for ADU’s.

Number of Units

  • One ADU + One JADU in lots zoned single-family.
  • Two detached ADU’s in lots zoned multi-family.
  • Minimum one interior conversion of existing building for multi-family.
  • Maximum 25% of the original number of units in multi-family.

Building Size

  • JADU, maximum 500 SF
  • Minimum 150 SF for ADU’s and JADU’s
  • Detached ADU’s maximum 850 SF
  • Attached ADU, Maximum 50% of primary residence. or 850 SF whichever is larger.

Building Height

  • Detached ADUs 16 feet max
  • Attached ADU’s follow local zoning height limit

Parking

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.
  • The ADU is part of the proposed or existing primary residence or an accessory structure.

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 FeesSchool Impact Fees
  • Building Code and Green Code Fees
  • Permit Fees
  • Utility Connection fees

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.

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 in Hermosa Beach

< All ADU Regulations