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Book a callHave you ever dreamed of turning that dusty, cluttered garage into something more useful? If so, you’re not alone. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are becoming increasingly popular among homeowners in Long Beach. An ADU is a secondary housing unit on a single-family residential lot, and it’s a perfect way to maximize your space.
In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about converting your garage into an ADU in Long Beach. From the benefits to the step-by-step process, you’ll have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Converting your garage into an ADU offers numerous benefits. Firstly, it can provide you with an additional source of income through rental opportunities. Secondly, it significantly increases your property value. Finally, it supports eco-friendly housing by utilizing existing structures.
Imagine having a steady stream of passive income every month. By converting your garage into an ADU, you can rent it out and enjoy the financial benefits. Long Beach has a high demand for rental properties, making this a lucrative investment.
A well-designed ADU adds significant value to your property. According to real estate experts, homes with ADUs often sell for more than those without. This added value can be a major plus if you decide to sell your home in the future.
Converting an existing garage into an ADU is an eco-friendly choice. It reduces the need for new construction materials and minimizes waste. Plus, it’s a great way to contribute to the growing trend of sustainable living.
In Long Beach, you have several options for ADU types. Each type has its own set of considerations. Here’s a quick rundown:
This is the most popular option. It’s cost-effective because it uses already existing space. You can either keep your ADU within the original garage footprint or expand beyond it. The main drawback is losing the garage space for storage or parking, but the benefits often outweigh this sacrifice.
Aside from garage conversions, you can also consider other types like detached ADUs, attached ADUs, and Junior ADUs (JADUs). Each type has its own set of benefits and considerations.
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Good news! ADUs can be built on almost any residential or mixed-use zone in Long Beach, including multi-family properties. However, if your property is in a historic district, coastal zone, or multi-family dwelling with five or more units, additional reviews may be required.
If your property is in a historic district, you’ll need a Certificate of Appropriateness. This ensures that your ADU maintains the historical integrity of the area.
In coastal zones, you’ll require a Coastal Development Permit or a Local Coastal Development Permit. These permits ensure that your ADU complies with coastal regulations.
For multi-family dwellings with five or more units, a Site Plan Review is necessary. This involves an administrative design review process to ensure your ADU fits within the existing property layout.
In Long Beach, you can build up to three new dwelling units on a single-family or mixed-use property. This includes one attached ADU, one detached ADU, and one JADU. For two-unit or multi-family properties, you can build up to two detached ADUs and several attached ADUs, depending on the existing number of units.
All homeowners in California are entitled to build at least one 800 sqft ADU, regardless of lot size. However, you can go larger. The maximum size for detached ADUs is 1,200 sq ft, and for attached ADUs, it’s up to 50% of the floor area of the existing residence.
If your ADU is under 750 sq ft, you won’t need to pay Development and Impact (D&I) fees. These fees can be substantial, so keeping your ADU under this size can save you thousands of dollars.
Yes, you’ll need a permit to build an ADU. The time frame for getting your permit approved usually takes between two to four months. It’s crucial to follow this process to avoid legal issues and fines.
The approval process involves drafting a design, submitting it to the local planning department, and obtaining building permits. While it can be time-consuming, it ensures that your ADU meets all local regulations.
Skipping the permit process can lead to severe consequences. You could face hefty fines, legal issues, and may even be required to tear down your ADU. Always go through the proper channels to get your permits approved.
In Long Beach, you’re not required to provide a parking space for your ADU if:
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On average, it takes between 12 – 18 months to design and build an ADU. This includes four main phases: financing, design, permitting, and construction. Each phase has its own timeline and can be affected by various factors like weather conditions and city planning backlogs.
Securing financing is the first step. Consider options like home equity loans, personal loans, or ADU-specific financing programs.
The design phase involves creating detailed plans for your ADU. Working with an experienced ADU designer can streamline this process.
Once your design is complete, submit it to the local planning department for permits. This phase can take a few months, depending on the jurisdiction.
The final phase is construction. Hire reputable contractors to ensure your ADU is built to code and within budget.
Long Beach has introduced several initiatives to make building ADUs easier. One such initiative is the Pre-Approved ADU Program, which offers a library of pre-approved ADU plans. This can save you time and money during the design and permitting process.
The program includes plans submitted by local architects and designers. Homeowners can select a plan and work directly with the designer to obtain permits, making the process more efficient.
Converting your garage into an ADU involves several steps. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through the process.
Start by drafting a design for your ADU. Include details like layout, dimensions, and materials. Work with an ADU designer to ensure your plans meet local regulations.
Submit your design to the local planning department for permits. This includes the ADU Garage Conversion Submittal Package, which consists of the permit application and instructions for completing the site and floor plan.
Once your permits are approved, hire experienced contractors to carry out the construction. Ensure they are familiar with ADU regulations in Long Beach.
Begin the construction process. Regularly check in with your contractors to ensure everything is on track and meets your specifications.
The cost of building an ADU in Long Beach ranges between $150,000 – $470,000. This depends on various factors like the type of construction, size, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, quality of finishes, lot characteristics, and availability of materials and labor.
Certain costs remain fixed regardless of the size of your ADU. These include design fees, kitchen and bathroom costs, and basic construction elements.
Variable costs depend on the size and complexity of your ADU. Larger ADUs with high-end finishes will naturally cost more.
Converting your garage into an ADU in Long Beach is a rewarding investment. It offers additional income, increases property value, and supports eco-friendly housing. With the right planning and resources, you can transform unused space into a functional and valuable asset.
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