Accessory Dwelling Unit Updated: Aug 31, 2022
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What are ADUs?
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) have been known by many names: granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, secondary units, and more. No matter what you call them, ADUs are an innovative, affordable, and effective option for adding much-needed housing in California. An ADU may be attached or detached on the same parcel as a primary dwelling and must provide for independent living with permanent facilities for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.
The official ADU application and ordinance for the City of Santa Fe Springs can be found here.
Please visit the Building and Safety website for more information on how to submit your building plans.
What are the benefits of ADUs?
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ADUs are an affordable type of home to construct in California because they do not require paying for land, major new infrastructure, structured parking, or elevators.
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ADUs can provide a source of income for homeowners.
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ADUs are built with cost-effective wood frame construction, which is significantly less costly than homes in new multifamily infill buildings.
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ADUs allow extended families to be near one another while maintaining privacy.
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ADUs can provide as much living space as many newly-built apartments and condominiums, and they’re suited well for couples, small families, friends, young people, and seniors.
- ADUs give homeowners the flexibility to share independent living areas with family members and others, allowing seniors to age in place as they require more care.
Types of ADUs
Santa Fe Springs ADU Calculator
Use our online calculator below to estimate the cost of converting part of your home or constructing a new Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Please note that costs may vary on a case-by-case basis. Click HERE for information regarding how to use the ADU Calculator.
Use our online calculator below to estimate the cost of converting part of your home or constructing a new Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). Please note that costs may vary on a case-by-case basis. Click HERE for information regarding how to use the ADU Calculator.
CLICK THE LINK BELOW TO ACCESS THE ADU CALCULATOR:
SELECT SANTA FE SPRINGS FROM THE DROP-DOWN MENU
ADU FAQs
What qualifies as an ADU in California?
"Accessory dwelling unit" (also "ADU") shall have the same meaning as set forth in California Government Code Section 65852.2, as amended from time to time. Generally, an accessory dwelling unit is an attached or detached residential dwelling unit that provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons and is located on a lot with a proposed or existing primary residential dwelling structure. It shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the primary residential dwelling structure is or will be situated. An accessory dwelling unit also includes an "efficiency unit" as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 17958.1 and a "manufactured home" as defined in California Health and Safety Code Section 18007. An ADU may be created through (i) construction of a new detached structure; (ii) construction of a new attached structure or addition; or (iii) conversion of existing permitted interior space within an existing dwelling, attached or detected garage, or accessory structure.
Click Here for Additional FAQs About ADU
Click Here for Additional FAQs About ADU
New ADU Laws in 2023
On September 28, 2022, Governor Newsom signed new laws into effect impacting ADUs: SB-897, AB-2221, and AB-916. Taking effect as of January 2023, these laws made changes to the statewide regulatory standards that apply to ADUs, including providing a height allowance for two-story ADUs statewide, and further clarified the expected processes for issuance of a building permit within 60 days of the submittal of an application to build an ADU.
Click Here for Additional FAQs About the New ADU Laws