Introduction to Accessory Dwelling Units
An accessory dwelling unit commonly called a granny flat or in-law suite must exist on a lot that’s zoned single-family. It has its own entrance, separate from the primary house, as well as a kitchen, bathroom and living space. These units can be rented, year-round, and add a lot of value to a property.
Zoning in Beverly Hills
Zoning for accessory dwelling units is permitted for the following areas: R-1, R-1.X, R-1.5, R-1.5X2, R-1.6X, R1.7X, R1.8X
Lot size
The site area upon which the ADU will be located must be a minimum of six thousand square feet.
Min/Max Building Sizes
For accessory dwelling units that will be attached to the original home, size shall not exceed 50% of the existing floor area of the primary unit or 1,200 sq. feet, whichever is lesser.
For detached accessory dwelling units, the ADU shall not exceed a maximum floor area of six hundred fifty (650) sq. feet.
Height Restrictions
A detached ADU located on the ground floor may not exceed 14 feet in height. On estates larger than 24,000 sq. feet an ADU may be allowed to be built on the second floor and will then comply with the maximum height limit applicable to the primary dwelling structure on the site.
Attached accessory dwelling units may be located on either the ground or second floor and shall be subject to the same height limitations applicable to the primary structure.
*The planning commission may permit an ADU greater than 14′ if it can be determined the ADU will not have a substantial impact on adjacent properties or public welfare. In other words, if it does not block views or light from your neighbors it may be possible to build higher.
Parking in Beverly Hills
(a) One parking space in addition to the parking spaces required for the primary dwelling for a Accessory Dwelling Unit with zero or one separate bedrooms;
(b) Two (2) parking spaces in addition to the parking spaces required for the primary dwelling for an Accessory Dwelling Unit with two, three or four separate bedrooms;
(c) Three (3) parking spaces in addition to the parking spaces required for the primary dwelling for a Accessory Dwelling Unit with five (5) bedrooms;
(d) Four (4) parking spaces in addition to the parking spaces required for the primary dwelling for a Accessory Dwelling Unit with six (6) or more bedrooms.
All required parking spaces shall be provided behind the front setback line for the site area.
Notwithstanding the foregoing requirements, no parking shall be required for any Accessory Dwelling Unit in any of the following circumstances:
(1) The Accessory Dwelling Unit is located within one-half mile of public transit.
(2) The Accessory Dwelling Unit is located within an historic district.
(3) The Accessory Dwelling Unit is part of the existing primary residence or an existing accessory structure.
(4) When on-street parking permits are required but not offered to the occupant ofthe Accessory Dwelling Unit.
(5) When there is a City-approved and dedicated parking space for a car share vehicle located within one block of the Accessory Dwelling Unit.
*Standards: Any required parking for an Accessory Dwelling Unit may be provided as tandem parking on an existing driveway, including driveway areas within setback areas.
Setbacks
An Accessory Dwelling Unit located on a site whose rear lot line abuts an alley or a commercially zoned parcel may be located within the rear setback. Otherwise, construction must take place 5 feet back from the property line.
Owner Occupancy
There is no owner occupancy clause. This means the owner does not have to live in the primary residence or the accessory dwelling unit, meaning both units can be rental units.
Rentals
Rental And Transfer: The Accessory Dwelling Unit may be rented, subject to the limitations on single family transient use, but shall not be sold, transferred or assigned separately from the primary single-family dwelling.
How to Evaluate ROI
Building an accessory dwelling unit, especially if you intend to keep the property for a few years, represents an enormously beneficial opportunity to maximize your property.
By constructing an accessory dwelling unit you are adding additional square footage to the property. So if you can build a unit for $275 a square foot, but the average value of homes in your neighborhood are worth $400 a square foot you are gaining instant equity through the project. Plus, you also now have the added benefit of a flexible space that can be rented or used for family.
What are you waiting for? Contact us today at 888-987-6638 or info@usmodularinc.com
