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 San Marcos

ADUs are allowed in lots zoned for single-family. A single-family dwelling must already exist on the property or be built simultaneously with the ADU.

Lot size in San Marcos

There is no minimum or maximum lot size requirement to build an accessory dwelling unit.

Min/Max Building Sizes

Your maximum build size differs depending on whether your accessory unit is attached or detached from the primary home.

Attached ADU: The floor area of the ADU should not be more than 50% of the existing residence up to 1,200 square feet. For example, if your existing house in 2,500 sq. ft., the attached ADU cannot exceed 1,200 sq. ft. in size.

Detached ADU: For a detached ADU, the total floor space area of the ADU should not be more than 1,200 square feet, regardless of the size of the primary residence.

Height Restrictions

Not specified in the local ordinance. Refer to local building code.

Parking

ADUs are required to have one off-street parking spot, which may be provided as tandem parking or within setbacks (given there are no safety concerns).

Off-street parking is not required if:

• The ADU is within ½ mile of a public transit stop
• The ADU is within an architecturally or historically significant historic district
• The ADU is attached to the primary residence or an existing accessory structure
• The ADU is within an area where on-street parking permits are required but not available to occupants of the ADU
• The ADU is within one block of a car-share vehicle’s pick-up location (established by the city)

Setbacks

A setback is a minimum distance a structure must be away from the street, buildings, or other features.

When an existing garage is converted to an ADU, no additional setbacks are required (given it complies with fire and safety regulations).

For ADU’s constructed above a garage, the setback requirements are five feet from the side and rear lot lines.

Owner Occupancy

ADU’s cannot be sold separately from the primary residence. The owner is not required to live in the main residence or the ADU.

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.

Additional notes

San Marcos has not passed its own ordinance yet, which means it’s still operating in compliance with state standards. (January 4, 2019)

Santee ADU Regulations Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations

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

ADUs are allowed in lots zoned for residential use. A single-family dwelling must already exist on the property or be built simultaneously with the ADU.

Lot size

There is no minimum or maximum lot size requirement to build an accessory dwelling unit.

Min/Max Building Sizes

The ADU must be a minimum of 150 square feet.

Detached ADU: For a detached ADU, the total floor space area of the ADU should not be more than 1,200 square feet, regardless of the size of the primary residence.

Height Restrictions

There are no height restrictions.

Parking

No additional off-street parking is required, so long as the parking requirements for the primary residence are met (2 parking spaces in a garage).

Setbacks

A setback is a minimum distance a structure must be away from the street, buildings, or other features.

Setbacks should follow regulations for the primary residence.
For ADU’s constructed above a garage, the setback requirements are five feet from the side and rear lot lines.

Owner Occupancy

The owner is required to live in the main residence or the ADU.

Rentals

There are no rental restrictions.

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