Senate Bill 1069 makes it easier to build Accessory Dwelling Units (aka Granny Flats or ADUs) in Riverside, CA!
With the passage of Senate Bill 1069, which went into effect January 1, 2017, it created new regulations that opened the doors for homeowners to build ADUs in Riverside County. The law was prompted by escalating housing prices and a need for more affordable housing units.
Although building secondary units on property for elderly parents coined the term “granny flats,” real estate agents and lawmakers say rent is so high that just about everyone is trying to get in one nowadays. “It’s a modest step,” said Steve Russell, executive director of the San Diego Housing Federation. “Anything that contributes to housing supply is part of the solution . . . it’s a big drop in the bucket but it’s still just a drop in the bucket.”
Bill Cavanaugh, Riverside ADU builders USModular Inc said “Building an Accessory Dwelling Units is a cost effective way to add square footage for family members or for a rental unit to offset the rising cost of homes in Riverside, CA. Our typical client builds an 850 sq. ft Accessory Dwelling unit which will have a kitchen , living room, up to 2 bedrooms and baths which is manageable and affordable for most home owners.”
Some of the ADU facts in Riverside County include:
● ADU cannot exceed 1,000 sq. ft
● ADU can be a standalone unit/house or be a converted garage
● Reduced Parking requirements must meet several variables
● Reduced Fees for water, sewer, utility connection
● ADU can be built with Modular Construction, Site Built or built as a Manufactured Home
● Fire sprinklers may be eliminated if main dwelling does not have sprinklers
● ADU plus main residence must still meet local zoning Floor Area and SetBacks
– Riverside County also allows a Second Unit (SU) with a bigger floor area than an ADU. See Floor area and lot sizes below:
Max. floor area depends on lot size:
- up to 1,200 s.f. unit
(7,201-20,000 s.f. lots); - up to 1,500 s.f. unit
(20,000 s.f.-1.99 ac. lots) - up to 2,500 s.f.
(2 ac.-3.99 ac. lots) - up to 200% of
primary house area
(4+ ac. lots)
Although SB 1069 streamlines the process and reduces fees and parking requirements – the local building departments still have rules and regulations for submitting applications for Riverside County accessory dwelling unit and plans.To determine if it’s feasible from a zoning and financial standpoint – USModular offers a Feasibility Study with a Conceptual Budget service that will help most homeowners make an informed decision as to the size, location and cost of building an ADU in Riverside County, CA.
US Modular Inc Riverside County Accessory Dwelling Unit Feasibility Study Services include Phase 1: Feasibility Study with Conceptual Budget:
- Review Local Building Department Rules/Regulations to determine:
- Floor Area Ratio, Setbacks, Parking , Mass Transit Plan , Available Utilities and Needs analysis
- Plan Submittal Requirements
- Create Site Plan of Current House
- Analyze options for Converting Existing Garage to ADU or New construction for ADU
- Develop a Conceptual Budget for Garage Conversion and/or New Construction ( Site Build , Modular, Manufactured)
If the Feasibility Study and Budget are agreeable to the client – then we can create a Construction contract and start Phase 2. Phase 2 – New riverside ADU Construction
- Choose a pre-designed (most cost effective) or custom design ADUs in Riverside County. See approved floor Riverside County ADU floor plans today!
- Determine Type of Construction ( site Build, Modular, Manufactured)
- Create required Civil Engineering Plans and House plans
- Submit site and house plans to State and local building departments for approvals
- Demo/Grade
- Install required utilities
- Build Foundation
- Build Home / Install Modular / Manufactured Home
- Coordinate with State and local building department for inspections
- Complete exterior site work or landscaping per plans
- Obtain Certificate of Occupancy
Cost:
- Riverside ADUs start at $150,000
- Site Built ADU or Garage Conversion – TBD based on design, finishes, code
- Accessory Dwelling Units are welcome in cities like Riverside, CA – as a means to increase affordable housing opportunities for families or for rental properties. Local jurisdiction will dictate setbacks and floor area ratios but State law typically dictates parking and connection fees.
- Visit our website at www.usmodularinc.com and www.myadu4less.com for more information or contact us at:
- Email: info@usmodularinc.com
- Call: (951) 679 9907 *1 For More information on ADUs in Riverside
