ADU Construction

We design & build accessory dwelling units

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ADU Construction Contractor
We build ADU's in Santa Clarita and Southern California

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary residential unit that can be established on a property with an existing single-family dwelling. These units, often referred to as "in-law suites" or "carriage houses" or "laneway suites" can be either attached to the primary residence or built as detached structures. ADUs provide an additional source of housing, especially in areas like Santa Clarita, California, where housing demand is rapidly increasing due to population growth.

These units are typically used to accommodate extended family members or to generate rental income for homeowners, thus contributing to housing affordability in the region.

ADUs in Santa Clarita can vary in size but are generally smaller than the primary residence on the property. According to Santa Clarita regulations, an ADU can be up to 850 square feet for a 0-1 bedroom unit and up to 1,000 square feet for a 2-bedroom unit, but it cannot exceed two stories in height. These size limitations ensure that ADUs remain secondary to the main dwelling and maintain the character of the neighborhood.  ADUs can be designed as stand-alone structures or integrated into the existing residence, such as a basement or attic conversion.

All Exclusive Construction is a general contractor based out of Santa Clarita CA and serving homeowners throughout Southern California including Beverly Hills, Calabasas, Culver City, Los Angeles, Orange County, Santa Clarita, Santa Monica, Ventura County, and Westlake.  We specialize in designing and constructing outstanding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) that harmonize perfectly with your current property.

Santa Clarita has specific regulations governing the construction of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) to ensure compliance with zoning and building requirements. The construction of an ADU must adhere to the city's Unified Development Code, including setbacks and height limitations. Each single-family residential property is permitted to have one ADU, with the possibility of adding a Junior ADU (JADU) if requirements are met. While the property owner must reside in either the primary residence or the JADU, an ADU can be rented separately, making it an attractive option for rental income. More information on the regulations and requirements for ADU construction in Santa Clarita can be found on the city's official website here.

What Are The Basic Requirements To Build An ADU?

The demand for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Santa Clarita and Southern California, has been on the rise in recent years, primarily due to our area's rapid population growth and housing affordability challenges. As a response, Santa Clarita officials have established a basic checklist for homeowners interested in constructing ADUs on their property.

What Are The Basic Requirements To Build An ADU?

Zoning and Eligibility

Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in Santa Clarita involves meeting several key requirements to ensure compliance with the city’s Unified Development Code (UDC). First and foremost, the property must meet specific zoning requirements. If the property is located in a high fire hazard severity zone, the ADU must either front a highway or have two non-overlapping ways of accessing a highway. Additionally, for properties containing oak trees, clearance from the City’s Urban Forestry Division is required before any development can occur. It's important to contact the Planning Division at 661-255-4330 to confirm your property’s eligibility.

Size Limits

Size limits for ADUs are clearly defined. An attached ADU can be up to 850 square feet for 0-1 bedroom units and up to 1,000 square feet for 2-bedroom units, but it must not exceed 50% of the primary residence’s floor area. Detached ADUs have similar size limits as attached ADUs, with the added requirement of being at least 6 feet from the primary residence. If you are converting an existing garage into an ADU, it must be within the existing permitted garage structure. For Junior ADUs (JADUs), the size limit is up to 500 square feet, and the JADU must be contained entirely within the existing or proposed primary residence. JADUs can have a kitchenette and either share or have separate sanitation facilities.

Setbacks and Height

ADUs must have a minimum of 4-foot side and rear setbacks. The maximum height for detached ADUs is 16 feet, but this can be extended to 18 feet if the property is within a ½ mile of a transit stop.

Parking Requirements

Parking requirements specify that one parking space is required for an ADU unless it meets specific exemptions, such as being within a ½ mile walking distance of public transit or being part of the primary structure. JADUs do not require additional parking, but if a JADU replaces a garage, that parking must be replaced on site.

Ownership and Rental Regulations

Ownership and rental regulations stipulate that an ADU can be rented separately from the primary residence but cannot be sold separately. Additionally, ADUs cannot be rented out for less than 30 days. JADUs must be deed-restricted, requiring either the JADU or the main home to be owner-occupied. A JADU Deed Restriction Covenant must be recorded through the Los Angeles Registrar-Recorder Office before the building permit is issued.

For more information, contact the Planning Division at 661-255-4330 or visit their office at 23920 Valencia Blvd, Suite 140. Detailed information is also available on the Santa Clarita City website.

Why Choose All Exclusive Construction For Your ADU Construction Project?

Embarking on an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) construction demands expertise, precision, and a deep understanding of homeowners' unique needs, and this is where All Exclusive Construction truly shines. Our seasoned team possesses the know-how to design and construct ADUs that not only optimize space but also perfectly align with a homeowner's lifestyle and aspirations. From initial consultations to the unveiling of the final product, our comprehensive approach ensures every detail is meticulously planned and executed.

But what truly sets All Exclusive Construction apart is our unwavering commitment to client satisfaction. Our professional design team engages deeply, capturing every nuance of a client's vision. With robust on-site management and consistent communication channels, clients are assured of transparency and a project journey that's as smooth as possible. Entrusting All Exclusive Construction with your ADU project means choosing a legacy of craftsmanship, unparalleled expertise, and a dedication to turning homeowners' dreams into enduring realities.

To schedule an estimate for your ADU construction project please call (818) 836-1722 or fill out our contact form and we’ll get right back to you.

How Much Does An ADU Cost?

The cost for accessory dwelling units can vary depending on many different factors

Attic ADU

This would be for the complete conversion of your unused attic space into a fully functional and rentable ADU.

Cost $45k-$75k+
Depending On Size and Scope.

Above Garage ADU

This would be for converting that unused space above your garage into a functional ADU.

Cost $75k-$150k+
Depending On Size and Scope.

Detached ADU

This would be for a completely detached, stand-alone, ADU on your property.  This is entirely new construction.

Cost $75k-$250k+
Depending On Size and Scope.

Frequently Asked Questions About Accessory Dwelling Units

An ADU is an attached or detached residential dwelling unit located on the same property as a primary residence. It provides complete independent living facilities, including living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.

A JADU is a smaller unit, no more than 500 square feet, contained entirely within the walls of an existing or proposed primary residence. It may have a kitchenette and separate sanitation facilities or may share sanitation facilities with the primary structure.

To build an ADU, your property must meet zoning and other requirements specified in the City’s Unified Development Code (UDC). For properties in high fire hazard severity zones, the ADU must either front a highway or have two non-overlapping ways of accessing a highway. If your property contains oak trees, clearance from the City’s Urban Forestry Division is required before development. Contact the Planning Division at 661-255-4330 to confirm your property’s eligibility.

An attached ADU can be up to 850 square feet for 0-1 bedroom units and up to 1,000 square feet for 2-bedroom units, but it must not exceed 50% of the primary residence’s floor area. Detached ADUs have the same size limits and must be at least 6 feet from the primary residence. Conversions of existing garages must stay within the existing structure. JADUs can be up to 500 square feet and must be within the primary residence.

ADUs must have a minimum of 4-foot side and rear setbacks. The maximum height for detached ADUs is 16 feet, but this can be increased to 18 feet if the property is within a ½ mile of a transit stop.  An attached ADU can have a maximum height of 25 feet but not too exceed 2 stories.

One parking space is required for an ADU unless it meets certain exemptions, such as being within a ½ mile walking distance of public transit, being part of the primary structure, or having no bedrooms. JADUs do not require additional parking, but if a JADU replaces a garage, that parking must be replaced on site.

An ADU may be rented separately from the primary residence but cannot be sold separately. ADUs cannot be rented out for less than 30 days. JADUs must be owner-occupied (either the JADU or main home) and require a deed restriction to be recorded before a building permit is issued.

Up to one ADU is permitted per single-family residential property. A JADU may also be permitted on a lot zoned for single-family residences if specific requirements are met. For lots with multiple family dwellings, additional regulations apply.

For more details, contact the Planning Division at 661-255-4330 or visit their office at 23920 Valencia Blvd, Suite 140. You can also find comprehensive information on the Santa Clarita City website.

These prices are only ball park figures to give you a rough idea as to what you should expect for the cost of design/build ADU construction project completed by a team of craftsman.  Your particular ADU project may vary depending on the site, any zoning issues, the size and scope of the ADU, the specific materials you've chosen, and the overall scope of work.  If you need a firm price please request a consultation so we can view your potential project, listen to your ideas, and determine the actual scope of work required to complete your ADU project.  After our on-site consultation we'll be able to provide you with a firm estimate to build your new ADU the right way.

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