However, California’s high cost of living always makes people think about how to pursue stable lives while also allotting some time for family within their homes. Building ADUs in their premises, known as “granny pods” or ‘in-law suites,’ can prove to be one of the options that have gained popularity due to its incremental living spaces providing extra space and a source of income through renting. When an ADU Oakland construction is considered, it should be determined what legal restrictions and regulations apply to such structures.
Types of ADUs
Before diving into the specifics of ADU Oakland regulations, let’s explore the various types of ADUs you can consider for your property:
- Detached ADUs: The above independent units are unattached to the main house or any other structure on your premises. They offer complete freedom and privacy.
- Attached ADUs: ADUSs can be connected with single-family homes, which makes the living conditions in both spaces merge quietly.
- Conversion ADUs: Such units are achieved through converting single-family or multi-families, even partially inactive ones such as garages, sheds, and studios. These are the converted garages.
- Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs): JADUs are compact units that branch off from a stand-alone primary unit of no more than 500 square feet, which may have to share its bathroom with the house. They save space among the homeowners.
The Requirements, Permits, and Laws Governing Oakland ADUs
California acknowledged the significance of ADUs as a housing alternative in 2016 and introduced legislation to support their development. Later, in 2019, more changes were implemented to streamline ADU creation for ADU Oakland homeowners. Here are some critical regulations and requirements you should be aware of:
- Zoning Regulations: As a result, more than 90% of the residential areas in California allow people to build ADUs. However, the size, location, and quantity are limited by local zoning. Ensure that your plans meet these requirements.
- Size Limits: The most permissible usable floor area for ADUs is 120 square feet. If attached, this may be detached or up to about half the size of the main house. For instance, if your primary house is 200 square meters large, you can have an ADU that measures up to 153 feet.
- Kitchen and Bathroom Facilities: It is required by Oakland ADU rules that each ADU has kitchen and bathroom facilities equipped with appliances, sinks, and counter space.
- Parking Requirements: Extra parking spots may have been needed for the ADU based on where you are and what applies to your particular circumstances. Yet the new rules have relieved certain ADUs from parking prescriptions within a half mile of public transportation, historic districts, or connected to leading houses or existing ancillary structures.
Oakland ADU Zoning Guidelines
The setback between an ADU and rear/side property lines in the case of single-family houses is usually 4 feet. On the other hand, based on zoning rules, constructed ADUs and JADUs subject to legally formed space may be excluded from these setback requirements.
Permits for ADUs
Getting the proper permits is essential to constructing a unit in Oakland. Here’s an overview of the permit application process:
- Zoning Review: First, gather all the required zoning permits, paperwork and plans before starting. Complete a zoning application at the City of Oakland’s Permit Center. If your project proposal is approved, then a planner will review it and you’ll get the letter of approval.
- Building Permit: The “Building Requirements Application” should be neat and have a structure it is necessary to include charts, documentation as well as plans. The zoning department has asked us to file a building worksheet using the online permit center.
- Application Review: Its processing will only start once the bureau has received your application and logged it into its system. They will contact you if they have questions or anything changes. The permit issuing deadline may differ, however usually it takes 6-8 weeks to get the permits for a project based on its complexity.
Cost of ADU Construction
Building ADU can also cost a lot depending on the factors such as square footage, age of establishment and Victorian. Here’s a rough estimate:
- This could be as low as $40k per unit if existing space such as a basement, shed etc is utilized for development.
- The modular detached ADUs cost as low as $705.
- For some site-built detached units, including garden office pods, there could be a wider cost gap ranging from $120k to $600k.
Concluding Remarks
At last, knowing the terrain of Oakland ADU rules and regulations is vital to developing an Accessory Dwelling Unit. One should know the law and laws to prevent future complications.
