Looking for the perfect ADU-able property? You’re in the right place.
Thanks to recent state and local regulations making it easier than ever to build accessory dwelling units (ADU), homeowners throughout California are accessory dwelling units to their properties.
By adding a granny flat or ADU to your property, you can enjoy the many benefits of ADUs including additional rental income and property appreciation.
Are you looking to buy a property with ADU potential? Contact me, I’ll help you find the right property that will meet your goals.
When it comes to finding a property with ADU potential, there are many factors to consider. There are certain characteristics to look out for that may make one property more desirable than another in terms of ADU potential. Furthermore, navigating the ins and outs of state and local ADU regulations can be overwhelming for many people – especially when these laws are constantly evolving.
That’s why I’m here to help. Whether you’re looking for a home with an existing ADU or granny flat, or a property with ADU potential to add your own — you’ve come to the right place.
As San Diego’s ADU Agent, I specialize in finding properties with maximum ADU potential for my clients. To help you get started, here are just a few my go-to tips to help you quickly identify a property with great ADU potential.
5 Easy Ways to Identify ADU Potential in San Diego
1. Single-Family zoning
With the passing of Senate Bill 13 in 2017, the state of California made it legal for any property with single-family zoning to have an ADU. This means that nearly all properties that contain a single family home on the lot are eligible for an ADU. Furthermore, recent law changes are allowing certain multi-family zones such as duplexes, to become ADU eligible as well.
2. Detached Garage
This is one of the biggest identifiers of a property with ADU potential. There are many types of ADUs including detached and attached units, but one of the easiest ways to add an ADU to your property is by converting a garage. By converting a detached garage into an ADU, you can create an accessory dwelling unit on your property without having to share walls and be able to maintain privacy between the ADU and main home. Speaking of privacy…
3. Alleyway Access
Alleyway access is highly beneficial because it provides private and separate access to your ADU. Oftentimes, privacy is a big concern when it comes to adding an ADU onto your property. With an alleyway, your tenant or house guest can have their own private access to the ADU without infringing on the privacy of the main house.
4. Deep Lot
Although minimum lot size is no longer a requirement for ADUs as of 2020, having a deep lot is advantageous simply because it allows for more space and separation between the ADU and the main house. Increased separation means more privacy, and also the potential to include a small outdoor space for the ADU.
5. Near Transit
Assembly Bill 68 made some major changes to ADU requirements in 2020. One of the biggest changes is the elimination of required parking for units that are located within a ½ mile of public transit such as a bus stop. Keep in mind that this ½ mile must be walking distance. Other forms of public transit include trolley and train stations.
These five tips are just a few of the many factors that can maximize a property’s ADU potential. With ADU regulations constantly evolving, it can be difficult to know what specific characteristics to look for in a property that make the most sense for your goals.
Want to learn more about ADUs? Check out my ultimate ADU guide where you can learn more about ADU requirements in San Diego, how to build an ADU, cost estimates and more. If you need help finding the perfect ADU home, let’s get in touch.
