5 Things To Think About When Creating A Garage Conversion ADU
November 29th, 2022
Thanks to some sweeping changes made to ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) in 2020, it’s never been easier to convert an attached or detached garage to an ADU in California. Whether you want an income stream from renting out your ADU or are interested in having a loved one move onto your property, this guide will discuss 5 things to think about when planning your conversion.
1. Resident Privacy
This is a key factor when it comes to actually marketing and renting out an ADU, especially an interior garage conversion. You need to work with an experienced ADU conversion company to build a garage unit that provides adequate soundproofing, a separate entrance and exit, and privacy features that will appeal to renters.
Ideally, the ADU should feel, function, and provide the privacy of a completely separate residence. Whether you rent it to someone or a loved one or close relative lives in it, it’s important to ensure their privacy.
2. Setbacks For Garages
New ADUs now have much lower setback restrictions. If the garage is in the side or rear yard, the setback requirement statewide in California is now just 4’.
This provides you with a lot more flexibility when it comes to building your garage conversion ADU, and means you could potentially create a much larger structure, even if you have little or no setbacks to your neighbors.
3. Keeping Or Replacing Your Garage For An ADU
If your garage does not meet current setback requirements, it can still be turned into an ADU while retaining the old setbacks. Not only that, but you can also completely tear down the existing structure and replace it – in the case that you determine that it will cost more to repair and convert the old structure.
As long as the new ADU matches the footprint of the previous garage, whether detached or attached, it can maintain the existing reduced setbacks, and it will not require any special permits or approvals. This gives you a lot more options when it comes to building a garage conversion ADU.
4. ADU Sizing
ADUs in California can now be built up to 800 square feet and 16 feet tall without any local discretionary approvals. In addition to this, ADUs that are created by conversions, such as garage ADUs, are now granted automatic approval – so you don’t have to worry about special permitting and other bureaucratic headaches.
5. Parking Requirements
Luckily, rule changes in 2020 have made parking much less important for ADUs. ADUs still require one parking space per unit/bedroom (whichever is less) if they are located half a mile or further from public transit.
However, this does not count for ADUs made within an existing space in your house or an accessory structure. This includes things like basements and other interior conversions, as well as external conversions of garages and carports.
You also don’t need to worry about adding replacement parking for the main residence if a garage or carport is converted or demolished to create an ADU. These restrictions have also been lifted.
Contact Mettle Construction Group To Explore Garage Conversion ADU Options
A garage conversion ADU can be an excellent investment in central California, and if you’re not sure where to get started, Mettle Construction Group is here to help. As ADU experts in California, we can provide you with all the information, advice, and services you need for a successful project. Contact us online or give us a call at (805) 361-7403 to discuss your project in detail, and start exploring the possibilities of a garage conversion ADU.
