So You Want to Be a California ADU Mogul? How Many Tiny Homes Can You Actually Build?
Ah, California, the land of sunshine, surf, and... a serious housing shortage. Enter the ADU, the Accessory Dwelling Unit, a nifty little invention that's become the state's secret weapon in the battle for more living space. But before you strap on your tiny-house-building tool belt, there's the question that plagues every aspiring ADU architect: how many can I cram on my property?
Well, buckle up, because California's answer is both a "maybe" and a "let's get weird with it". Here's the breakdown:
The Not-So-Simple Single-Family Home:
- The Classic Combo: California's got your back, allowing a standard ADU and a Junior ADU (JADU) on most single-family lots. That's a potential trifecta of dwellings! JADUs are the pint-sized cousins of ADUs, usually under 500 square feet. Think adorable studio apartment, not McMansion Jr.
- Size Matters (But Not That Much): There are limits on square footage for both ADUs and JADUs, but they're pretty generous. Think 800 square feet for a standard ADU and 1,000 square feet for one with multiple bedrooms. JADUs, on the other hand, are capped at a cozy 500 square feet.
- Location, Location, Location: Don't get too excited about building a skyscraper ADU in your backyard. There are restrictions on height and setbacks from property lines, so make sure your tiny dream home isn't a towering nightmare for the neighbors.
Multi-Family and Mixed-Use Shenanigans:
- Double the Trouble, Double the Fun: For multi-family and mixed-use properties, things get a bit more complex. You can potentially add two new ADUs, either attached or detached, but there might be limitations based on the existing number of dwellings.
- Recycling Rooms into Rentals: Got a spare room in your apartment building collecting dust bunnies? California says, "turn it into an ADU!" Up to 25% of existing units in these buildings can be converted into legal living spaces, with some common-sense rules about setbacks and stuff.
The Big, Bold But Probably Not Applicable to You Disclaimer:
These are the general guidelines, but California, in all its bureaucratic glory, allows some local variations. Think of it as the spice in your ADU building journey. So, before you start hammering away, check with your local planning department to see if there are any special rules or permit requirements in your area.
So, how many ADUs can you build? Well, it depends on your property, your tolerance for tiny living spaces, and your willingness to navigate a labyrinth of local regulations. But hey, with a little planning and a sense of humor (because seriously, who decided tiny houses needed a fancy term like "Junior ADU"?), you could be well on your way to becoming a California ADU mogul!
