So You Want to Be an ADU Overlord? A Guide to Square Footage in the Golden State
Ah, the Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU). The in-law suite. The granny flat. Whatever you call it, these little guys are popping up all over California like architectural dandelions. But before you dive headfirst into tiny-house living for your second cousin Tony (who, let's be honest, might outstay his welcome), there's one key question: how big can this thing actually be?
Fear not, fellow Californian dreamer! We're about to unravel the mysteries of ADU square footage, with a healthy dose of humor to keep things interesting. Because let's face it, wading through legalese can be drier than week-old sourdough.
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| How Many Square Feet Can An Adu Be In California |
Buckle Up, Buttercup: State Law vs. Local Laws
Here's the thing about California, the land of sunshine and (sometimes) sensible regulations: there's a whole lotta bureaucracy to navigate. So, when it comes to ADU size, we gotta consider two bigwigs:
QuickTip: Stop and think when you learn something new.
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Big Papa State Law: This generous fella says that ADUS can be up to 1200 square feet. Pretty darn spacious, if you ask me. You could practically fit a whole yoga studio in there (although, with all that downward dogging, who would water your prize-winning begonia collection?).
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Local Larry: Now, things get interesting. Cities and counties can have their own ADU size restrictions, as long as they don't dip below 800 square feet. So, Local Larry might be a bit more of a size-conscious fellow than Big Papa.
The moral of the story? Check with your local planning department before you get too excited about your mansion-sized ADU. They might have different ideas about what constitutes a "cozy" guest suite.
Tip: Revisit challenging parts.
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Size Does Matter (But Not That Much)
Let's be honest, most of us aren't planning on building a Taj Mahal-sized ADU. But it's good to know the options, right? Here's a cheat sheet to get you started:
Tip: Look for examples to make points easier to grasp.
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The Humble One-Bedroom ADU: California law allows these little guys to stretch their legs up to 850 square feet. Plenty of space for a tiny kitchen, a sleeping nook, and maybe even a shoebox-sized bathroom (because, let's face it, who wants a long bathroom break when there's Netflix to be watched?).
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The Two-plus Bedroom ADU Extravaganza: Feeling fancy? If your ADU boasts two or more bedrooms, the state bumps up the size limit to a whopping 1,000 square feet. Now we're talking! You could even squeeze in a guest room for your pet goldfish (just be sure they have a good view).
Remember: These are just the state-wide guidelines. Local Larry might have different ideas, so be sure to consult your local planning department.
So, How Big Can Your ADU Be?
The answer, my friend, is it depends. But with a little research and a healthy dose of humor, you can navigate the world of ADU square footage like a champion. Now get out there and build your dream tiny house (or not-so-tiny house, depending on Local Larry's whims)!
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