California Accessory Dwelling Units
Gluttony is out and simplicity is in. The mini-mansion of the past has been replaced with a house a fraction of its size. The ADU is making a splash in the world of real estate as more and more people abandon large scale homes for a smaller, more livable abode. Measuring less than 1200 sf, today’s ADU in California may offer less space than a two-car garage. Still, its popularity continues to soar.
Why Are Accessory Dwelling Units Popular in California?
There are a lot of reasons why the ADU movement is taking off in California. In a state where rents and housing prices are extremely high, many young professionals and older adults like the idea of the savings a smaller house offers.
Since ADU’s are usually registered as either RV’s or mobile homes, they are exempt from many of the taxes and regulations of standard homes. Plus, there is the versatility of these small abodes. With less living space, that means less house to maintain. Many people love the flexibility of being able to travel and not being tied down to a large house.
Whether it is the savings a small home offers or the flexibility they provide, ADU dwellers are enjoying life unencumbered – and that is a benefit many are enjoying.
Benefits of ADU Living in California
No one gives up the luxury of a full size house without experiencing some benefits. As the ADU craze sweeps through California, many are realizing the benefits of scaling back their lifestyles – and their homes.
They are environmentally friendly: many ADU’s sport solar panels, rain water systems and other environmentally conscience amenities. This can lower a homeowners impact on the world considerably, making it a great option for the environmentally conscience homeowner.
They use less energy: the smaller the home, the less energy it is going to use
They are easier to clean: who wouldn’t love to clean their entire house in less than an hour? Many ADU’s take even less time
They take little maintenance: one of the biggest stresses on a homeowner is the ongoing maintenance a large home requires. ADU’s make upkeep simple and easy.
Deciding Where to Plant Your ADU in California
There is a lot of freedom to owning an ADU in California; but there are also some rules and regulations that homeowners need to be aware of. First, many cities do not permit ADU’s unless they comply with standard building codes and size requirements. This means that tiny houses in larger urban areas must be built on a foundation; be more than 500 square feet in size; and have all systems inspected by a city inspector or codes enforcement officer. In some areas, accessory dwelling units can be placed in the backyard of an existing home if it will be used primarily as an in-home office; in-law suite or guest house.
More rural areas of California tend to a bit more ADU friendly than urban areas, but may still have restrictions. It is always best to check with your local zoning office before planning to place an ADU on an existing lot or property.
Consider asking local zoning offices about installing tiny homes (Accessory Dwelling Units) in cities across California such as:
Los Angeles
San Francisco
San Diego
Oakland
Sacramento
San Jose
We Build and Sell ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS that are built to Federal and Local Code only!
Some Tiny Homes as seen on TV are actually Park Model RV’ and less than 400 sq ft , built to an RV code and are NOT allowed as a full time residence on the majority of properties in California.
We do not sell these units.