Regulations Concerning ADU Building in Sacramento
Quantity of ADUs Per Lot and the ADU Size
The Sacramento State Law permits the city residents to have two ADUs within one primary dwelling lot. The total lot coverage of the ADUs (or a single-unit dwelling) must not be more than 1 200 square feet. But the residents of the City of Sacramento must also pay attention to the primary lot itself. According to the City of Sacramento's manual (ordinance), the lot size must be at least 5.200 square feet. Any lot sized over 10 000 square feet can feature a 600-square-feet ADU. On the smaller-sized lots, the building of an ADU is prohibited. All ADUs must equally follow height requirements and do not exceed 14 feet in their height.
Design of an Accessory Dwelling Unit
All designers in this field recommend making an accessory dwelling unit architecturally compatible with the primary residence unit and the surrounding neighborhood. The colors, materials, and other features of your new ADU must be compatible with those of your primary dwelling unit and meet the local law requirements. Otherwise, the construction of an ADU will be prohibited. Every part of an ADU unit's balcony or open-stair landing facing the rear lot's line (or the side lot line nearest to the accessory dwelling unit ADU) must be placed at least three feet above the ground level. Using appropriate designs such as “no step” entrances is preferable where topography and site constraints allow. It's also crucial to meet zoning designation and setback requirements to building accessory dwelling units. The ADUs front yard and street side yard setbacks must comply with the property’s zoning requirements.
Fire Safety
You don't need to meet fire sprinkler requirements in the following cases:
- As to detached ADUs: the main unit has a sprinkler; your ADU size is no bigger than 1.200square feet.
- Regarding the attached ADUs: the main unit has no sprinkler. The ADU size is no more than half the primary unit's size; the total size of the structure (with the ADU included) is no more than 3.6 square feet.
Sacramento Setback Requirements
It is essential to build ADUs at a certain distance to the primary dwelling unit, depending on the zone in which your property is located. Conversions (i.e., a garage on the property line) do not need to meet setback requirements. But an additional multi-story property must fit the requirements.
An ADU with one story doesn't need to meet side yard and rear yard setback requirements. It must be at least 60-feet from the front property line or comply with two-story ADU setbacks. A two-story additional building must be a 4-foot side yard and rear yard setback. The ADUs front yard and street side yard setbacks must comply with the property’s zone requirements.
Parking Requirements
No parking zones are required for an ADU in Sacramento.
ADU Construction in Sacramento
intro
All in all, the benefits homeowners can get by buying themselves a mother-in-law house are many. All decisions to have one built made, but how and, moreover, who to ask for professional ADU construction services? Read on to find out about the best approach to picking a professional to build an ADU with all things considered.
The choice of the Right ADU Design/Build Specialist
Be ready for quite a splurge if your major is a decent ADU design and construction. While some manufacturers have put up some incredibly high price tags, others still manage to keep the prices at their lowest and provide quality services at reasonable costs. On the one hand, the planning and construction themselves are already tough tasks to fulfill, the other side— the legal one— is a huge space to cover up, and the assistance of some shrewd and hence, well-paid attorney specialist would be most required. The statistic shows that it is the deficiency of knowledge regarding the actual laws and regulations is the formative factor in the most delays and other issues arising during the ADU construction process.
The experience of our team doesn’t need bragging about to be noticed: we’ve been around for nearly a quarter of a century, so we have acquired sufficient knowledge and built up a certain amount of skill that we perpetually develop through continuous training and courses for employees. Besides general home and kitchen renovations and constructions, we specialize in designing and building ADUs. In other words, the entire process, from design outlines, assembly, up to finishing off, is to be performed under our thorough supervision through the assistance of our certified professionals.
Choosing a pro is first off, but there’s more to the ADU building process if you want to make it right, with proper respect to laws and touch if individuality in both interior and exterior design. Let us consider the requirements set for ADU builders and future owners.
Style, shapes, and textures
The first thing to consider is fitting the environment. Namely, your newly-built structure should not stand out among the rest buildings in close vicinity.
- The design and color schemes matter a lot, too. Some homeowners try to make their tiny houses look exactly like those of their neighbors. What also matters is the common design of entrances that should be conformed to by all neighbors.
- Another important thing is the heights of the building, which, too, should not stand out among other houses in the neighborhood. The maximum height is 14 feet, grade-to-plate. The main dwelling unit, understandably, should be taller.
- As to selling the ADU, you cannot do it without selling the primary dwelling. However, ADUs are more than often rented out^ as one of the benefits for owners.
- That you can wish to live in or rent out an ADU, it should be connected to the major utilities, including sewers, water (in RD zones), and electricity.
- Based on location, the fees to be paid for building an ADU differ. You can find more on the subject by addressing https://www.cityofsacramento.org/Community-Development/Building/Fee-Estimates
- Some historically important sites can be used for the construction of an ADU; however, their regulations for such zones are peculiar. Site plan design and thorough review of design is mandatory under chapter 17.808.
- As to the entry requirements, there can be no passages between the main unit and an ADU.
- If your single unit comprises an ADU, you can perform conversion of the existing building. Mind that the ADUs situated in historic areas may be subject to different requirements. An ADU should have a separate entrance and be built in line with fire safety demands.
- The stats show that, on average, an ADU brings to their owners-renters around $19 000 annually.
As to the contractor company, the choice of one should be weighted and based on certain factors. Read on to find out what qualities should a proper general contractor have to ensure lawful and successful ADU construction.
What qualities should Sacramento ADU contractors have?
The rising popularity of ADUs in Sacramento has set new objectives for construction and remodeling companies. The situation is fueled up by the world’s pandemic, which brings in new struggles and raises up new quality and safety standards. While the rental costs are hovering, the benefits from renting out an ADU is a good long-term investment. But keep in mind that a lot depends on the contractor.
1. Expertise
Opt for the contractors that have remained in the industry for a long time. This is usually the right choice, for the experience of the contractor company and its ability to stay afloat in hard times is a clear demonstration of the proper approach to business. If your contractor has been around in your area for a while, he knows which strings to pull in terms of effortless supply and high-quality materials.
2. Actual knowledge of local regulations
If you want your ADU to heed the law requirements, your contractor should take up this responsibility. They should be well aware of the actual versions of the local codes, permit regulations, and other legal issues to ensure a safe and secure project from the very start of works.
3. Well-weighted plan
While it is quite a challenge to design and construct the ADU, a decent contractor will have a solid, well-designed plan of the construction, with all other important factors considered, beforehand and be able to answer all your questions concerning the process.
4. Clear communication
The openness of the contractor is another factor in the basis of the decent construction process. It helps establish the right mood and connection between the property owner and construction specialists. Set all hesitation aside and be free to make inquiries.
5. Happy client review
And, maybe, word of mouth, which is still on point concerning the truthful descriptions of services, is to be considered. Your neighbors may have used the services of a certain contractor, so they can recommend a perfect one. Besides, there are testimonials on official websites of the best contractors in the sphere.
Prefab ADU Cost
If you are wondering whether to build a new additional dwelling unit or to purchase a prefab one, the main distinction worth noticing between the two options is the price. Understandably, the process of designing, outlining, and building of an ADU is more time—and money—consuming than, say, opting for the prefabricated type. The prices for the brand new ones register at nearly $150000.
Contrary to these, the price tags for the prefab dwelling units are way lower, starting at around $30000. However, the construction & utility connections aren’t covered by the amount. Another important thing is the acquisition of the permits. What also matters is the legal side of the process, which should be immaculately taken care of.
What other factors impact the cost of an ADU?
The first article of expenses is, of course, getting in touch with a knowledgeable contractor. The fee for such services usually amounts to about 10% of the total budget. All consultations, including those concerning utility connections, planning, permitting, and regulations, will require a paid specialist’s involvement.
Turnkey ADU Benefits
Besides the monetary benefits, prefab ADUs have a lot more to offer:
- Your primary dwelling unit remains intact and undisturbed because all the construction takes place away from your household. This ensures the usual order of things at your home. However, some preparations and offline meetings with your contractor will be required before the start of the operation.
- While some people overlook the quality and sustainability of prefab constructions, the proper contractors apply only the best materials and tools.
- Conventional construction procedures can be time-consuming and producing a lot of discomfort to the homeowners, with all that waste and noise during the entire process. This is never the case with the prefab ADUs.
- Ass the prefab units are fully built off-site, that keeps the peace of your household intact, and the environment is taken care of, too. You can opt for the customized ADU design options to embrace sustainability and increase individuality.
- The functionality of an ADU can be no less developed than that of your primary house unit.
Other ADU benefits
Among others, let us consider some more factors making the ADU building an intelligent and economical step.
- First off, the occupancy of your household increases
- Second of all, you can rent an ADU out for a good price to enlarge your annual income
- Third of all, this is a budget-friendly option, compared to the building of a primary dwelling unit
- Some ADUs can be manufactured with the 3D printing technology involved, which, together with the notch-carving materials and some in-built kitchen equipment used, makes an ADU a seducing option.
- All things are considered beforehand in the course of a detailed discussion between the contractor and the customer. All the documents required go in, too.
- The accessory dwelling unit adds value to your household, let alone the monthly income possible through renting out the unit.
ADU Kitchen ideas
When you rent out an ADU or let your relatives/friends stay for a couple of nights, it is more convenient than not if the ADU has some kitchen-like features.
- Therefore, the design of a dining area should be well-thought-out. The best approach is making the kitchen space that can be used for activities other than just eating.
- Applying a tiny kitchenette or small cabinetry will not make matters worse anyways. The ergonomy is key to a comfortable ADU: built-in appliances and smart storage areas are the way to go.
- Another important aspect is illumination. The light ought to be close to the natural to provide the best opportunities for working and living, and eating in the ADU. The kitchen area must have a sufficient number of electrical outlets.
- Little things like teapots and coffee makers are a good addition to any kitchen.
Find reliable professionals
Most importantly, the work on designing and building your ADU— prefab or not— should be entrusted to the right contractor company having the professional and certified workers in their employ. This will ensure the entire process, from outlining the plan up to giving the final touch to the construction at the end, goes well and meets all the federal and local requirements.
If your aim is to have an extra area within your household where you can chill out, work, welcome guests, or renting it out, deciding on the building of an ADU is the right choice. Our company ensures that all the work we take up is done in line with all demands, and we guarantee the utmost success of the operation.
