Understanding ADU Guidelines
You need to have a full understanding of ADU guidelines before beginning your design process. This will help to ensure you design a unit that is capable of being built in accordance with the laws and regulations of your area.
Essential Rooms of An ADU-
A common ADU mistake is not knowing the necessary rooms and their required components.
The layout of an ADU must include:
- A kitchen
- Bathing area
- Bathroom facilities
- Sleeping area
The Kitchen:
A kitchen must contain the following aspects.
- Cabinets
- Countertop
- Sink with running water
- Stove or stove hookup
Appliances such as microwaves or toaster ovens can not be used as stove substitutes.
The Bathroom:
The bathroom must contain the following aspects:
- A shower/tub
- A sink
- A toilet
Other Essentials-
There are also other required aspects to building an ADU such as:
- A conversion ADU height limit is 1,200 square-feet
- Minimum size of 150 square feet
- Fire sprinklers and smoke alarms
- Its own exit Single story height limit of 16 feet
Fire Sprinklers:
Fire sprinklers are only required if the primary home is required to have them. If not, then they are not needed. However, smoke alarms are always a necessity.
The Exit:
The ADU is required to have an exit to the outdoors that does not go through the primary home on the lot if it is attached. The ADU can have access to the primary home, but it doesn’t have to. As long as there is a direct exit to the outdoors, it will be good.
Knowing Your Local Zoning Codes:
Each community has its own regulations when it comes to building an ADU. You will need to follow both your state and local authorities’ rules and regulations when designing and building your ADU.
You will also need to acquire the appropriate permits before starting construction. Commonly, you will need a building permit and possibly permission to hook up water and electricity. These permits will cost you money, so keep that in mind when forming your budget.
Building Your Dream ADU:
It is imperative that you take into consideration all the ADU construction guidelines before even beginning your design process. The last thing you want is to get fined or punished in another way for building an ADU not within local government regulations.
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