California Garage to ADU Conversion

California garage to ADU conversion is the second most common way to create additional dwelling space within an existing residential home in Los Angeles.

In California, garage conversions are commonly referred to Accessory Dwelling Units, “ADUs”. A law called Assembly Bill 68 updated existing ADU laws like Senate Bill 1069 and made it even easier for homeowners to legally build ADUs on their properties. The bills text provides detailed information about regulations and rights of residents regarding ADUs.

In fact, a large number of Los Angeles residence already live in “back houses” and ADUs. After all, Converting a garage into a living space can be the easiest and most cost-effective way to create an additional dwelling unit to your property. In addition, it can offer various other advantages as well.

Can garage conversion be profitable? Yes, there are various ways that a property owner can profit from converting their garage into an ADU.

Additional Rental Income

ADUs provide an additional source of rental income for homeowners and low-cost housing for many renters living in Los Angeles.

Likewise, an ADU conversion offers manageable density to single-family areas where new apartment complexes would be hard to construct.

California Senate Bill 1069

In 2016, California Senate Bill 1069 made it easy for homeowners obtain approval of remodeling garages into new living spaces.

The bill to reduce the barriers many California homeowners face when seeking to build an accessory dwelling unit or granny flat on their property.

California Assembly Bill 68

Assembly Bill 68 became active on January 1, 2020 and made it even easier for homeowners to get legally permitted for California garage to ADU conversions.

This updated bill changes existing ADU laws involved with lot size, max ADU size, amount of ADUs, and more.

Garage to ADU Conversions Size Requirements in California Prior to Assembly Bill 68

California Garage to ADU conversion size requirements can vary by city in California.

For instance, in the City of Santa Monica, all types of ADUs can be up to 650 square feet in size. On the other hand, in City of Glendale garage to ADU conversion size requirement is limited to a maximum of 600 square feet. City like Santa Monica, Glendale, and Pasadena have ADU ordinance which outlines city-specific guidelines for ADU dwellings.

However, per state law, the size of an ADU attached to the main residential house is limited to a maximum of 1,200 square feet or half the size of the existing residence, whichever is smaller. While, detached ADUs can not be larger than 1,200 square feet.

Assembly Bill 68 has updated these requirements. Please refer to our web page that goes over some detailed changes made by AB-68 at ambuildersla.com/assembly-bill-68 for more information.

Do You Need a Permit for Los Angeles Garage to ADU Conversion?

In Los Angeles-area cities, and in unincorporated Los Angeles County, homeowners seeking to do a garage to ADU conversion may need to run the plans for the remodeling project by their local department of building and safety.

ADU Certificate of Occupancy

Upon the completion of California garage to ADU conversion, homeowners will need to obtain a certificate of occupancy before a tenant can move in.

As such, the ADU structure will need to be inspected, including electricity, plumbing, and heating system will be required to all be in working order.

Garage Conversion Ideas

There are many types of rooms that garages can be converted into. Some conversion ideas include:

• ADU conversions
• Living space conversion
• Studio conversion
• Game room conversion
• Home office conversion
• Playroom conversion

Garage Conversion Contractors in California

Are you are seeking an experienced garage conversion contractor for your project?

Experts at our construction company offer the highest quality garage conversion Los Angeles can provide. Get a free estimate online or call now to go over the details of your project!