Accessory Dwelling Unit
An accessory dwelling unit is a great way to create a separate living space within a single piece of property. Many times, a residential zoned lot will not allow for multi-family units such as duplexes, townhouses or apartments. A wrap around to this zoning requirement is to install an ADU or accessory dwelling unit. Essentially it is adding another unit to your property without having to ask for a zoning variance or change. The biggest difference between an ADU or duplex/apartment is that an ADU must use the utilities and address designated for the primary residence. Meaning the power bill can’t be split up and the unit is not allowed to have its own address. These dwelling units are also called mother-in-law suites for good reason. As prices of housing goes up and families tend to stick together longer and ADU is a great option.
Should you decide to install an ADU and get denied for whatever reason you can try resubmitting your application as a remodel only and remove the oven/range. The only difference between having a man cave with a bar and fridge or having an actual separate dwelling unit is the range/oven. As an inspector I have had multiple people get caught putting in an additional unit without a permit or it wasn’t allowed for some reason and all they had to do is remove the range/oven. Just and extra tip just in case!
Below is an ADU guideline sheet that I found from a city close to where I live. If you look at it, you will
notice that the guidelines come from the local municipal code, meaning that these are NOT guidelines to be used for any other city or county. But they should give you an idea on what might be required for approval.
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