With the California housing market in such disarray, an increasing number of people are considering creating accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on their own land. A secondary housing unit, for example, may provide both a place to reside and a source of income for a suffering parent or a needy loved one. But what if your HOA discovers it? Can they stop you from building an ADU? Are there any rules governing the addition of structures to your property? Your concerns will be soothed as you read, and you will have a better understanding of what you can and cannot do with your house.
Homeowner’s Associations in California
To put it another way, there is no simple yes or no answer to this issue. While HOAs have the right to regulate the types of constructions permitted inside their communities, they must nevertheless follow the laws of the states and cities in which they are located. Several regulations are in place in California to preserve landowners’ rights to build ADUs.
The 2016 Assembly Bill 2215 prohibits homeowners’ organizations from imposing unjustifiable restrictions on property owners’ rights to construct ADUs on their property. The Accessory Dwelling Unit Act, commonly known as Senate Bill 13, was passed in 2017 and streamlined the licensing procedure for ADUs built on private property. Finally, HOAs must allow the development of ADUs up to 1200 square feet in size under Assembly Bill 2406, which was adopted in 2018.
ADUs Are Becoming More Popular
ADUs are tiny houses with many of the same facilities as the main house. The state of California, where rising property prices and a lack of appropriate land have generated a need for more affordable housing alternatives, may be ascribed to increased demand for such units. Long-term ADU leasing enables homeowners to produce income that may be used to pay off debt.
Because ADUs are frequently positioned at the back of houses or on smaller lots with no structures, they rarely need new construction or considerable changes. As a result, in high-priced real estate areas, they may be a wise and cost-effective option for homeowners. An ADU might be the solution to your concerns in today’s competitive real estate market. Nevertheless, before you begin, you must first understand how things are put together.
The Construction Methods Used
The construction of an ADU may be a time-consuming and labor-intensive endeavor. Investigate the relevant regulations and zoning standards in your location, as well as the services provided by the builder you’ve chosen, as a first step. Hiring a certified ADU construction company, such as Acton ADU, allows you to communicate directly with the staff to ensure that your ADU is created to your requirements. You can count on their designers to assist you in creating a one-of-a-kind building that complements your existing home.
Their expertise and talents will ensure the long-term viability of your new ADU. Acton ADU can assist you in realizing your dream of a beautiful and efficient ADU, whether you like a basic and minimalist design or an exciting addition to your home’s living area. Please click here for more information about their strategies.
In California, How Do HOAs Regulate ADU Construction?
When it comes to the creation of new housing units, homeowners’ associations (HOAs) in California may be quite restrictive. It is possible to specify minimum and maximum lot sizes, as well as a limitation on particular construction materials. Some homeowners’ organizations even have restrictions governing how loud parties may be and if pets are permitted.
Homeowners, on the other hand, have many options for getting around these limits. For example, the homeowner might contact the HOA and request permission to develop the planned ADU. Alternatively, they might employ an HOA attorney to contest the property restrictions. California homeowners who are proactive and follow the right procedures when working with their HOA may be able to avoid or reduce complications while constructing an ADU.
How to Find Out If Your HOA Will Approve an ADU
The first step in deciding whether or not to create an ADU on your property is to obtain approval from your local housing authority. Before you begin construction:
- Check to see if the HOA laws in your chosen neighborhood permit the construction of an ADU.
- Visit the HOA’s website or contact a representative to learn more about the restrictions that apply to you.
- Contact an ADU-experienced real estate agent; they may provide information on local zoning restrictions and identify reputable builders that specialize in the construction of secondary structures such as ADUs.
While researching and planning an ADU, you have the freedom and resources to create a place that fulfills your needs while also complementing the natural surroundings of your land. As a result, if you’re serious about determining if an ADU is a good fit for you, you should get started right immediately.
How to Get HOA Approval for Your ADU
In planning the construction of an ADU in Dublin, CA, it is critical to collaborate closely with your HOA. Here are some recommendations to assist you in completing this task as fast and efficiently as possible:
- In your discussions with the HOA, be as upfront and honest as possible. The more open and direct you are about your intentions, the simpler it will be for others to understand where you’re going. As a result, they are more inclined to provide their approval and blessing.
- Thoroughly examine all zoning and planning standards. Before you begin, be aware of the constraints imposed by your HOA since your HOA may have criteria or limitations that must be met in order for your project to be permitted. You should also seek the advice of a professional architect or builder to ensure that your ADU complies with local building codes.
- Establishing a reasonable beginning point for your goals would be advantageous to you. It is critical to be totally dedicated to a particular design or concept when obtaining HOA authorization since this may impede your ability to work closely and effectively with them during the application process. You’ll have a far higher chance of finding common ground with your association and developing a solid relationship with them if you have an open mind.
Last Thoughts
Even if your HOA isn’t crazy about the idea, they can usually only stop you from building an ADU if you follow all of the laws. In California, there are several rules in place to preserve landowners’ rights to construct ADUs. Your HOA will only listen to your offers if you break the law. Contact Acton ADU to find out how they may help you design a strategy for your HOA to consider. With their deep knowledge of zoning limitations in over 40 California cities, they are certain to assist you.