Multi-Family ADU Possibilities

haylDid you know, if you own a multi-family property, you can add up to 25% of your total current units as ADUs? And...in most cities you are allowed to use uncovered parking spaces to develop these ADUs as well as:

• Recreation Rooms
• Offices
• Garages
• Covered parking spaces
• Uncovered parking spaces
• Any enclosed space not being used at a minimum of 150 sf

Steps to create your ADUs:
1. Engage an architect and reviewing all planning and zoning requirements for that city/county.

2. Gather your Grant deed, title report and schedule a site visit with the architect and engineering team.

3. Working with your architect to design and layout your ADUs per your goals. Some items to decide on:
- How many bedrooms do you want based on rent return?
- Will you do a full kitchen or an efficiency kitchen which has a hot plate and sink only?
- Do you want to create outdoor space for the unit?
 - Will your appliances use gas or electrical service?
- What is currently available sewer and will you need a pump if your ADU is below sewer line? Suggest to hire a plumber to put a camera scope through the line. 
- Verify existing plumbing fixtures on site, how many washer/dryers, dishwashers, etc - Architect/engineer to verify if current water service is a large enough capacity to handle new demand added. If not, you will need to upgrade water service with the city/county.
- What will the design aesthetic be? Will it match existing property or be a different style?

4. Sign up for new service as soon as possible with SDGE as wait times can be long - only owners can sign up through their website. Your electrical contractor or engineer can verify existing space in electrical panels or on site service to see if you have possibility of enough power to create sub panels for each ADU. Generally min. 150 amps per panel, most do 200 amps. Note, adding a separate meter takes longer and costs more than feeding from existing service. 

5. Release your architect to prepare construction documents, including engineering if needed. 

6. Submit your plans to your local juridiction for review.

Contact Simbiotek to get your project started.
[email protected]