As California’s housing crisis worsens, an increasing number of people are looking at methods to develop accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in their homes. After all, an ADU can provide much-needed additional income or housing for aging parents or adult children. What happens if your homeowners’ association (HOA) finds out about your plans? Can they really prevent you from constructing an ADU?
California Homeowner’s Associations
There is no easy yes or no response to this question. While HOAs have the ability to govern the sort of development permitted in their community, they are limited by state and municipal laws. There are many pieces of legislation in California that safeguard landowners’ rights to construct ADUs.
Assembly Bill 2215, for example, forbids HOAs from unduly restricting homeowners’ rights to develop ADUs on their land. Furthermore, in 2017, Senate Law 13 (also known as the Accessory Dwelling Unit law) was approved, making it easier for homeowners to get the licenses required to build an ADU. Finally, Assembly Bill 2406, passed in 2018, permits landowners to develop ADUs up to 1200 square feet on their property.
ADUs Are Becoming More Popular in California
ADUs are tiny residences constructed on the same lot as a larger house. In California, where rising housing costs and a paucity of land have prompted a need for more cheap living alternatives, these flats are becoming increasingly popular. One of the most significant advantages of ADUs is their capacity to be utilized as long-term rentals, allowing property owners to offset mortgage costs.
Because ADUs are commonly positioned at the rear of homes or on smaller lots that do not presently include dwellings, they do not require new construction or major changes. As a result, they can be a realistic and cost-effective solution for homeowners in locations where land is scarce. An ADU may be exactly what you need if you want to increase your rental revenue or make your property more competitive in today’s tough housing market. However, you must first grasp the construction procedure.
The Methodology of ADU Construction
Building an ADU may be a challenging and time-consuming process. To begin, you must research a variety of crucial elements, including local restrictions, zoning requirements, and the services provided by your selected builder. You may work directly with a seasoned ADU builder, such as Acton ADU, to ensure that your ADU is both functional and visually appealing. Their design experts will work with you to develop a one-of-a-kind building plan that compliments your current house.
They can guarantee that your new ADU will last because of their experience and zeal for fine craftsmanship. Acton ADU can help you realize your dream of a beautiful and effective ADU, whether it’s basic and minimalist or an exciting addition to your home’s living space. Visit www.actonadu.com to discover more about their method.
What Sorts of Restrictions Could an HOA Place on Your Construction?
In California, a homeowner’s association may impose a variety of limitations on the building of an ADU. They may, for example, establish minimum and maximum lot size limits or place restrictions on the materials used to build the ADU. Furthermore, HOAs may impose restrictions on the kind of activities or behaviors permitted on the property, such as noise levels or the presence of pets.
There are, however, a variety of techniques that homeowners might employ to circumvent these limits. They can, for example, work with their HOA to get permission for their proposed ADU project. Alternatively, they may seek the assistance of an HOA legal specialist to contest any limitations imposed on their property. Finally, by being proactive and engaging with their HOA, homeowners may overcome any obstacles that may emerge when constructing an ADU in California.
How to Find Out If Your HOA Will Allow You to Build
Contacting your local housing authority is the first step in evaluating whether or not you may install an ADU on your property. HOA rules vary significantly from region to region, so be certain that your chosen location allows for an ADU before going ahead with any building plans. Visit your HOA’s website or speak with a representative to learn more about what your HOA permits. A knowledgeable real estate agent about ADUs may also provide information about local zoning restrictions as well as a list of builders who have expertise in creating secondary structures such as ADUs.
Finally, properly studying and preparing for an ADU will ensure that you have the flexibility and resources required to construct a place that suits your needs while complementing the surroundings of your property. So, if you’re serious about determining if an ADU is a good fit for you, you should get started right immediately.
How to Collaborate With Your HOA to Get ADU Approval
When constructing an ADU in Santa Clara County, CA, it is critical to collaborate closely with your HOA to ensure that all required permissions are secured. Here are some suggestions to help you complete this procedure quickly and efficiently:
- Communicate with your HOA openly and honestly. The more forthright and explicit you are about your goals, the simpler it will be for people to comprehend what you are attempting to achieve. This raises the likelihood of their approval and support.
- Investigate all applicable planning and zoning rules thoroughly. In order for your project to be authorized, your HOA will have specific criteria or limits that must be satisfied. As a result, it is critical that you grasp these guidelines before beginning the procedure. It would help if you also got professional advice from an architect or builder to design an ADU that fits all specifications.
- Make sure your expectations are fair from the outset. It is critical to avoid becoming unduly engaged in any specific design or idea prior to gaining authorization from your HOA since this may prevent you from working closely and efficiently with them during the application process. Maintaining an open mind increases your chances of finding common ground and developing a fantastic relationship with your association in the future.
Last Thoughts
While your HOA may object to your plans for an ADU, they will only be able to block you if you follow all of the legal requirements. There are many pieces of legislation in California that safeguard landowners’ rights to construct ADUs. It would help if you were allowed to carry out your plans as long as you follow the restrictions set by these rules.
