What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit?
An accessory dwelling unit is a small apartment or living space that is accessory to a primary residential building. These smaller apartment-like units can be attached to the main residential building or completely detached. They typically are designed with a full kitchen, a bedroom, bathroom, and living area. Accessory units have several other names, including ”mother-in-law apartment”, “granny flat”, “granny suite”, ”in-law suite”, and “accessory apartment”.
What are the laws around ‘Granny Flat’ buildings?
In 1986, the state of California put a ‘granny flat’ law in place. A granny flat refers to a second accessory unit to a residential building. Under Government Code Section 65852.2 Second Unit Law, the granny flat statute is in place to provide affordable housing in population-dense areas such as Los Angeles, ease rental housing deficits, increase the property tax base, and allow for additional income to homeowners. A Los Angeles homeowner may obtain an ordinance to build second-unit housing in a single-family house. They may set certain standards around restricted parking, unit size, and structural preferences. Localities have the discretion to consider such things as traffic flow and water and sewer services; however, localities must maintain the intent of second-unit state law, without undue provisions and requirements.
Can Modular Manufacturers build an accessory home in Los Angeles?
Yes! USModular offers everyone the opportunity to own a quality built home with all of the custom features and preferences they want, regardless of the size of the project. If you want it, we can build it!
