What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in Riverside are additional homes built on existing single or multifamily residential properties. They’re also known as backyard homes, guest houses, casitas, mother- in-law units, and granny flats. There are many different types of ADUs, including both separate structures located in a back or side yard (detached) and conversions of existing spaces such as basements, attics, and garages (attached). USModular specializes in Detached ADUs.
Under the County of Riverside ADU requirements, these units may be up to 1000 sq. ft in size. In addition, these units are an accessory to a single-family or multifamily residential building, wherever Riverside ADU zoning code permits. An ADU must provide permanent living, sleeping, eating, cooking facilities, and sanitation provisions.
The County of Riverside also allows a Second Unit – with larger floor plans dependent on lot size.
What are Riverside ADU requirements in my neighborhood in Riverside, CA?
In 2020 and 2021, new laws were passed making it easier for Californians to build ADUs. Major changes to Riverside ADU zoning code regulations, permit requirements, and developmental standards went into effect, making it easier and faster and cheaper to build an ADU on your property. Most Single-Family homes qualify for an ADU up to 1000 sq ft.
Can I build an ADU in Riverside? How many can I build?
According to the Riverside ADU zoning code, you can build one detached ADU and one junior ADU (a unit no more than 500 square feet located within the home) on most single-family residential lots. If you live on a multifamily lot, you can build two detached ADUs.
How do you build your ADUs?
We are prefabricated construction specialists. Our ADUs are built in a factory to ANSI – American National Building code (Tiny Homes), Federal/HUD building code (Manufactured Home) or CBC/Local Building code. We choose to build prefabricated construction as we have more control over the timeline and quality of construction. Also, prefabricated construction is less disruptive to residents of homes and neighborhoods as our on-site time is minimal.
How long does permitting an ADU take in Riverside?
Permitting takes between 3-6 months. We recommend ordering your home while we are still in the permit phase to shorten the overall built time.
Do I have to build a parking space for an ADU in Riverside?
According to new state laws and the City of Riverside ADU requirements, an additional parking spot is not needed if the ADU is located within a half mile of a public bus stop or rail station, is on a street that requires on-street parking permits but the permit has not been offered to the occupant of the ADU; or is located within one block of a public car-share program. If you do not meet this requirement – we will need to show space on your lot for ADU parking, which can be on the existing driveway as a tandem space.
Are there any hidden or surprise costs?
We offer all-inclusive pricing for standard sites. If your lot has special circumstances (hillside, sewer pumps, septic, crane etc), we determine any additional fees charges for extra site work, upgrades, etc., with you upfront so you know your full cost to build an ADU.
How will an ADU affect the sale price of my house?
An ADU can increase property value and therefore can boost the price of the primary home when it’s time to sell. However, many factors go into home prices, and every case is unique.
Can I customize the standard floor plan options?
Predesigned Floor plans have limited ability to change, so you should choose a floor plan to meet your needs. Colors and finishes can be customized.
How do I know if an ADU can fit on my property in Riverside?
Many properties can accommodate an ADU, and we offer approved ADU Riverside-required drawing designs ranging 160 sq ft to 1,200 sq ft. To determine if the property can fit an ADU, contact us for a free Virtual site assessment.
How does an ADU access sewer, water and electricity lines?
In most cities, ADUs are allowed to connect to the primary home’s water, sewer, electricity and gas. MyADU4Less will make these connections.
What if I live on a hillside in Riverside?
Cities often have special building regulations for hillside construction. The feasibility of hillside construction must be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Does it make sense for me to build an ADU on my property?
That is a question only you can answer but we can provide a few reasons why it might:
• You need extra space for aging parents or kids, and its expensive for them to live in an apartment
• You want extra income and have unused space on your property.
• As an example – in many areas of Southern California, a 2 or 3-bedroom apartment is $2000 per month. If you finance a $200,000 ADU with a home refinance and use your home’s equity – typical payments on this loan is $900-$1000 / month. Economically it seems to make sense as it can save family members on rent or help you earn $ monthly. Contact us to help you choose the Right ADU for you!!
What is a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU)?
A Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit in Los Angeles (JADU) is a dwelling unit with independent exterior access that is no more than 500 square feet in size and contained entirely within a single-family residence, including an attached garage. The proposed JADU or the existing single-family residence must be owner-occupied.
It looks like you’re getting ready to build an ADU! The MyADu4less and USModular teams are experienced, expert modular home builders that are intimately familiar with the County of Riverside ADU requirements and are happy to help minimize the time and frustration usually associated with new construction:
• Free Virtual Site Assessment
• Site Assessment, Meeting and Budget Prep
• Design /Options finalized
• Contract Signed
• Plans – complete and submit – to local building department.
• ADU Sales Order Finalized – Escrow opened
• ADU fabrication
• Permits issued
• Site Construction begin – Foundation and Utilities
• ADU delivery and Installation
• Final Inspection
• House Warming Party!!!!
Email: info@usmodularinc.com
Phone: 951-679-9907 Ext. 1
Website: https://www.usmodularinc.com/lets-go-modular/
