An ADU or Accessory Dwelling Unit is a separate living space with its own separate entrance that is constructed on an existing residential lot. In effect, it creates more living units for the community and creates higher housing density. See below for a video tour of my neighbor’s ADU that he both designed and built.
These additional living spaces are known by a variety of names such as: a back house, a granny unit, an in-law unit, a backyard cottage, a secondary unit, a garage apartment, a guest house or in days past these dwellings were referred to here in South Pasadena as a carriage house or a coach house. Whatever you call them, ADU’s have become very popular here in California since the passage of AB 2299 and SB 1069 in 2016. These legislative bills generally required California cities to allow ADUs to be built on the majority of residential lots – eliminating the need to own a large lot in order to build another living structure. For example, before these bills were passed a lot would need to be over 12,000 square feet in order to build an ADU in South Pasadena real estate.
Fast forward to now and there is a “mini-boom” in ADU construction. The advantages to a homeowner are clear:
Create additional living space – either for extended family, guests or as a rental unit;
Cost savings over buying a separate property. Since the land is already owned – the only cost is in the construction of the dwelling;
Increase the sales value of a home;
Help alleviate the severe housing shortage we currently have in South Pasadena.
Adding an ADU immediately increases the value of your home – and if you choose to rent it out – can create a cash stream for your efforts from the rental income.
Click here to check out all the specific rules for the city on ADUs in South Pasadena.
If you’re interested in adding an ADU to your South Pasadena property – reach out anytime for some reference properties of my clients to view or to get a referral to the designer / builder in the video above.
