Is it possible to buy the property neighboring my STR add an ADU and rent all three?

Question

I am looking at purchasing the home next to my airbnb (STR). My current STR is licensed and understand I would need to apply for an additional STR license for the new parcel but with the properties being next to each other and very sizable lots could I build an ADU and have it share either, driveway access or "common area" as it's yard space or whatever makes the most sense? I am looking for creative ways to get three rentals operating instead of the one I have. There is no HOA in the neighborhood, zoned R2 so ADU's are permitted. Any insight on this would be great! TIA For reference I own 1134 and looking at 1138

Lauren Kormylo · Answer

You may find there are restrictions on renting out a house and an ADU on the same parcel.  A lot of municipalities specify that you must live in either the main house or the ADU in order to rent out the other one.  So check that out.  You also need to think about resale of each parcel, and not making this ADU a problem with the shared driveway or yard space.

Joshua Bennett · Answer

@Kevin J. Notte typically the ADU has to be on the same legal lot as the primary home. You will want to check on that and see if there is a way to achieve your goal. Lot aggregation or a lot line adjustment might work or not, you will want to check with the planning department about that.

John Underwood · Answer

Do you have sewer or septic?

If septic, you may need the minimum room and approval for another septic tank.

Ashley Bitner · Answer

I agree with @Lauren Kormylo - where I'm located (North County San Diego) once you submit plans to build an ADU on your property, you automatically forfeit your short term rental permit. So definitely check on the rules surrounding that in your area.

Michael Baum · Answer

Also, you should check to make sure there aren't any restrictions on permits.

You say your current property is licensed so there might be a restriction on a number of STRs in a specific area or within a specified distance from another operating STR.

I would call the city/county and get the deets @Kevin J. Notte

Andrew Steffens · Answer

This I think is a question specific to your local municipality.  I would go to city and hall and ask about the processes.  Unfortunately I do not think (based on my experience) they will give you hard answers until you actually own it.  Usually you have to have all the pieces in place then submit an application to get the hard answer, but I would definitely go there and hope to get some sort of answer in writing before pursuing.

Stacy Raskin · Answer

I would double check if there were regulations on the city, county or state level regarding ADUs specifically. Sometimes there are and that can impact being able to rent or sell the property in the future. Some areas are more lenient while others can be quite strict.

Kevin J. Notte · Answer

@Bruce Woodruff I guess I'm more concerned with any restrictions I might run into essentially turning two parcels into three... Clearly the setbacks and zoning for structures will have to be approved but what about tiny houses, driveways, fencing options or anything that would fall on the property line... Would owning both of them be reason this makes sense? I also don't want to raise too much attention to the city and ask a bunch of questions as the STR committee is heavily monitoring operations.

Is it possible to buy the property neighboring my STR add an ADU and rent all three?

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