Existing Structure - ADU - Question

[Santiago Casar]

Good evening good people, 

Bought a property in the vista, CA area. There is a main house with a back structure, looks like at some point it was a garage. It was converted to a two-story living space, about 2000 (sqft). Does anybody have experience on how to go about legalizing an existing structure? I want to take the legal route, but I am afraid city might force me to bring structure down or convert back to a garage. 

Appreciate any expertise or even legal contact.

Cheers,

Santiago

[Dan H.]

On the positive, SB13 provides 5 years to address bootleg units to legalize as an ADU assuming there are no health or safety issues.

The negative is state ADU laws require a jurisdiction to allow up to 1200' for an ADU. The highest footage for a jurisdiction I am aware of for an ADU is 1400'. I know of no jurisdiction that will allow a 2000' ADU.

Have you looked at SB9 and potential lot split?   How big is the lot?   If split would both lots have a public access?  SB9 may be your best opportunity because the unit is greater than 1200’.  

Good luck