All Forum Posts by: Anakaren Muro

@Teacha Wong there are a couple of ways to do this.

1. If the zone allowes it, get a building permit for 2 units.

2. Obtain a zone variance.

Do you know the zone you are in?

Hi Sam, with the new ADU laws, you are allowed to have (2) ADU's in your lot & you can rent BOTH of them out... You can call the Garage Conversion a "Junior ADU"

"Require the accessory dwelling units to comply with all of the following:(i) The unit may be rented separate from the primary residence, but may not be sold or otherwise conveyed separate from the primary residence.(ii) The lot is zoned to allow single-family or multifamily use and includes a proposed or existing single-family dwelling.(iii) The accessory dwelling unit is either attached to, or located within, the proposed or existing primary dwelling, including attached garages, storage areas, or similar uses, or an accessory structure or detached from the proposed or existing primary dwelling and located on the same lot as the proposed or existing primary dwelling."

"(B) One detached, new construction, accessory dwelling unit that does not exceed four-foot side and rear yard setbacks for a lot with a proposed or existing single-family dwelling. The accessory dwelling unit may be combined with a junior accessory dwelling unit described in subparagraph (A)."

Hi Tess, 

Per the state bill..."When a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished in conjunction with the construction of an accessory dwelling unit or converted to an accessory dwelling unit, the local agency shall not require that those offstreet parking spaces be replaced."

Therefore for your situation, I would suggest one of the following (a) Stop the current plan check and ask to change your Scope of Work to "Permit an existing unpermitted ADU Garage Conversion, per Order to Comply #00000". You will need updated drawings to reflect the ADU floor plans ect, but you SHOULD NOT be required to replace the parking. (b)Or ask your plan checker for a supplemental to change the scope of work... this way you do not go back to the beginning of the process, and you keep the plan checker that is already familiar with your situation. Hope this helps.

Hello, 

Great news! 

As of January 01, 2020 R-2 Zones can have ADU's.