All Forum Posts by: John A Murray

Developer fees such as this one are going away Jan 1 2020 for ADU's under 500sf, and reduced fees for those over 500sf. Sounds like you're stuck with them-ouch! I'll save $5k in developer fees by waiting but will have yo solar PV the ADU;maybe do the sfr at the same time.

I believe you can have either an attached or detached ADU and an attached (integral like a bedroom) JADU. With development fees going away or being reduced Jan 1 2020 I believe you would want to wait until the new year BUT you will be required to solar panel the ADU.

Have a plan drawn up and speak to some contractors. I believe they could give you a rough idea BUT make sure you are aware of new energy regulations that mandate solar panels and that PG and E is ok with the location of the power lines. There is no set in stone cost sheet this will require due diligence on your part.

The Info I am having trouble finding relates to the 2019 energy standards. I read the new language but its hieroglyphics to me. I know I'll need solar but not sure what all the other changes are ie windows-insulation etc.

Jason could I leave the ceiling open, roof sheathing exposed and painted, or must I insulate and drywall?

https://maxablespace.com/about-maxable/

I would call them for a free consult; they are located in San Diego. Let us know what you find out.

You can have 1 ADU and 1 JADU in addition to 1 SFR.

Pretty clear that basement room is not permitted, but would make for a JADU. You would have to ensure it's up to code which could be a pain to do. If you know a good contractor have him take a look, or there is a company near you, Maxable, which specializes in ADU/JADU's. They can help you. Get all the info you can from the current owner, especially since he was the owner who did the work. He could have plans, drawings, receipts etc.

Which leaves you with the ability to build an ADU. Don't think the zoning would have any effect at all on the ADU/JADU. Only thing to worry about is how many dineros you have in your wallet.

Waiting to get started on my ADU on 1/1/20 to get away from developer impact fees ($5k) but will have to solar power the ADU. I was advised that garage conversion ADU's are considered as new construction for purpose of complying with multiple new requirements. I have been having trouble getting complete information on this.

Any info or advice on new requirements?

An Appraiser recently told me that he would value a "builder quality" $50k garage conversion ADU at maybe around $20k, due to the requirements they have to follow. I believe a similar situation is when there is an overbuilt structure; the buyer has to come in with more cash. As David M. stated above, having something that would pay one-half of your mortgage payment is quite valuable. May be better to find a property with an existing ADU than developing one on your existing property?

Hi Derek,

My understanding is that the only way to get this done is that you can pay LADWP to move the power lines. They are a grand bureaucracy; very slow and very expensive. I heard about $9,000 and get in line.

Don't forget solar power required after 12/31/19.

Kind of crazy as SoCal Edison isn't making this an issue. Years back they moved our power line to run directly over the pool, so I had them out and they said "no big deal" if there is a pool or a structure under power lines. Go figure.

One of the new laws addresses turnaround time for approvals, but don't know if/how that applies to revisions.

Tim G. gives great advice: "Be ready to deal with stupid rules that apply to us for reasons that don't always make sense. Accept it and find a way to make it work. Taking the path to least resistance when it comes to building departments and focusing on the end goal (a cash flowing unit) over it having a specific size or design that we wanted".