ADU – What’s New for 2024*
New Law – AB 1033
California has historically allowed local agencies to prohibit the separate sale of ADUs from the primary dwelling for owners, investors, and developers. Assembly Bill 1033 will allow homeowners to sell one or more ADUs separately from their primary residence. The law authorizes (but does not require) local agencies to adopt local ordinances allowing ADUs to be sold as condominiums separately from the primary dwelling with approval from the California Department of Real Estate. Homeowners may consider creating a Homeowners Association (HOA) between the primary residence and the ADU to manage the common property.
ADU – What’s new for 2023*
Changes to the 60-Day Rule
Assembly Bill 2221 requires all agencies involved with reviewing California ADU plans, including planning departments and utility companies, to respond within 60 days of submission of plans. This change reduces the time for application review and processing.
Revised ADU Height Restrictions
ADU – What’s new for 2022*
Senate Bill 9. This relates to duplexes and lot splits. SB 9 provides for the ministerial approval of converting existing homes occupied by a homeowner into a duplex if certain eligibility restrictions are satisfied. It also allows a single-family home lot to be split into two lots, and a duplex to be built on each lot, provided that the initial home is occupied by the owner as their primary residence for at least three years.
Some key points of SB 9: Continue Reading →
ADU – What’s new for 2020*
PER ORDINANCE NO. 186481 – An ordinance amending Sections 12.03, 12.22 and 12.33, and repealing portions of Section 12.24, of Chapter 1 of the Los Angeles Municipal Code
- Allow one JADU (Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit) in addition to one ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) per residential lot. A JADU is a unit that is no more than 500 square feet in size and contained entirely within a single-family residence. It may include separate sanitation facilities, Continue Reading →
ADU – Basic Information
What is it?
- A separate residence unit located on the same lot as a single family home.
- Includes the usual elements of a residence, such as a kitchen and a bath, but smaller.
- Can replace an existing garage in lieu of building a new structure.
- A cost effective way to generate passive income and/or to enlarge an existing home.
Advantages: Continue Reading →
We Know ADU!
Our Simplified Menu*
$5000 – ADU Conversion of an existing garage – Under 500 S.F.
$6500 – ADU Conversion of an existing garage – Over 500 S.F.
$8000 – ADU Conversion of an existing garage – Over 800 S.F.
$8500 – New ADU – Under 500 S.F. (Over 500 S.F. request a quote)
$9500 – ADU Conversion of a garage plus addition – Under 800 S.F.
Our Services Include:
- Site Meeting Continue Reading →
ADUs and Aesthetics
To learn more about our services, contact us at ortnerdesign@gmail.com
When it comes to aesthetics, ADUs don’t get the same love as main houses.
Most times, the lack of pleasing aesthetics is solely budgetary. An ADU conversion costs anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000 or more and many homeowners need the rental income produced by the ADU and can’t afford to spend any money on “extras.”
The Cost of ADUs
Clients often wonder about the dramatic range of costs for an ADU. There are several reasons to consider:
1. ADUs can be created in multiple ways, such as converting an attached or detached garage into an ADU, creating an ADU by adding on to an existing home or garage, building a detached ADU on the lot of an existing home, or building a detached ADU over a new or existing garage. Construction prices will vary depending on the type of ADU construction.
ADU and Taxes
We specialize in the design and permitting of ADU’s and home additions/remodeling. To learn more about our services, contact us at ortnerdesign@gmail.com
Many of our clients who want to convert an existing garage or build a new ADU are fearful that their property taxes will go up significantly. Although we are not experts on the subject (and you should always consult your own tax advisor), below is some information to consider.
Building an ADU
Successfully Negotiating the Contract with your General Contractor
Virtually all construction contracts between a homeowner and a general contractor (GC) provide for payments based on time and performance of the work described in the contract. Most contracts list specific tasks that must be completed for payment to be released (i.e. foundation, framing, rough utilities, stucco, etc.) but they seldom spell out each individual component and who is responsible for providing them. Continue Reading →
Order to Comply
Received an Order to Comply?
An Order to Comply is a citation issued by the Department of Building and Safety for properties that do not meet the minimum standards of building codes regarding maintenance, use, or habitability.
Call for more information
Illegal Conversions
Have an Illegal Garage Conversions or Unpermitted Guest House?
If you intend to do a garage conversion, find out first if the conversion is feasible. You will save time and unnecessary expense and prevent being ordered to remove it out someday.
Call us 310.592.5566
Permit Expediting
Need Permit Expediting in the Los Angeles area?
Since 2001 we have expedited building permits, from simple Room Additions to New Single-Family Dwellings, Tenant Improvements, CUP’s, and Zone Variances.
Call 310.592.5566 for a Free Consultation
Drafting Services
Need Architectural Drafting Services?
Frequently projects will require architectural drawings in order to be considered for legalization or approval. We offer Design & Drafting services in the Greater Los Angeles area for all Residential construction projects:
Permit Records
Need Copies of building Permits?
We can get copies of all building permits on file, for any residential and commercial property in the Los Angeles County.
Building permits can verify square footage, confirm a legal addition, verify number of units, confirm zoning requirements, and more.
Permit Consultant
Why Use a Permit Processing Consultant?
You want the building permit review process to go as quickly as possible. Delays in the building permit approval can cost thousands of dollars.
The secret is to use a permitting consultant who already knows the process.
How can we help you?
By knowing how to work with the Department of Building and Safety at the earliest stages of a project we can save you time and frustration. Applying for a building permit does not have to be a frustrating process.
Read about how we get building permits approved fast and efficiently.