How to build an ADU in California
p]:text-cms-story-body-color-text clearfix”> One thing you’ll definitely need is a plan that meets the local design and building codes. Los Angeles and many other cities offer preapproved ADU designs on their websites, but few people use them — according to the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety, only about 20 applications have been submitted with one of the city’s standardized plans. Builders say the preapproved plans are often costly to build, and every project requires some degree of customizing. “An ADU for the Joneses is not going to work for the Jacksons next door,” Acton said, noting that “every lot is different, setbacks are different, utility hookups are different, motivations are different, financing is different.” Besides, he said, “if you’re going to be spending six figures on something, you’re going to want to make it your own. … How often do you go down and buy a car and say, ‘It just needs to have four wheels’?” Nevertheless, the standardized plans are a good place to start because they give you an idea of what …
