Permitting un-permitted space for SFHin Glendale CA

[Mike L.]

Hi! Thank you in advance for your feedback.

I'm looking to purchase a SFH in Glendale, CA (really La Crescenta). Parts of the house were added without permits and wanted to hear any advice on 1) whether or not to get them permitted and 2) how to best go about getting them permitted.

A) The main house is ~800 sq ft and 3 bed, 1 bath on city records and permits. It has ~150 sq ft of additional space that is not permitted and an additional restroom. Based on talking to the city, the house is so old, there are no records indicating what is part of the house is part of originally approved permit and what has been added. Is it worth getting this permitted and any strategies or shortcuts to do so?

B) Also, there is a permitted storage unit attached to the garage (these are not attached to the main house). The permitted storage unit has been converted into an unpermitted ADU (there is a restroom, hookups for a small kitchenette/sink, and small room) that is ~350 sq ft. Any thoughts on getting this permitted? One contractor said it would take at least 70k do get the permits.

Our main goal is to house hack (e.g., rent out a few rooms or rent out the main house and live in the ADU) and this would be our first time doing so.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.