ADU hacks for lot smaller than 5,750? Is it worth trying?

[Isaac Tamar]

Hi all,

My wife and I own a 2/1 in Cherrywood (78722 zip code). Our lot is about 5,100 SQF, too small to build an ADU under current regulations. We have heard that it is possible to build a backyard structure as long as it doesn't have a kitchen (or was it a bathroom?) and have it not be considered an ADU, which, in theory, would get us around the regulations. The idea would be to rent it out as a separate unit long term, since we won't be living in the main house and therefore don't qualify to do a STR. I envisioned building a studio with a bathroom and a porch, no kitchen. Due to the limitations involved, we're trying to figure out if it is worth pursuing this strategy. I have a few questions for anyone who is familiar with the regulations:

1. Is it possible to build an outdoor kitchen (like an outdoor sink with a grill for example) and have it "not count" as a kitchen?

2. What would it cost to build something like this? I imagine it would be no bigger than 400 SQF. For reference, the main house is 890 SQF. 

3. Any further thoughts or suggestions?

Thank you in advance!

[Eliott Elias]

@Devin Dang and @Jordan Moorhead are great people to reach out to for this 

[Roger Simons]

For a bathroom use a chemical camping toilet they can empty in the house once in a while. 

For the kitchen you need to know exactly how they define a kitchen.  Doesn't sound like you know yet.  Once that is determined you may be able to provide some cooking facilities but not enough to infringe on their silly rules.  

You might be able to rent it as a workspace or work studio.  Many people have small cooking facilities in their workspace at their office, right? 

Another option is really unorthodox.  It involves sleeping in a vehicle or trailer so they are legally not "living" there.  The trailer could have a kitchen and bathroom as well.  Even a tiny one.  If you live near a gym with nice showers all of this could be so much easier.

At least you live in a mild climate.  That offers so many more possibilities than if you lived up north.  I wonder if a nice tent would work.  Then a lockbox or security cage for valuables, anchored to the ground somehow.  How are your neighbours?  Will they rat you out the second they suspect anything unusual?  Some people are so petty.  These are almost always people that never get good ideas themselves so they have to tear down the ideas of others. 

Its so strange how rental demand is so high in most parts of North America yet everywhere they seem to want to restrict the creation of new units.  Probably if people that made the rules weren't allowed to engage in real estate business or rentals, we'd get a lot more flexibility and logic.  Prices too high?  Let'em build/renovate/subdivide/maximize their square footage!  That would be too logical.  

[Isaac Tamar]

@eliottelias thank you for those suggestions! I will definitely reach out.