CA SB 1069 - Los Angeles Garage Conversion (High Cap Rate)

[Ricardo Paredes]

Hello BP, I recently read about Los Angeles relaxing the requirements for additional dwelling units on lots zoned for single residences to comply with SB 1069. I have a detached garage and if the cost of permitting and converting it to a studio is not outrageous it has the potential to be a lucrative rental unit. Has anyone undertaken a permitted garage conversion since SB 1069 took effect? If so, how difficult was the process and were you satisfied with your contractor?

[Chris Paez]

Im currently in the middle of a garage conversion on my rental property and I have a great guy that made my plans and got the permit for a fair price. Im looking at the cost for this one in particular to hit under 20k since it was illegally converted in the past and had existing sewer and water already hooked up. Besides the obvious things like kitchenette and bathroom, the city of LA requires you seal the slab with a moisture barrier and that you insulate the crap out of it because of a California title 23 requirement. I'd be happy to keep you posted as I go through the process and give you my draftsman's info. I am sub contracting jobs for each part of the process and admittedly it my first rodeo and its going slow... but the front house is rented so I'm at least breaking even while i get the pieces together.