How to Turn a Single-Fam. Home into and a Duplex by Adding an ADU

[Jim Gallagher]

I'm sure you are aware of the housing shortage in many Bay Area cities, as well in other area of CA. As one means to try and add to units to the housing market the State of CA now allows for "Accessory Dwelling Units" (ADU's) in many places.

An ADU is a secondary dwelling unit with complete independent living facilities for one or more persons

and generally takes three forms:

 Detached: The unit is separated from the primary structure

 Attached: The unit is attached to the primary structure

 Repurposed Existing Space: Space (e.g., master bedroom) within the primary residence is

converted into an independent living unit

 Junior Accessory Dwelling Units: Similar to re-purposed space with various streamlining measures

The rules around ADU's can vary from city to city but in general ADU's are allowed in many zoning districts that are zoned single-family; they are often exempt from many Planning Dept requirements for parking, open space, etc; they often have a streamlined permitting process and typically cost less than building new rent-able square footage.

I am interested in getting involved in this type of investing/improvements and would very much like to connect with others who are as well. I think there is tremendous, untapped opportunity with ADU's in areas where real-estate prices can be extremely high.

Please get in touch if you would like to connect and discuss in more detail.

Best,

Jim Gallagher, Architect