Making a triplex out of a single family house

[Sean Cager]

Hey California investors and homeowners.  I'm considering buying a sfr and converting it into a triplex by adding adu's.  I'm just curious to see how it has gone for those of you that have already added adu's to your homes.

[John M.]

Sean. I am in CA. Just did a detached ADU at my primary residence. Yes, 60 days in the administrative time a local agency has to approve your plans and put building permit in your hand. CA has additional ADU laws which start tomorrow, Jan 2023. These laws allow for a total building height of 18' in certain circumstances. Advantageous for a two story ADU. A multi-family property can now also have an ADU added to the lot. To turn a SFR into a "triplex" you would most likely put a JADU in the garage and add a detached ADU in the yard. Check out the SB9 law, which allows for splitting your SFR lot. Main house can have an ADU and the new lot can have essentially 2 ADU's. CA has opened the flood gates for creative SFR ADU options.