All Forum Posts by: Kajal Aggarwal

Thank you Marcy for the response. Coincidentally the property is in Mountain View :)

I spoke with the city planner and they said an ADU can't be built since it is zoned R2 and duplex can't be built since the lot size is less than 7000 sq ft. so only a single dwelling can exist. This seems unfair but that is how it is currently and they can't change the zoning just for 1 property. :(

Just hoping that the city will relax the ADU rules in future.

Hi,

We recently saw a property with a lot size of 6,600sq ft but is zoned R3. It has a 1200sq ft house in the front and 730sq ft work shed with a garage in the back which the current owner has grandfathered. According to the new zoning requirements, R3 should have atleast 10,000sq ft otherwise R3 reverts to R2. But R2 requires atleast 7000sq ft otherwise it reverts to R1. So now this property is considered as R1 and only a SFH is allowed. But the recent laws in California legalized additional dwelling unit (ADU).

Does the shed qualify as an existing living unit? Also, it is very close to the back of the house. Any idea on the maximum square footage that can be added to an ADU?

Thanks,

Kajal

There were no recent similar sales. Our agent provided us comps but they are 3/2s or 3/1s on smaller lot. We came up with the purchase price based on the potential. The appraisal has already been ordered and we are still waiting on it. We received a notice to perform from the seller as our appraisal and loan contingencies were until yesterday. So, looks like either the seller has a backup offer or okay with it being back on market or hoping that we proceed with original price. 

Yes. The R2 zoning allows a duplex but we projected rents from 4 units (New triplex + exisiting 3/1) and now it will be only 2 units (New duplex unit + existing 3/1).

Thanks for your reply.

No. It doesn't fit our criteria with the zoning change. 

We entered into contract with a 3bed/1bath 1000sq ft property that was listed as R3 zoned. We based our purchase price on the future potential to build a triplex. 10 days later, we found out that it is R2 zoned and the listing has wrong info. We went back to the sellers and asked for 100k price reduction based on comps for 3bed/1bath. We still have our appraisal and loan contingencies. 

We feel guilty for realizing this after being in contract for 14 days and don't want to back out as everyone (Both sides agents, loan officer and us) have spent so much time in trying to close. At the same time, we don't want to over pay. Looking for suggestions from experienced folks here. 

Hi,

Its a rental. Would like to add more units as the property is zoned for that.

I'm in the same boat. Would love to hear more about this.

Looking for recommendations for a general contractor in San Mateo, California who has expertise in building a multi-unit.

TIA

Thank you for the feedback

Hi,

We recently saw a property that has a huge lot and zoned for multi-units. How much of an effort would it be to build a multi-unit? We are a couple with full-time jobs and 2 kids. How do we start about researching for the construction and the associated plans and best combination to maximize rentals?

Thanks,