Accessory dwelling units are permitted in single families only.

Hello BP users,I acquired a property a while back and just got permits approved to add an ADU ("Companion Unit") in the back.

Mom bought a 3/2 home (California) with a detached one bed, one bathroom unit, that we believed to be permitted as such, as the MLS listing "description" described as "The guest house is a 1/1 and includes it's own indoor laundry, single car garage and updated kitchen with granite countertops," however, it turns out the 1/1 was only permitted as a shop with a bathroom, and was never permitted as an Accessory Dwelling Unit.

I would first check to see when the mother in law unit was constructed and ask the seller if they know and if the work was permitted.

City impact fees per unit Utility infrastructure fee per unit, fire suppression whole building, closing cost, permit fee, engineering stamp fees, fire walls before you buy a single brick.

@Michael Georgiadis, might check city records for a mechanical permit

Yes, having a non-permitted 3rd unit does restrict the resale value of the property, because you or a future buyer could be required by the City to eliminate your 3rd unit and by extension the income from that unit.

We looked at building a 2nd onto the house but the cost of the permits put it over the cost of her building something separate.

IMHO those few brave "I lost a bundle because I didn't check the (foundation/ sewer/ permitting/etc)" are 10x more valuable to me than "isn't BRRR great" (that's me, personally, because I already know about buying & rehabbing, & I know what debt load I am personally comfortable with at this point, and in this market).Also note that a significant number of BP members (myself included) didn't purchase until AFTER 2008.

The permit will not close until fully inspected.