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ADU Considerations

ADU design by Nestadu| nestadu.com

Things to Consider

COSTS
Costs vary dramatically, make sure you have an attainable budget. A good project budget should consider all the costs required to design, permit, finance, and build an ADU. Construction is usually the largest expense in a development budget, but never the only one. Costs to consider include:

  • Design and submittal materials
  • Contractor
  • Demolition (if required)
  • Application fees, building permit fees, utility connection fees, and impact fees
  • Financing (e.g., lender fees, interest payments, etc.)
  • School District and Special Districts Fees
  • Other professionals based on specific needs (e.g., surveyor, structural engineer, etc.)
  • Furnishings and finishes

ADDRESSES
The ADU will be assigned a unique address number.  Purchasing a separate electrical meter is not required but is recommended if you want separate electrical bills.  A new address is not assigned for a JADU.  It must share the utilities with the existing home.

SOLAR PANELS
ADUs are subject to the California Energy Code requirement for the installation of solar panels if the unit(s) is/are a newly constructed, non-manufactured, detached ADU. Per the California Energy Commission, the panels can be installed on the ADU or on the primary dwelling unit.

Questions?

Refer to applicable ADU Handouts and Checklists at the ADU Home Page for detailed information, including contact information for different agencies.  See also ADUforYOU.