A Quick Guide to ADUs in Oakland
Jack Wyatt
If you are living with your ageing parents or a grown-up child and don’t want them to move away from your vicinity then ADU Oakland can be a good solution. ADUs are known as accessory dwelling units and go by many different names such as accessory apartments, granny flats, and secondary suites.
It is important to know here that an ADU is part of the same property as the main home. This means it cannot be bought or sold separately which means that the owner of the ADU is the owner of the main home. Common reasons to build them include gaining income via rent or housing a family member.
Types of ADUs
There are several types of ADUs. A detached ADU is located near the main home while an attached ADU like the name suggests is fastened or affixed to the main house. You can also build an ADU on top of your garage or have an interior basement ADU. ADUs can also be built on the top floor of your main house as well as have your garage converted into an ADU.
ADUs in Oakland: Rules and Regulations
The City of Oakland’s website offers guides on how to build or rent out an ADU. The City of Oakland Accessory Dwelling Unit Initiative is aimed to expand the availability of housing that is affordable to tenants. This will also help lower-income homeowners and families by reducing displacement risk and stabilizing neighbourhoods.
The State and Local regulations determine where ADUs can be built. In 2019 the State passed a round of bills to ease local barriers to ADUs construction. The new legislation allows ADU up to 800 square feet and 16 feet high with 4-foot side and rear setbacks.
In Oakland, ADUs are mainly categorized into two major categories. The 1st category of ADUs are those that are within the building enveloped by a single-family structure or existing detached accessory structure. The 2nd category of ADUs involves the construction of a new detached structure or exterior addition.
The summary of Oakland ADU Development Standards can be found online by visiting the City of Oakland’s website and reading the Oakland ADU Initiative report 2020. These standards involve requirements such as minimum lot size, setbacks, height, maximum floor area, exterior design, and much more.
How to Apply?
There are several application forms available online including Multi-Family ADUs, Single-Family ADUs, and Detached ADUs with pre-approved plans. The latter one is also known as “off-the-shelf” and can be used on properties with Single-Family, Two-Family, or Multi-Family homes.
The overall application process is broken down into two major steps. The 1st step involves meeting the requirements of the Planning and Zoning codes. The 2nd step involves filling out the application form and submitting all the Building Plan requirements including documentation and the ADU checklist.
Final Word
It is important to know here that changes in CEBC (California Existing Building Code) regulations may apply for Two or Multi-Family ADUs. Moreover, if you plan to put your ADU on the housing market then you become a business owner and this means that tenant protection laws come into play. This is further supported by City of Oakland renters’ rights and regulations.