Huntington Beach ADUs: Laws and Requirements for Extra Living Spaces

ADU in Huntington Beach is a great way to expand your living space. It not only provides you with an opportunity to increase the overall space but also earn some quick profits by renting or selling the property. However, there are some rules and regulations you need to follow for proper construction of your ADU. In this article, you will get a complete list of all the Huntington Beach ADU requirements in 2023.

Huntington Beach ADU Requirements

Types of ADUs Allowed

Following are the types of ADUs you can build in Huntington Beach.

Attached ADUs

The first city of Huntington Beach ADU type is the attached ADUs, which are attached to the primary dwelling. These ADUs have separate entrances from the main house, but one side of their walls is attached to make it look like a part of your main dwelling.

Detached ADUs

The second kind of Huntington Beach ADU is the detached ADU, which is placed at some distance from the primary dwelling. These ADUs have their utility connections and entrances, making it a second house on the same property.

Conversion ADUs

Conversion ADUs are built by conversion of one of the existing structures of the house. These structures include garages, attics, basements, etc. Conversion ADUs, being a part of your existing house, don't have to go through all the strict rules. In fact, you can even expand a conversion ADU to increase the living area.

Junior ADUs

At last, junior ADUs are similar to detached ADUs that are much smaller in size. The maximum size you can get for a junior ADU is 500 square feet. In this size, you will get a good quality container home in California.

Allowed Locations

In Huntington Beach, you are only allowed to have your ADUs in the areas that are zoned for residential usage. Existing single and multi-family properties can have one or two ADUs depending on the type of the ADU and the primary dwelling. Remember that you can only build an ADU if you are the owner of at least one single or multi-family dwelling in the area.

Minimum Size

The maximum size allowed for a detached ADU in Huntington Beach is 850 square feet. You can build ADUs bigger than that, but you would need special permits to build them. However, another way of building a bigger ADU is to go for the attached one or a conversion one. Conversion ADUs can be expanded by 150 square feet from their original size, but not more than that.

Total Number of ADUs Allowed

There can be only one prefab ADU with a single-family dwelling. However, you can have two if you are occupying a multi-family dwelling. On the other hand, a conversion or junior ADU can co-exist with detached ADUs, so it’s a smart way of expanding your living space even further.

Maximum Height Allowed

The maximum height of prefab homes in California is 16 feet. These are the detached versions of the accessory dwelling units. The attached versions, on the other hand, can go up to 25 feet to match the roof of the primary dwelling. In any case, your ADU must not be higher than the overall height of your main house.

Setback Requirements

The rear and side setbacks from the main house should be 4 feet. The setbacks should be even higher than 4 feet when the street side is considered. Attached and conversion ADUs are not subject to such restrictions, as they seem to be a part of your primary dwelling.

Parking Requirements

Separate parking is not required for your ADU until or unless there is no public transit within half a mile. Moreover, you don't need separate parking for junior and conversion ADUs either. If you are converting a garage into an ADU, you don't need to replace the garage with another parking space according to the California ADU law.

Permit Process

The permit process, from the time of submission, takes around 60 days to complete. The period depends upon the quality of the design and how well you have managed to fulfill Huntington Beach ADU requirements. Before you submit the application, there is a non-refundable permit fee that you will have to pay in order to process the application.

Fire Sprinklers

Fire sprinklers are not necessary unless they are required for the primary dwelling as well. Although your ADU would work without any fire safety, we won't recommend you leave it as it is, especially if you are building a detached ADU that has no connection with the main house.

Utility Connections

Utility connections for your detached ADU would be different from your primary dwelling. A separate meter will be used to power the ADU, which will help distribute the power equally. Moreover, if you opt for a private sewage system, make sure to get it reviewed by the local health officer.

Design Review

The design of your tiny home kits should be according to the limitations set by the California ADU Law 2023. The number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens should be carefully managed to fit with the overall size of the primary dwelling. Your design will be reviewed before construction, and recommendations will be made if it's not according to the building codes provided by the State. Once the design is approved, you can begin the final construction.

Owner Occupancy

You are not required to occupy the ADU if you already have a primary dwelling on the property. All you need to do is to build one and earn quick profits through renting your ADU.

Renting of an ADU

Renting out your ADU in Huntington Beach is allowed, but only if the term is longer than 30 days. Shorter terms would be prohibited and will be counted as a violation of law.

Selling of an ADU

ADU in Huntington Beach cannot be sold separately. You can sell the ADU while selling the primary dwelling, as the value of your ADU will be compensated in the overall value of the house.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, understanding the laws and requirements for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in Huntington Beach is crucial for homeowners looking to create extra living spaces. By navigating these regulations, residents can unlock the potential for versatile and legal additional accommodations, contributing to the city's housing landscape while adhering to established guidelines.