Placer County has passed the ability for residential property owners in the Lake Tahoe Basin area to add one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and one junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU). Giving property owners the ability to add 2 new units to their property!
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) or commonly referred to as in-law units are self-contained homes that provide independent living facilities. These units are legally part of the same property as the original primary residence. Despite providing the amenities that are needed to live independently, these units can never be sold separately.
Traditional ADUs are typically detached whereas JADUs are built within the existing framework of the primary home. Accessory homes typically range from 220 square-foot studios to nearly 1,200 square-foot houses.
JADUs must offer:
A separate entrance from the main home entrance
Efficiency kitchen containing a food preparation counter, proportionate storage cabinets, and cooking appliances/facilities
A designated bathroom that is allowed to be shared with the primary residence
Can cover up to 50% of the existing home
Guidelines:
In the past, property owners who have been interested in adding an ADU to their property were only able to do so if their parcel met specific size requirements. Today, there is no minimum parcel size!
Tahoe Regional Planning Agency (TRPA) coverage requirements still apply.
The list of benefits in regards to building an accessory home is quite long but here are a few to consider:
Additional Revenue Stream: Renting out your ADU or your JADU will provide you with an additional revenue stream that can offset personal living costs (i.e., mortgage payments) or aid in preparing for future financial milestones such as retirement.
Increased Property Value: You are not only adding additional square footage and livable space to your property but should you ever decide to sell your home, you are providing an opportunity for a future buyer to have that same additional revenue stream. ADUs are extremely marketable and desirable for prospective home buyers.
Housing: If you decide to offer your ADU as a rental, you would be providing housing in a state where it is severely needed. Providing affordable housing through an ADU is something that can even benefit the older members of your immediate family, keeping them close while maintaining privacy.
Multifunctional: Renting out your ADU/JADU is not mandatory. Now with so many people working from home, creating a new space could be hugely beneficial. Or maybe you are looking for a designated place for guests or an art studio? Having the space available provides so much freedom.
Cost
There are many incentives in place to encourage homeowners to add ADUs to their property such as waived or reduced development fees. Your fees are dependent on the size of the ADU you would like to build but on average, you can save $20,000 in government fees when you build an ADU. To help you establish an estimate of what building an ADU/JADU will cost, Placer County has put together a fee chart and an estimate calculator:
BONUS: Placer County even offers the use of free plans which should you utilize them has the potential to save you $6,000 – $10,000: https://www.placer.ca.gov/6650/Free-Plans
Once you have completed the questionnaire you will need to submit it to Meghan Schwartz via email mschwartz@placer.ca.gov. If you have any questions you can also call her to schedule an appt at (530) 450-5234
Interested in touring properties in the Placer County Portion of the Lake Tahoe Basin? Give us a call / shoot us a text! We would love the opportunity to work with you.
