Are you exploring how to build an ADU in Alameda? Start here to discover what you need to know to get you pointed in the right direction.
Are you planning on building an accessory dwelling unit (or ADU) in Alameda? Here’s what you need to know before you build.
ADUs are created via the following methods:
Building a new detached structure
Converting an existing, legally constructed structure
Building an addition to your home
Converting space in the primary dwelling like a basement
Creating a junior ADU which is created entirely within the space of your home
If your plans include demolishing a structure, you will need a building demolition permit. If the building was built before 1942, you will also need a Certificate of Approval from the Permit Center.
To build an ADU in Alameda, you’ll need to apply for an ADU permit from the building division at the Permit Center. If needed apply concurrently for:
Solar
Electrical main panel upgrade
New electrical meter
Encroachment permits
You will need the following documents when you apply for a building permit for an ADU. The ADU zoning checklist is available at the Permit Center online in Alamada.ca.gov.
Plans of the proposed ADU
Certificate of approval for demolition of a pre-1942 structure
For junior ADUs you will also need to complete a declaration of restrictions form from the Alameda County Clerk’s record office.
Once your permit is issued, you can begin construction. When bui lding inspections are completed, you will receive a Certificate of Occupancy.
If you have any questions about this process or how to build an ADU in Alameda, look for the updated ADU handout available online in the Permit Center at Alamedaca.gov.
If you didn’t find what you’re looking for here, we’re also always happy to answer specific questions or curiosities homeowners have about how to build an ADU in Alameda.
In recent years, Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), or tiny backyard homes, have emerged as a popular housing solution in the Bay Area offering homeowners the opportunity to maximize their property’s utility and value. However, navigating the intricacies of ADU zoning laws in Alameda can be daunting to the uninitiated. We thought we’d give you a little rundown about what you should know. Let’s talk about what you need to know about ADU zoning laws in Alameda.
ADUs, sometimes referred to as tiny backyard homes, granny flats, or in-law units, are secondary dwelling units located on the same lot as a primary residence. These units can be attached to the main house, converted from existing space (like a garage or basement), or built as a separate structure.
In Alameda, ADUs are subject to specific zoning regulations outlined by the city’s planning department. These laws dictate where ADUs can be built, their size, height, setback requirements, parking requirements, and other relevant factors. Understanding and complying with these zoning laws is an important part of a smooth and successful ADU project.
Considerations for ADU Zoning Laws in Alameda
Zoning Designations: Different zoning districts in Alameda have varying regulations regarding ADU construction. It’s important to know your property’s zoning designation and review the corresponding ADU zoning laws.
Setback Requirements: ADUs in Alameda have to comply with setback requirements, which specify the minimum distance between the ADU and property lines or other structures. These setbacks ensure adequate space for safety, privacy, and accessibility.
Size and Height Restrictions: Alameda’s ADU zoning laws typically specify maximum allowable sizes and heights for ADUs. These restrictions ensure that ADUs are compatible with the surrounding neighborhood and do not obstruct views or sunlight.
Side note on some exciting related news: Due to new height restrictions, now you can build that 2 story ADU you’ve been thinking of. More to come on that in future blog posts!
Parking Requirements: Parking requirements for ADUs in Alameda vary depending on factors such as the location of the property and proximity to public transportation. Some properties may be exempt from providing additional parking spaces for ADUs.
Consulting with an ADU Expert Navigating ADU zoning laws in Alameda can be daunting, so you might want to consider consulting with professionals familiar with our local regulations. ADU builders, architects, and zoning consultants can provide valuable insights and assistance throughout the planning and construction process.
Understanding ADU zoning laws in Alameda is essential for homeowners considering building or converting an ADU on their property. By familiarizing yourself with these regulations and consulting with experts, you can ensure compliance and successfully realize your ADU project.
If you’re thinking of building an ADU in Alameda, we’d be happy to chat with you and share what we’ve learned over the years. Drop us a note using the form below and be sure to include your address so we can be most helpful to your specific needs.
As Alameda homeowners look for creative ways to maximize their investments and assets, the question is coming up more frequently if building a backyard ADU boosts property value. Beyond just providing additional living space, an ADU can significantly impact the overall value of an average home in Alameda. Here’s how:
Add Rental Income Potential: Alameda’s proximity to San Francisco, its vibrant economy, and active community make it an attractive rental market. By adding an ADU, homeowners can tap into this demand and generate additional rental income. Whether it’s a long-term tenant or short-term rentals, the extra income can significantly boost the property’s overall value.
Expanding Market Appeal: ADUs appeal to a wide range of potential buyers and renters, including people that work remotely, young professionals, or families with elderly parents. The flexibility and versatility offered by ADUs make properties more attractive to a diverse pool of buyers, thereby increasing market appeal and property value.
Rising Property Values: Alameda’s real estate market has experienced steady appreciation in recent years, driven by its desirable location, strong job market, and limited housing supply. Adding an ADU can add to your property’s desirability, contributing to continued appreciation in value over time. Homes with backyard cottages tend to command higher resale prices, translating into a significant return on investment for homeowners.
Meeting Housing Demand: California’s housing shortage has led to an increased demand for alternative housing options, such as ADUs. By adding a backyard cottage in your backyard, you can contribute to addressing this demand while simultaneously enhancing their property’s value. ADUs offer a sustainable solution to housing shortages, making properties more valuable in the eyes of potential buyers.
That’s just a few ways building a backyard ADU boosts property value can increase its property value. From generating additional rental income to meeting housing demand and expanding market appeal, ADUs offer numerous benefits that translate into tangible returns for homeowners. As the demand for alternative housing options continues to grow, investing in an ADU is a strategic decision that promises long-term value appreciation and financial rewards.
Are you thinking of building an accessory dwelling unit in Alameda? The experts at Alameda Tiny Homes know what it takes and can answer all your questions. You could have an ADU in your backyard in as little as 90 days!
We don’t know about you, but part of why we chose to live in Alameda was for its charming neighborhoods and tight-knit community. But with that charm has come limited space and unique challenges in maximizing our living space. That challenge is part of what inspired us to start Alameda Tiny Homes. We love building things and we love Alameda! But we have exciting news: Alameda’s recent updates to our local zoning laws have opened doors to a new solution. Welcome the two-story ADU to Alameda!
These new regulations allow homeowners to build upward, accommodating the growing demand for more housing while preserving our island’s unique character. In a place where every square foot counts, two-story ADUs offer a practical and beautiful alternative for maximizing living space.
At Alameda Tiny Homes, we can craft a lovely two-story backyard cottage tailored to meet your unique needs and architectural style. Our expertise as an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) builder working solely in Alameda lets us deliver your backyard cottage painlessly and predictably, leveraging our local expertise on how to get it done.
Our two-story ADUs are designed to maximize your outdoor living space too. Whether it’s including a peaceful patio to enjoy a morning coffee, or a cozy spot for evening gatherings with family, or securing a spot to grow a garden, a well designed two-story ADU can help maintain room for outdoor entertaining and relaxation.
In a community where space is at a premium, Alameda’s new zoning laws and our innovative designs pave the way for sustainable, space-efficient living. Embrace the charm of island life without compromising on comfort. Welcome to the two-story ADU to your backyard!!
Ready to get started? Contact us today to schedule a consultation to see what’s possible for you!
As we and our loved ones get older, planning for living arrangements down the road comes into sharper focus and a higher priority. For many families in the San Francisco Bay Area looking at the costs and benefits of assisted living versus options for aging in place, they’re increasingly considering investing in accessory dwelling units (ADU) to care for their loved ones. Every family should consider the financial implications and the advantages of having aging parents nearby while offering them the ability to maintain their independence.
In the Bay Area, the average cost of assisted living ranges from $4,000 to $10,000, per month totaling $480,000 to $1.2 million over a 15-year period from age 65 to 80. This substantial expense can strain family finances and impact retirement savings.
Alternatively, investing $200,000-$400,000 in an ADU in Alameda, California, offers a cost-effective solution. ADUs are secondary housing units located on residential lots, that can provide independent living spaces to facilitate aging in place. It also allows your loved ones to remain close to family for help when needed. With a lower investment compared to assisted living, ADUs offer long-term savings while maintaining and building equity.
Beyond financial considerations, the benefits of aging in place in a nearby ADU are invaluable. Proximity allows for regular visits, caregiving support, and shared experiences, fostering stronger family bonds. Aging parents can maintain their independence and privacy while still having access to assistance and companionship when needed.
ADUs also promote intergenerational living, and provide opportunities for grandchildren to bond with their grandparents. Kids love to learn from their wisdom and experiences. Additionally, having aging parents nearby can ease the burden of caregiving, as family members can readily provide support and assistance as needed.
Moreover, the investment in an ADU can yield additional benefits over time. Rental income from the ADU can offset costs or provide supplemental retirement income. Additionally, the property value of the primary residence and ADU may appreciate, further enhancing the financial return on the investment.
If you’re considering senior living and aging in place options in the Bay Area, investing in an accessory dwelling unit in Alameda, California, offers a compelling alternative to traditional assisted living. By choosing this option, families can ensure their aging parents receive the care and support they need while enjoying the benefits of proximity, independence, intergenerational connections as well as provide an investment that pays off across generations.
Are you thinking of building an accessory dwelling unit in Alameda? The experts at Alameda Tiny Homes know what it takes and can answer all your questions. You could have an ADU in your backyard in as little as 90 days!
WHAT: Built a one bedroom, one bath backyard cottage
WHY: To improve her property value and earn supplemental income
As a high school math teacher, you can imagine Kelly A. is pretty good with numbers. That’s why when she started researching the possibilities of expanding her 1908 British style Alameda home to increase her property value and gain more space, she quickly pivoted to exploring the possibility of adding a rental (ADU) instead.
Kelly originally purchased her primary two bedroom, one bath, 1,200 square foot home on the west end of Alameda in 2012. The arrival of her son a few years later got her thinking about how to use her home and property more effectively. With some internet research, she stumbled upon the possibilities of adding a rental ADU in her backyard. She thought not only could this increase the property value, but may even give her an additional income stream as well. That’s when she found Alameda Tiny Homes; the ADU design, permitting, and building company that works exclusively on the historic island of Alameda.
Kelly contacted Alameda Tiny Homes’ owner Hank Hernandez first to explore her options. Hank was able to look at her property online before they even met to determine which of their ADU designs would work in her narrow backyard, and still suit her needs. As he does with all their designs, his team could even customize it to match the style of her main house and her personal preferences.
Kelly’s project moved quickly from there and she looked no further. She loved that Alameda Tiny Homes works exclusively in her city, which meant Hank and his team knew the nuances of working with Alameda’s strict permitting process and local building codes. She also knew that once her rental ADU was approved by the city, the construction phase would be smooth and efficient with a local company.
From there, Kelly got a home appraisal and looked at the numbers of refinancing her home to pull equity out to pay for her backyard cottage, and cover the cost of some repairs and upgrades to her primary home. She compared this with average rental prices in her area. When she laid it all out in front of her Kelly said, “The finances just made sense. As a math teacher, I can tell you all I could think of was why WOULDN’T I do it?”
“The finances just made sense… all I could think of was why WOULDN’T I do it?”
Initially, Kelly intended to move herself and her son into the backyard cottage while he was small and to rent her front house to capitalize on the larger square footage for more income. With Hank’s counsel, she chose Alameda Tiny Homes’ Webster, one bedroom, one bath ADU, working with him to customize the design to match her needs. She liked the L-shaped footprint and had Hank’s team add a private patio area and landscaping.
The world had other plans however when the pandemic hit in the middle of her build. Kelly now needed her larger space in her front home to accommodate both a home office and play space for her four year old when we were all trapped at home. But as luck would have it, one of her previous high school math students was in search of her first apartment after graduating from the police academy. Kelly now had a trusted tenant for her rental ADU whom she knew and loved.
When it was all said and done, Kelly is thrilled to share that her ADU improved her property value as hoped. Not only that, but even with a higher mortgage payment, the expense is offset by her rental income meaning she actually pays less each month than she had before she built her backyard cottage.
“She actually pays less each month than she had before she built her tiny home.”
Kelly is effusive about her choice to build her backyard cottage with Alameda Tiny Homes. In the future, she feels good about the potential to have her parents move-into it so she can help them age in place and avoid assisted living. Even further down the road, when her son moves out on his own, she considers she may go back to her original plan and move in the ADU herself and rent her front house, helping her to realize even greater supplemental income as she heads towards her own retirement plan.
Are you thinking of building an accessory dwelling unit in Alameda? The experts at Alameda Tiny Homes know what it takes and can answer all your questions. You could have an ADU in your backyard in as little as 90 days!
Live below your means, own less stuff, make do and mend, prioritize your life, and get out and live more. Get involved in your community and support your local businesses on the island. Living small is not chasing “more”, but instead learning to find the more in less. It’s about utilizing the space you have, shrinking your carbon footprint, and being an active member in your community (whatever that looks like for you).
Reducing one’s carbon footprint requires more frugal sacrifices than buying less stuff (such as flying less, eating less meat, using more public transportation), but it’s a good place to start.
ADUs and the global supply chain
With global climate change impacts looming, this holiday season offers an opportunity. We can change our shopping habits, decide to give more thoughtfully, to buy more locally and less overall. Yes, most households are hard-wired to splurge on end-of-year gifts, and some people will never stop even if the crisis worsens. The climate change issues can, though, lead us to buy more conscientiously.
To buy less with more intention is achievable for everyone, especially affluent shoppers. It’s incumbent on Americans, the wealthiest people in the world, to cut back on and be critical of their consumption.
According to sustainability researchers, intent matters. Making the active choice to think twice before we buy could improve both our happiness and quality of life. It could help shape social norms and influence others toward more-sustainable choices.
Living Small and Quality of Life
Don’t assume you are adopting a lower quality of life by owning and buying less or living in a tiny home. It’s not about renouncing buying or the building of new things, but choice to live a bit more deliberately.
Buildinga tiny home ADUin your backyard- even in the midst of a global climate change challenges- is about making the choice to improve the quality of your life, or maybe someone you love.
In May of 2017, the City of Alameda Planning Board finalized the amendments to the City of Alameda Zoning Ordinance (AMC Chapter 30), which made it possible for Alameda to enjoy the benefits of a backyard cottage or tiny home — also known as an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).
In accord with recent CA State regulatory changes, the City of Alameda has adopted new rules that will allow you to have an ADU even if you have a small lot, need to remove a garage to accommodate a backyard cottage or even if your neighborhood has an HOA.
They even posted this picture at the city permit office. 🙂
Besides being a great idea for family & friends to visit (or stay), or a potential source of rental income, new ADU zoning regulations help us achieve our Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) requirements. These are state-mandated processes in California that assign each local government agency a share of our region’s projected housing needs for different income groups. The goal is that this helps ensure cities and counties plan for and accommodate the housing needs of various income levels within each jurisdiction.
ADUs help provide an important piece of the solution to our housing crisis puzzle as well by helping our community find creative solutions to accommodate more residents. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are a practical and effective way to address the housing shortage in cities like ours. Hats off to the City of Alameda for helping streamline the zoning process and adapting to state regulations, making this an accessible option to a broader range of homeowners.
It’s official! With a slew of new laws going into effect for California, 2020 is the year of the ADU (and the accessory dwelling unit builder). Not only are ADUs easier and less expensive than ever to permit, California’s new 2019 Energy Code is now in effect. This code sets rules for how buildings should be constructed to use energy more efficiently; such as insulation, windows, and lighting to reduce energy waste.
Home sweet, tiny home…❤️
In fact, it’s estimated that buildings constructed under these new standards will be up to 53% more efficient than the expiring 2016 Energy Code.
As an accessory dwelling unit builder committed to thinking globally and acting locally, we’re in full support of the new energy code and its intent to increase the use of renewable energy sources. It requires new buildings to have better insulation, windows, and lighting to reduce energy waste and promotes the use of renewable energy sources like solar panels. The goal is to decrease energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from buildings while making them more comfortable and affordable to live and work in.
“…the standards also encourage demand responsive technologies including battery storage and heat pump water heaters and improve the building’s thermal envelope through high performance attics, walls and windows to improve comfort and energy savings.”
-The California Energy Commission
As an accessory dwelling unit builder committed to decreasing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, we’re proud to share that all Alameda Tiny Home ADU Designs have already been meeting or exceeding the standards set out in the 2019 California Energy Code.
The construction of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) can help cities meet their housing goals and increase the state’s affordable housing supply. On October 9, 2019 Governor Gavin Newsome signed the following bills to boost housing in California and eliminate barriers to building ADUs. Learn more about these California ADU laws:
AB
68 by Assemblymember Philip Ting (D-San Francisco) makes major changes to
facilitate the development of more ADUs and address barriers to building. The
bill reduces barriers to ADU approval and construction, which will increase
production of these low-cost, energy-efficient units and add to California’s
affordable housing supply.
AB
881 by Assemblymember Richard Bloom (D-Santa Monica) removes impediments to
ADU construction by restricting local jurisdictions’ permitting criteria,
clarifying that ADUs must receive streamlined approval if constructed in
existing garages, and eliminating local agencies’ ability to require
owner-occupancy for five years.
AB
587 by Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) provides a narrow
exemption for affordable housing organizations to sell deed-restricted land to
eligible low-income homeowners.
SB
13 by Senator Bob Wieckowski (D-Fremont) creates a tiered fee structure
which charges ADUs more fairly based on their size and location. The bill also
addresses other barriers by lowering the application approval timeframe,
creating an avenue to get unpermitted ADUs up to code, and enhancing an
enforcement mechanism allowing the state to ensure that localities are
following ADU statute.
AB
671 by Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) requires local
governments’ housing plans to encourage affordable ADU rentals and requires the
state to develop a list of state grants and financial incentives for affordable
ADU
So what does this mean to you? Here are some highlights of the upcoming changes to California ADU laws:
When a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished in conjunction with an ADU or converted into an ADU, a local agency shall not require that those off-street parking spaces be replaced.
Reduces the application approval timeframe to 60 days and provides that if a local agency has not acted upon the submitted application within 60 days, the application shall be deemed approved.
Prohibits a local ordinance from requiring an applicant for an ADU to be an owner occupant.
Allows for a potential of both an ADU and a Junior ADU (via conversion of an existing structure) on a single lot.
🙂
