Considering an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) in the Imperial Valley? This guide will explore the benefits and options available to you.
What is an ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit)?
An ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) is a residential housing unit that is secondary to the primary home, aka granny unit, guest house, in-law suite. Previously, California restricted single family properties to only one dwelling unit. However, recent adjustments to state law have made it possible for almost all Residential properties to add an ADU. The goal is to aid the growing housing and affordability crisis throughout the state.
What are the Benefits of an ADU?
- NO LAND COST: Since the land is already part of the property, there’s no additional cost for land. This makes ADUs a financially attractive option.
- INCREASE PROPERTY VALUE: Most projects add more value than they cost. By providing additional living space, the value and potential rental income increases.
- AFFORDABILITY: Due to their smaller size and simplicity, ADU’s are cheaper to construct than a larger home.
ADU Options
When it comes to ADU ‘s in the Imperial Valley, you have several options to consider. Below are the three most popular:
1. CUSTOM
For those looking for a unique product, upscale finishes, and unique design, custom ADUs are for you. Custom ADU’s are typically stick built, thus allowing for flexibility and customization. Custom ADU’s require a completely unique design process (architectural plans, structural plans, MPE, etc.). If your looking for something very specific or have unique site constraints, the custom ADU is for you. When it comes to ADUs, a stick built standard construction will be the most expensive option.
2. STOCK PLAN
Stock plans are pre-reviewed designs for stick-built homes. They’re a fast-track option for permitting. There’s still significant legwork involved. This includes site specific reports, studies, and design plans like grading, drainage, and utilities. This process typically requires a specialized team, like us at CCPP. While stock plans offer speed and efficiency, there’s little to no savings on construction costs.
3. MANUFACTURED
Manufactured Homes, also called mobile homes, are constructed in a factory and carefully inspected before being delivered to your site for installation. While manufactured homes may have less options than a custom home, they truly shine when it comes to affordability and efficiency. In today’s world of soaring construction costs, choosing a manufactured home is a smart move for anyone wanting quality without breaking the bank.
Need Help?
We help homeowners plan and permit their ADU ‘s in the Imperial Valley. We would be happy to help bring your ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) vision to life.
PROS / CONS
Custom (Pros)
– Unlimited Design Potential
– Best for Highly Difficult / Unique Properties
Custom (Cons)
– Most Expensive
– Longest Permitting Time
– Slowest Start to Finish
Manufactured (Pros)
– Most Affordable
– Shortest Project Length
– Easiest to Owner Manage
Manufactured (Cons)
– Limited Configurations
– Limited Lending Options
Stock (Pros)
– Reduced Design Cost
– Reduced Permitting Timeline
Stock (Cons)
– Limited Floor Plans
– Minimal Customization
How to get an ADU Permit in the Imperial Valley?
- Evaluate your property and project feasibility
- Design a Conceptual Site plan within your project criteria
- Obtain required deliverables and designs from necessary consultants
- Complete Construction Documents and submit to local agency
- Respond to County/City comments
- Project Approval! Ready to Build.
Do I need help Permitting an ADU in the Imperial Valley?
Unless you are highly knowledgeable and proficient in construction, CAD, and permitting, it’s not recommended to attempt permitting an ADU in the Imperial Valley on your own. A permit specialist will plan your project, draft the necessary construction documents, coordinate with the third-party consultants, and guide your project to permit approvals. We strongly recommend utilizing a permit specialist. It will save you time, stress, and money in the long run.
Read more on Permitting Manufactured Homes – https://www.centralcoastprojectplanning.com/manufactured-home-permitting-process/
Need Help?
We help homeowners plan and permit their ADU ‘s in the Imperial Valley. We would be happy to help bring your ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) vision to life.
Client Testimonials
Melody Morphew2023-12-07I cannot say enough about this company. Marty and Ben have been utterly amazing walking me through the process of trying to put in an ADU in a very unusual situation. They've had to adapt and try multiple different angles, and they were ALWAYS there within 24 hours (sometimes within minutes!) to answer questions or concerns I was having. I highly recommend Central Coast Project Planning for anything involving dealing with red tape, because these people are masters are figuring out how to get you through it. They've saved my sanity, and they made it look easy... and they always did it with a cheerful patience and determined grace. Every time I thought we were stymied, Marty and Ben came through. Honestly, if you need help with your project, I can think of no better place to go than to this wonderful company. THANK YOU, GUYS!
Barry2023-10-12Hello, I am a professor in Construction Project Management and had the opportunity to enlist Marty's help for a project that had gone a little astray. I was extremely impressed as to how Marty quickly identified the issues and sorted out the problem to get this project back on track. I would include Marty in my team anytime. He was very efficient and knowledgable and has an easy going personality which certainly helps. Thank you Marty
Javad Sani2023-09-01Very professional and highly efficient.
Mia Supple2023-03-22Professional, knowledgable, efficient! Did I say efficient?? If you want your construction project to go quickly and smoothly, look no further!!
Barbara Anderson2023-02-10I am happy to say we were very impressed with how fast, Ben and Marty organized our paperwork and submitted it to SLO county. They also kept in contact with them weekly and updated us on how the permits were coming along. Great communication! There was a couple of small hold ups, which is normal with the county, but Ben and Marty took care of the problems, and we received our building permits in a timely manner. I am so glad we hired them, it could not have gone any better……Barbara Anderson, Grover Beach Ca.
Pam Castro2023-02-09I would recommend Ben Campbell and Marty Mohamed. They stepped in and took over my project to move things forward in a few short months.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does it cost to obtain a permit? – It’s typical to budget between $40k-$50k for project design, consultants, and county/city fees for a Manufactured or Stock Plan ADU. A Custom ADU budget will be in the range of $60-$70k.
- How long does it take to obtain a permit? – Most projects are permitted within 4-6 months from start to finish for a Manufactured or Stock Plan ADU. For a Custom ADU, factor 9-12 months for a permitting.
- Can I submit for a permit myself? – In short, it is highly unlikely. The AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) requires a full construction document set, including scaled drawings done in a cad program, along with lots of technical info and studies.
- If Plans are provided with the home. What is the need for outside help? – The home plans are provided for Manufactured and Stock ADU’s, but there are other complex elements that require the need for specialized consultants (ex. survey, soils, percolation, grading, drainage, erosion control, septic design, home venting, foundation design, utility design, fire access, WUI, etc…)
- What value can CCPP offer my project? – CCPP is an expert in ADU permitting throughout the state of CA. Utilizing our team will save you time, money, and stress. As your project partner, we’ll work diligently from start to finish with your needs and finances in mind. The CCPP team has assisted many homeowners bring their ADU visions to life. We look forward to working with you.
Tips for a Successful ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit)
- Create a REALISTIC budget – It’s important to create a budget that is within your financial thresholds to avoid unnecessary stress throughout the process.
- Project Due Diligence – Consult an ADU permitting specialist to ensure that your property can support the new living unit as desired. In most cases, our clients’ initial goals can be achieved. However, clients may need to adjust their project gameplan as a result of varying circumstances (Ex. Financial constraints, site constraints, zoning, soil conditions, etc.). It’s important to determine these constraints early on to allow for necessary adjustments to avoid wasted time and money.
- Site Analysis – To better predict construction costs and project timelines, it is important to consider the site conditions. How will the home get power? Do you need a septic system? Does your well produce enough water? Are you in a high fire zone? What kind of foundation system do you want? Are you in a WUI zone? Do you need fire sprinklers? An ADU specialist will know how to answer these questions.
- Lender Consultation (If Financing is needed.) – It is important to consult with a lender in the planning stages of your project to ensure that you’ll have the means to get to the finish line. Our team works with lenders that specialize in ADU lending. If you need help starting this process, we’d be happy to connect you with someone that can help.
Links To Related ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) info
- Accessory Dwelling Unit Info HCD – https://www.hcd.ca.gov/policy-and-research/accessory-dwelling-units
- ADU and JADU Guide HCD – https://www.hcd.ca.gov/planning-and-community-development/housing-elements/building-blocks/accessory-dwelling-units
- Quick Guide to New 2020 ADU law – https://www.caforhomes.org/aduupdate
- ADU – Stock Plans (SLO County Example) – https://www.centralcoastprojectplanning.com/adu-stock-plans/
Need Help?
We help homeowners plan and permit their ADU ‘s in the Imperial Valley. We would be happy to help bring your ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) vision to life.