ADU Type Specs

1. Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU):

Detached ADU can be considered by those homeowners who have enough existing space in their backyard. It is a separate construction of a small size that can contain a living space, summer kitchen, or a space for hobbies or spare time spending. They are also built for further use for rent or for usage in multi-family terms. Such projects require much attention for being completed correctly as usually there are no underlying systems of plumbing, venting, and lighting, which are needed to be done professionally.

2. Attached Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU):

This type is the most widespread residential development in the majority of American cities. It requires only your living house to have some free space nearby and within the property lines. Most frequently, attached ADUs have life-establishing systems connected to the main house and thus only need to be in compliance with the whole construction project. You can also think of an attached ADU in order to increase the value of the dwelling.

3. Garage Conversions (Interior ADU):

As it can be understood from the name, garage ADU is one converted from the shed. It is only needed to connect the garage to the life-establishing systems and make some renovations so it is possible to live there. You can also confirm the interior ADU above the existing garage if it is more convenient and if you want to have an expanded second floor.

4. Basement Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU):

If you have a free basement space under your property but do not want to use it as storage, you can create an ADU there. It is probably the easiest way of building an ADU as it only needs heating and lighting systems to be provided. Moreover, this area is not seen by the neighbors, so you may not be concerned about an unwanted sight visit.

As you can see, there are many variations of ADU types. However, there are also some limitations that you should think of and achieve before you proceed to model your new construction project.

To many homeowners, the problem is to calculate the footage of the ADU and how it should be placed on a residential property lot. According to California laws (Shingle Springs is a Census Designated Place within the jurisdiction of El Dorado County, CA), the required setback for a detached ADU is no more than 4 feet from the rear and side property lines of the residential area. These rules are not applied to the ADUs converted from the existing space.

For the multi-family property, it is allowed to submit one ADU for every four persons, having to add up to 850 square feet for a one-bed ADU and up to 1000 square feet for a two-bed ADU. Luckily, for both single- and multi-family properties, there is no required minimum lot size.

There is also no special form or material required for the ADU appearance. So, the building project depends only on your design desires.