ADU HCD Meaning

HCD stands for Housing and Community Development, as in California Department of Housing and Community Development. People who build ADUs and try to comprehend the Californian construction scene often confuse HUD and HCD, so it’s important to see the distinction clearly. HUD stands for Housing and Urban Development, as in the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

HUD building codes are regulations that dictate the way to construct buildings, here ADUs, in the USA. When inspectors check whether a construction site follows HUD regulations, they do so in a controlled setting. It’s an easy and reliable process that is also strict and serious.

When examining HCD codes, local governments look for property value assessment, housing conditions, relationship with the existing property, and more. This ensures that the ADUs built in the cities of the state don’t oversaturate the market with poor housing.

An ADU that responds both to HCD and HUD laws is also a possibility. This structure that complements the existing primary residence can generate rental income or serve the owners in other ways as long as it’s approved. The process of approval is fair and necessary.

An ADU that’s up to HCD’s standards is sure to be a quality one.

Accessory Dwelling Units in HCD Law

To gain an understanding of the HCD, you can visit the official website. On the online portal, you can input your contact information and submit your request. If you need guidance in creating a perfect ADU for any of your needs, reach out to A+ Construction & Remodeling in Sacramento, California.

According to California law, an ADU is an Accessory Dwelling Unit, which many people call granny flats. They can be that, under certain circumstances. Overall, ADUs are so much more for the homeowners.

Accessory Dwelling Units can be your rental income from short-term rentals. Moreover, they can be a home for your family members. Finally, they can become more sleeping space for you — you name it.

In law unit language, an ADU has to abide by the parking requirements of the area in which it’s located. It also has to follow city zoning regulations. Then, remember to build your new units from quality materials for best experience.

Overall, an ADU is a very sound investment. An ADU on the same property, that also intersects with the original property, is an attached ADU. This way to expand your primary residence often relies on unoccupied space like an attic, which can be very effective for existing space exploitation. Attached or detached, your ADU can be your affordable housing according to HCD.

Detached Residential Dwelling Unit

As per state law, another way to achieve an ADU is a new structure situated on your property, apart from the main structure. This accessory structure will be a separate, smaller home that can house one or more persons. The details vary depending on your county.

Several factors are at play when ensuring that your detached ADU is legal. Still, the permitting process is not that different from an attached one. To make your new living spaces abide by building codes, think about utilities, a separate entrance and necessities in advance.

After all, even if not for permanent provisions, you yourself would like it to be approved for living, the permitting process aside. A detached ADU can be just as good as all other units. Remember, for renters, a separate property on existing land has added benefits of privacy for clients.

Another option here are manufactured homes. These are premade options of ADU kind. Affordable and easy, manufactured homes are premade kits for future assembly.

In the eyes of the state or the city, manufactured homes are no worse than other ADU. If their sanitation is up to par, they can serve all the missions of ADUs, renters interests included. Get your idea approved with professionals at A+ Construction & Remodeling in Sacramento, California, if even in doubt.

A detached ADU can be your own new home located on the same property.

Complete Independent Living Facilities

As people with senior family members know, the care for an elderly person can take a toll on the entire family. To save your loved ones the trouble of using public transportation to get to your grandfather or grandmother’s living block, you could invest in a completely independent living facility, legal under HCD.

As defined in this sense, the ADU constructed on your property would function as an independent residence project. This is just another imaginative way homeowners can utilize the property to benefit themselves and their families in the best way. The costs of building are more than worth it when the project is done.

Constructed for the needs of owners, your ADU can fit your own unique family situation.

Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit

A Junior accessory dwelling unit, aka a JADU, is another option under California HCD. It is smaller than regular accessory dwelling units, and has to be attached to the main house. Learn more about JADUs with us at A+ Construction & Remodeling in Sacramento, California.

The key characteristics are:

1. Smaller size.
2. Lesser price.
3. Accessibility.

Although a JADU comes with specific regulations, it can be very effective for people who have fewer opportunities and smaller expectations for an ADU. You have to reside on the same parcel when you think about your JADU though. Moreover, only one of those properties is rentable at the same time.

Consider a JADU for an easier living space that abides by HCD.

Stick Built or Prefab ADUs

When thinking of your ADU project, you might come across these new terms. We’re here to provide guidance. Both are existing ways to add more usable property onto your land.

Stick Built ADU is a wooden system of boards and planks. Some upsides would include eco-friendly materials and ease of construction. The Stick Built is a traditional ADU method.

However, some downsides:

• More costly processes
• Less leeway in planning
• More stress involved

As for prefab ADUs, aka prefabricated units, these come ready to use from the manufacturer. As described above, a prefab ADU is a ready kit for you to use, all benefits of the cost included. Still, prefab ADUs allow for less creativity and freedom than stick built.

Among all the ADU housing options, one is surely right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions — FAQ

Is HCD active outside of California?

According to the name, HCD regulations apply strictly to California and its counties. Other states and cities follow their own systems. When in need of help in the state, reach out to us at A+ Construction & Remodeling in Sacramento, California.

Can you build an ADU in the city?

ADUs are especially popular in suburban areas, but you can also erect one in the city. Sometimes, zoning will be a bit too tight. Still, it can lead to even more valuable property.

Is HCD strictly about ADUs?

HCD regulates ADU business in the state. It also regulates all the other building projects. This way, it encompasses more regulations than just additional dwelling units.