Number of ADUs Allowed in Hawaiian Gardens
- Maximum size: 1,200 sq ft (detached or attached, or 50% of the size of the main dwelling)
- Side/rear setbacks: 4 feet
- Two story: Yes, for both attached and detached ADUs
- Building separation: 6 feet
- Soils Report: Possibly, especially in areas with grading or on hillsides
- Building Verification Survey: Yes
- Coastal permit (in some areas): N/A
- Stormwater Mitigation: Yes
Number of ADUs Allowed in Hawaiian Gardens
Up to one ADU and one JADU can be built on a single-family lot in Hawaiian Gardens.
Multifamily property owners in Hawaiian Gardens may convert existing uninhabitable space into at least one ADU, and additional ADUs not to exceed a maximum number equal to 25% of the existing units. Ergo:
- From 2 to 7 units, you could convert existing uninhabitable space into one ADU
- From 8 to 11 units up to 2 ADUs
- From 12 to 15 units up to 3 ADUs
- And so on.
No more than two detached ADUs may be constructed on a multifamily lot in Hawaiian Gardens.
ADU Hawaiian Gardens – Size & Building Constraints
In Hawaiian Gardens, a detached ADU can be no more than 1,000 square feet, with no more than two bedrooms.
In Hawaiian Gardens, an ADU - including both new construction and converted structures - shall not exceed 1,000 square feet and shall not exceed two bedrooms.
A JADU shall not exceed 500 square feet on single-family residential zoned property, and shall not expand the size of an existing residential dwelling by more than 150 square feet.
An ADU in Hawaiian Gardens may be up to 30 feet or two stories in height, whichever is less.
Yes, a two-story ADU can be permitted in Hawaiian Gardens.
On multifamily, where more than one ADU may be permitted, it may be possible to have two ADUs “stacked” one on top of the other, with one ADU on each story.
Two ADUs are only permitted on multifamily property. Hawaiian Gardens regulations do not specify the configurations, and two attached ADUs may be permitted on a case-by-case basis.
No, a JADU is defined as an ADU converted from existing space within the main structure of the primary dwelling unit. As such, it cannot be attached to an ADU.
Generally roof decks would be permitted on an ADU, but must meet the height restrictions for the zone. Roof decks cannot encroach into the required setbacks. As a rule of thumb, railings and access staircases above 42″ need to be included in height calculations.
In Hawaiian Gardens the ADU must match the architectural design of the proposed or existing structure. This includes using the same exterior material, roof material, color, and architectural details of the main dwelling unit.
ADU Setbacks in Hawaiian Gardens
ADUs behind the primary dwelling unit in Hawaiian Gardens require a minimum of 4-foot side and rear setbacks.
Hawaiian Gardens does not specify specific building separation for ADUs from the primary dwelling unit or other structures. Enough separation must be maintained to comply with fire codes and reduce the risk of fires spreading from one building to another. Separation requirements will be determined in the planning stage.
Hawaiian Gardens regulations don’t specifically prohibit ADUs in the front yard, but stipulations that new construction preserve the curb appeal of the neighborhood typically err strongly in favor of permitting ADUs for back and side yards only.
ADU Setbacks in Hawaiian Gardens
No, plans can be submitted online to the Hawaiian Gardens Building & Safety Division by email to [email protected].
Hawaiian Gardens may require a soils report for ADU permitting to make sure the soil can support the new structure, especially if the ADU will be located on a hillside, an area with significant grading, or if there are special foundation requirements.
Hawaiian Gardens specifies no specific requirements for “green” space or permeable surface on your landscaping when constructing an ADU. However, green space and permeable surface may become an issue in the approval process if the ADU covers a significant portion of the lot.
The plan check requires a review by the Community Development Department for zoning, building standards, and safety compliance. The process takes approximately 3 weeks.
Parking for Hawaiian Gardens ADU
Hawaiian Gardens requires one new parking space be added per new ADU. However, if the property is within one mile of a public transit stop and/or if the ADU or JADU in question is being converted from existing space within the main dwelling unit, the ADU is exempt from the requirement of extra parking.
If a parking space must be added, it can be included on the driveway or any setback areas, and it may be configured as tandem parking.
Additional Requirements in Hawaiian Gardens
Per Title 24 of the California Energy Code, solar panels of appropriate size and capacity are mandatory on new-construction ADUs. ADUs built from converted existing structures are exempt, as may be ADUs located under significant shading. Smaller ADUs may be subject to reduced or modified solar panel requirements.
An ADU is not required to have a separate water or electrical meter. You can opt for the ADU to share service with the main dwelling unit. However, you can request separate water or electrical meters from the City of Hawaiian Gardens.
Hawaiian Gardens does not automatically assign a new ADU its own address. However, it may assign the ADU a new address if it is intended for rental or independent occupancy. The ADU will usually get a “½” designation — for example, an ADU located behind 1234 Pine Street would have the address “1234½ Pine Street.”
Low Impact Development (LID) is an approach to land development or redevelopment that seeks to preserve and conserve onsite water quality and natural features, with minimal detrimental effect to local waterways and ecosystems. Hawaiian Gardens may require LID fees for larger ADUs.
Hawaiian Gardens does not specifically prohibit the use of an ADU as an Airbnb or short-term rental. However, local land-use ordinances tend to favor the use of ADUs as long-term rentals or owner-occupied units.
Per the Costa-Hawkins Act of 1995, Hawaiian Gardens does not impose rent control on dwellings constructed after February 1, 1995. This means most new-build ADUs are exempt. However, if the primary dwelling unit is subject to rent control, it might apply to the ADU as well.
While encouraging the use of electric appliances for efficiency and sustainability, Hawaiian Gardens does not prohibit gas appliances in new ADUs as long as all relevant installation and safety standards are met.
In Hawaiian Gardens you are only required to install sprinklers in a new ADU if the primary dwelling unit has them as well. You may also be required to install them if the ADU is located within a special fire hazard zone.
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