By Kai Iris
In more recent times, as a sort of solution to the housing problem, the development of Accessory Dwelling Units has expanded, with the ultimate objective of housing the elderly population as well as generating rental revenue; with this approach, we can argue that two problems have been effectively solved, simultaneously at that. However, in the United States, legislative rules have been relaxed to allow for the expansion of this activity. Throughout this article, California will be covered nearly entirely in combination with how changes in regulations have helped to stimulate the building of additional ADUs in Sunnyvale and address housing issues throughout the country.
Recent developments with ADUs in Sunnyvale
Many Sunnyvale, CA residents are constructing ADUs as rental units to offset the high housing expenses and taxes. Anyone whomight want to downsize may view the granny homes as a chance to live in it while renting out their main property, producing so much more additional income. ADUs are being used as in-law apartments and cottages by homeowners in addition to rental units since they are a cost-effective option to accommodate extended family while keeping privacy. The city (of Sunnyvale) approved 115 ADUs, with 78 of those approved being completed between the time periods of January 1996 and December 2016,
Only 15% of Sunnyvale’s existing single-family lots are big enough to fulfil the city’s current ADU building regulations.
Sunnyvale’s Regulations for ADUs
Units of up to 800 square feet are eligible for simplified approval. Maximum size for non-streamlined units. Maximum gross floor size of 850 square feet, or 1,000 sq.ft. if the unit contains two bedrooms. If the auxiliary dwelling unit is connected to a conventional single residence, the floor size of the accessory dwelling unit must not exceed 50% of the floor area of the existing single-family house.
Parking: In addition to the necessary places for the principal home, each ADU, situated in the confines of Sunnyvale is expected to have one off-street parking space, which may be in tandem on an existing driveway.
Certain exceptions would be observed provided that the ADU:
- Is a component of an existing primary residence or a residential auxiliary construction designed for human living.
- Is a half-mile walk from a major transport station.
- Is situated in a recognized historic district.
- A car-sharing vehicle is situated within one block of the ADU.
There is no need for a parking place if the unit:
- When on-street parking permits are needed but not provided to the ADU resident.
Adding to what has been discussed on parking, happens to be posited only a block away from a motor vehicle that offers hourly and daily service as part of a regional fleet maintained by a governmental agency or a publicly leased motor-vehicle-sharing enterprise.
The ADU is in a historic district that is recognized on the City’s Historic Resources Inventory.
When you convert your garage, you have no candid reason to continue to worry about replacing the parking places; asthis is in accordance with the newly enacted state legislation.
Conclusion
Taking into account the different characteristics that make up ADUs in Sunnyvale, it is obvious that every municipality within the state of California follows similar regulations, most probably in order to constantly operate within the jurisdiction of the state and foster creation of Sunnyvale ADUs in the bay of California.
