ADU Builder in Claremont, CA: Permits, Pre-Approved Plans and Costs

What local rules govern an ADU in Claremont?

The City of Claremont regulates ADUs and JADUs under Chapter 16.333 of the Claremont Municipal Code, as published on the Accessory Dwelling Units page on claremontca.gov. The page states that only one ADU is permitted per single-family residential lot, together with one JADU, and that an ADU may not be sold separately from the primary residence. California Government Code Section 66325(a) states that the state ADU approval article supersedes any conflicting local ordinance, so the City cannot impose rules that undercut the state minimums. The development standards on the same page set the minimum unit size at 150 square feet, the maximum ADU size at 1,000 square feet, the maximum JADU size at 500 square feet, the minimum setback at 4 feet from the property line, and the maximum height at 16 feet.

How many pre-approved ADU plans does Claremont offer?

The City of Claremont Planning Division publishes three pre-approved ADU plans, identified as Plan 1, Plan 2, and Plan 3, on the Accessory Dwelling Units Pre-Approved Designs page on claremontca.gov. Each plan can be paired with three exterior design styles: California Ranch, Craftsman, and Spanish. The City states that using a pre-approved plan may streamline the approval and permitting process and save money on blueprints, and that each plan may be modified to fit the property. The required documents are the ADU Permit Application and the signed Pre-Approved ADU Hold Harmless, Indemnification, and Release Agreement.

How long does state law give Claremont to decide a complete ADU application?

California Government Code Section 66317(a)(3) gives the permitting agency 60 days from the date it receives a complete ADU or JADU application to approve or deny the application, after which the application is deemed approved. Section 66317(a)(2)(A) requires the agency to issue a written completeness determination within 15 business days. Claremont processes every ADU and JADU ministerially under Chapter 16.333, so the 60 day state clock governs every Claremont application regardless of project size.

What size, height, and setback rules apply to a Claremont ADU?

The Claremont Accessory Dwelling Units page on claremontca.gov sets the minimum ADU size at 150 square feet and the maximum at 1,000 square feet, the minimum setback at 4 feet from the property line, and the maximum height at 16 feet. For a JADU, the minimum size is 150 square feet and the maximum is 500 square feet, with a 4 foot setback and a 16 foot maximum height, and the JADU must be connected to the primary dwelling. California Government Code Section 66314(d)(5) caps any detached ADU on a lot with an existing or proposed single-family dwelling at 1,200 square feet, and Section 66321(b)(2)(A) and (B) require the State to allow a studio or one bedroom detached ADU of at least 850 square feet and a multi bedroom detached ADU of at least 1,000 square feet.

What kitchen requirements apply to a Claremont ADU?

The Accessory Dwelling Units page on claremontca.gov sets two kitchen standards, split at 500 square feet of floor area. For an ADU larger than 500 square feet, the kitchen must include a 22 inch sink with a garbage disposal, an opening that will accommodate a 69 inch by 30 inch by 29 inch refrigerator, a four element stove, and 15 square feet of counter space. For an ADU smaller than 500 square feet, the kitchen must include a 15 inch sink with a garbage disposal and a one and one-half inch waste line, an opening that will accommodate a 62 inch by 25 inch by 28 inch refrigerator, a two element electronic stove of 120 volts, and 10 square feet of counter space.

How much does an ADU cost in Claremont?

L Square's configured model prices, published on the L Square cost guide page on lscontractor.com, start at $180,000 for the 600 square foot Model 600, run to $240,000 for the 800 square foot Model 800A and Model 800B, to $295,000 for the 1,000 square foot Model 1000A and Model 1000B, and to $354,000 for the 1,200 square foot Model 1200. The same model prices apply to Los Angeles County cities including Claremont. Claremont has not adopted a special ADU impact fee, so the statewide Section 66311.5(c)(1) rule controls: no impact fee on an ADU with 750 square feet of interior livable space or less, and proportional impact fees above that floor. L Square holds California Contractors State License Board number 1095476.

Official Claremont ADU sources

• The City of Claremont Accessory Dwelling Units page on claremontca.gov states that only one ADU is permitted per single-family residential lot together with one JADU, that an ADU may not be sold separately from the primary residence, and sets the minimum unit size at 150 square feet, the maximum ADU size at 1,000 square feet, the maximum JADU size at 500 square feet, the minimum setback at 4 feet from the property line, and the maximum height at 16 feet. Official source
• The City of Claremont Accessory Dwelling Units Pre-Approved Designs page on claremontca.gov states that the Planning Division offers three pre-approved ADU plans, identified as Plan 1, Plan 2, and Plan 3, and that each of the three plans can be paired with three exterior design styles: California Ranch, Craftsman, and Spanish. Official source
• California Government Code Section 66317(a)(3) requires a permitting agency to approve or deny a complete ADU or JADU application within 60 days from receipt, and states that if the local agency has not approved or denied the completed application within 60 days the application shall be deemed approved. Official source
• California Government Code Section 66314(d)(5) limits a detached ADU on a lot with an existing or proposed single-family dwelling to 1,200 square feet of floor area. Section 66314(d)(10) caps required parking at one space per ADU or per bedroom, whichever is less. Official source
• California Government Code Section 66321(b)(2)(A) and (B) set statewide minimum floors of 850 square feet for a studio or one bedroom detached ADU and 1,000 square feet for a multi bedroom detached ADU that a local ordinance cannot undercut. Official source
• California Government Code Section 66325(a) voids any local ordinance, policy, or regulation that conflicts with state ADU law. Official source
• California Government Code Section 66311.5(c)(1) bars the State, any special district, and any water corporation from imposing any impact fee upon the development of an ADU that has 750 square feet of interior livable space or less. Official source