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Emerald Hills ADU Zoning and Building Standards
Understanding the zoning and building standards for ADUs in Emerald Hills can be tricky. This guide simplifies the essential requirements, regulations, and standards to help you plan and develop your ADU project confidently.
Property Requirements
Before starting your ADU project, you need to understand the property requirements in Emerald Hills. These requirements vary based on your lot’s zoning—whether it’s single-family, duplex, or multi-family. Let’s explore the specifics for each zoning type to ensure your property is suitable for an ADU.
Building Size
The size of your ADU depends on your lot’s zoning. Single-family lots offer more flexibility, while duplex and multi-family lots have more specific rules. Knowing these limits will help you design an ADU that meets local regulations.
- Single-Family Zoned Lots:
Single-family lots in Emerald Hills offer the most freedom for ADU development. You can build an attached or detached ADU, with generous size allowances. The maximum ADU size is typically 1,200 square feet or 50% of the main house, whichever is smaller.
- Duplex Family Zoned Lots:
Duplex lots allow for ADU development but with extra considerations. You can build an attached or detached ADU, but the size is limited to 50% of the main house or 1,200 square feet, whichever is smaller. Setbacks and parking requirements may vary.
- Multi-Family Zoned Lots :
Multi-family lots have specific rules for ADU development. The allowances for attached and detached ADUs differ, so it’s crucial to understand the regulations for your property. Let’s look closer at the requirements for each ADU type on multi-family lots.
- Attached ADUs:
On multi-family lots, attached ADUs are limited to 50% of the main house or 1,200 square feet, whichever is smaller. They must have a separate entrance.
- Detached ADUs:
Detached ADUs on multi-family lots can be up to 1,200 square feet. They must be in the backyard and maintain the required setbacks.
Owner-occupancy
In Emerald Hills, you don’t have to live on the property to rent out your ADU. Both the main house and the ADU can be rented out. However, you must follow all rental laws and regulations.
Number Of Units Allowed
The number of ADUs you can build depends on the lot’s zoning. Single-family and duplex lots typically allow one ADU, either attached or detached. Multi-family lots may allow more, depending on the number of existing units and the lot size.
Emerald Hills Building Height
Height rules for ADUs in Emerald Hills ensure new structures fit in with the neighborhood. The maximum height depends on the lot’s zoning and the type of ADU. Let’s explore the height requirements for single-family, duplex, and multi-family zoned lots.
- Single-family: On single-family lots, a detached ADU can be up to 16 feet high. If the ADU is attached to the main house, it must not be taller than the existing structure. These height limits ensure a consistent look and prevent ADUs from overshadowing neighboring properties.
- Duplex family: Duplex lots follow similar height rules as single-family lots. Detached ADUs can be up to 16 feet high, while attached ADUs must not be taller than the main house. This ensures ADUs on duplex lots fit in with the neighborhood.
- Multi-family: On multi-family lots, height limits for ADUs are more flexible. Detached ADUs can be up to 16 feet high, while attached ADUs can match the height of the existing multi-family structure, subject to design review.
Emerald Hills Building Size
The maximum size for ADUs in Emerald Hills varies based on the lot’s zoning. These limits ensure ADUs are secondary to the main house and fit into the neighborhood. Let’s explore the size limits for single-family, duplex, and multi-family lots.
- Single-Family Freedom: Single-family lots offer the most flexibility in ADU size. The maximum allowed size is typically 1,200 square feet or 50% of the main house, whichever is smaller. This allows homeowners to create spacious ADUs.
- Duplex house: Duplex lots have similar size limits as single-family lots. The maximum size is 1,200 square feet or 50% of the main house, whichever is smaller. This ensures ADUs on duplex lots fit in with the neighborhood.
- Multi-Family Mix: Multi-family lots have varied size limits depending on the type of ADU and the lot’s characteristics. Attached ADUs are limited to 50% of the main house or 1,200 square feet, while detached ADUs can be up to 1,200 square feet, subject to setbacks and lot coverage requirements.
Fire Safety Regulations
Fire safety is a top priority in Emerald Hills ADU development. Your ADU must comply with all fire codes, including proper fire separation, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and emergency exits. DevArt8 Builders ensures your ADU meets these safety standards.
Parking
Parking requirements for ADUs in Emerald Hills have been relaxed to encourage development. Usually, no extra parking is needed, especially if the property is near public transit or in a historic district. Your DevArt8 Builders team can help with any parking concerns.
Utility Connections
Your ADU needs connections to utilities like water, sewer, electricity, and gas. Usually, the ADU can share connections with the main house, but separate meters might be needed. DevArt8 Builders will coordinate with local utility providers to ensure proper connections.
Setbacks
Setback requirements ensure new ADUs keep a proper distance from property lines and neighbors. Setbacks vary based on the lot’s zoning and the type of ADU. Your DevArt8 Builders team will design your ADU to meet all setback rules.
Zoning Regulations
Emerald Hills has specific zoning rules for ADU development. These rules vary based on whether your property is zoned for single-family, duplex, or multi-family use. Let’s explore the zoning rules for each category to understand what’s allowed on your property.
Single Family
Single-family lots offer the most flexibility for ADU development. You can build an attached or detached ADU, subject to size limits and setback rules. The maximum ADU size is 1,200 square feet or 50% of the main house, whichever is smaller.
Duplex Family
Duplex lots allow for ADU development with some extra considerations. You can build an attached or detached ADU, but the size is limited to 50% of the main house or 1,200 square feet, whichever is smaller. Setbacks and parking rules may also differ.
Multi-Family
Multi-family lots have specific rules for ADU development. The allowances for attached and detached ADUs vary, so it’s important to understand the requirements for your property. Factors like lot size, existing units, and setbacks will influence what type of ADU you can build.
RF Zone Minimum Lot Area in Emerald Hills
In Emerald Hills’s RF Zone, minimum lot sizes range from large single-family homes (RF-20) to big estate properties (RF-40). These large lots provide flexibility and privacy for ADU development, making it an attractive option.
- RF-20: Requires a minimum lot size of 20,000 square feet. This allows for comfortable ADU development while maintaining privacy.
- RF-30: Requires a minimum lot size of 30,000 square feet. These lots provide ample room for ADU development, ensuring a good fit with the main house.
- RF-40: Requires a minimum size of 40,000 square feet. These large properties offer great opportunities for ADU development, with plenty of space and privacy.
Room Specifications
When designing your ADU, consider the specifications for each room to ensure comfort and compliance with local regulations. The table below outlines the key specifications for bathrooms, kitchens, sleeping areas, and storage in Emerald Hills ADUs.
| Room Type | Specifications |
| Bathroom | – Minimum 30 sq ft – Shower/tub min 30″ x 30″ – Ventilation – Water-resistant finishes – GFCI outlets |
| Kitchen | – Minimum 50 sq ft – Sink with hot/cold water – Cooking appliance – Refrigerator – Countertop space – Storage |
| Sleeping Areas | – Minimum 70 sq ft for one, 100 sq ft for two – 7 ft ceiling – Egress window/door – Closet – Electrical outlets and lighting |
| Storage | – Minimum 100 cubic ft – Can be closets, cabinets, or separate rooms – Accessible – Ventilated – Secure and lockable |
Emerald Hills Requirements
Emerald Hills has specific requirements for different types of ADUs. These ensure ADUs are safe, livable, and fit the neighborhood. Let’s explore the requirements for detached ADUs, attached ADUs, and JADUs in Emerald Hills.
Detached ADU Emerald Hills: Detached ADUs in Emerald Hills must be in the backyard and meet setback rules. They can be up to 1,200 square feet, depending on zoning. Detached ADUs must have a separate entrance and can’t be sold separately.
Attached ADU Emerald Hills : Attached ADUs in Emerald Hills are limited to 50% of the main house’s living area or 1,200 square feet, whichever is smaller. They must have a separate entrance and can’t be taller than the existing house. Fire separation walls might be needed, and they can’t be sold separately.
JADU Emerald Hills : Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) are created within the main house. In Emerald Hills, JADUs are limited to 500 square feet and must have a separate entrance. They can share bathrooms with the main house and need a kitchenette.
Rental Requirements
If you plan to rent out your Emerald Hills ADU, you need to understand the rental requirements and laws. These rules protect both tenants and landlords, ensuring a fair rental process. Let’s look at the key rental requirements for ADUs in Emerald Hills.
- Proof of income: Tenants may need to show proof of income, like pay stubs or bank statements, to ensure they can pay rent.
- Credit score: Landlords might check tenants’ credit scores to see if they can pay rent on time. A minimum score might be required.
- Rental history: Landlords might ask for references from past landlords to verify rental history and timely payments.
- Application fee: Landlords may charge a fee to cover background and credit checks. In Emerald Hills, this fee is limited to the actual cost.
- Security deposit: Landlords might require a security deposit, usually limited to two months’ rent for unfurnished units.
- Proof of renter’s insurance: Some landlords require tenants to have renter’s insurance. Tenants should show proof before moving in.
- Pet policy: Landlords may have rules about pets, including restrictions on type, size, or number. Pet deposits or fees should be clear.
- Smoking policy: Landlords may ban smoking in the rental unit or property. Smoking rules should be in the lease to avoid disputes.
Development Standards for Emerald Hills ADU
These standards ensure ADUs are built safely, efficiently, and according to local rules. By following these guidelines, you can create a functional and compliant ADU on your property.
| ADU Types | Development Standards Specifications |
| Single-family | – Max size: 1,200 sq ft or 50% of main house – 16 ft height limit for detached ADUs – Separate entrance – No extra parking – Setbacks apply |
| Duplex | – Max size: 1,200 sq ft or 50% of main house – 16 ft height limit for detached ADUs – Separate entrance – Parking varies – Setbacks apply |
| Multi-family | – Attached ADUs limited to 50% of main house or 1,200 sq ft – Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft – Height limits vary – Setbacks and lot coverage apply – Parking varies |
| Junior ADUs (JADUs) | – Max size: 500 sq ft – Within the main house – Separate entrance – Can share bathroom – Requires kitchenette – No extra parking |
Emerald Hills Property Designations for ADU
Before starting your ADU project, understand any property designations that might affect development. In Emerald Hills, these include flood zones, geohazard zones, and easements. Identifying these factors early ensures smooth and compliant development.
- Flood zones: If your property is in a flood zone, you might need extra requirements like elevated foundations or flood-resistant materials.
- Geohazard zones: Properties in geohazard zones, like areas prone to landslides or earthquakes, might need specialized engineering and construction techniques.
- Easements: Easements on your property, like utility or access easements, can affect the ADU’s placement and design. Identify and plan around these easements.
ADU Permit Requirements and Fees
Getting the right permits is crucial for ADU development. The permit process ensures your ADU meets all safety, zoning, and building rules. Let’s explore the common permits needed and the fees involved.
- Building Permit: Required for all ADU construction. Ensures compliance with local building codes. Fees are based on project value.
- Electrical Permit: Needed for any electrical work, like wiring and lighting. Ensures safe installation.
- Plumbing Permit: Required for plumbing work, like installing bathrooms or kitchens. Verifies plumbing meets local codes.
- Other Permits: Depending on your ADU’s features, you might need extra permits, like a mechanical permit for HVAC systems or a grading permit for site work.
Design Your Dream ADU Today!
Now that you understand the zoning and building standards for ADUs in Emerald Hills, it’s time to design your dream ADU. Work with DevArt8 Builders to create a functional, compliant, and stylish ADU that fits your needs and adds value to your property. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!