Above, right: The internet’s coolest granny, @BaddieWinkle, with nearly 3 million followers on Instagram
A new law went into effect in California January 1 that allows home owners to convert a garage into a living space.
This is a great way to add value to your property – many homes in our neighborhoods are now selling well over $1000/sq ft. Adding up to 1200 sq ft (in some cities) could add a lot of value to your home. Not to mention that it would provide more space – whether it’s for a guest house, your actual granny moving in, or in my case, the gym I’d like to put over my garage!
Many cities, especially Beverly Hills and Santa Monica, have their own regulations, which may add limitations to the state law. Santa Monica is definitely on board with the new law, but the City is still finalizing details like maximum square footage, etc. (more here).
Click here and here to see the official ordinances from the L.A. City Planning Commission.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU’s) — commonly referred to as granny flats — are secondary units built on the property of a single-family home, such as a converted garage, a guest house or a smaller unit within an existing home. (Source)