Building in your backyard: Two Types of Accessory Structures
ADUs and Home Studios
At SQFT Studios, we are often asked about Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Our clients have heard about them in the media, from their neighbors, and even from our city government. However, there is another form of Accessory Structure called the Home Studio. A Home Studio may also be called a Backyard Cottage, Artist Studio, Casita, Guest Suite, etc. Home Studios are almost identical to ADUs, but with much less regulation and fewer fees. Below are some of the similarities and differences between ADUs and Backyard Bedrooms
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
An ADU is a secondary structure on a property that can serve as an autonomous dwelling separate from the primary residence. It contains everything a single-family home has; a bedroom, a bathroom, and a kitchen, as well as any additional accommodations. These units are typically rented out for either short- or long-term.
Home Studios
A Home Studio is a secondary structure on a property that can serve as additional square footage to the primary residence. It can contain most of what a single-family has; a bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen or wetbar, as well as additional accommodations. These units are typically for personal use, business, or rented out to for either short- or long-term with use of the primary residence as well.
Below is a table highlighting just a few of the similarities and differences:
| Accessory Dwelling Units | Home Studios | |
|---|---|---|
| Legal & Permitted | Yes | Yes |
| System Development Charges | $0 (waiver expires 7/31/2018, avg. $17,000 thereafter) | $0 Indefinitely |
| Full Bathroom | Yes | Yes (though only one sink allowed in entire unit) |
| Full Kitchen | Yes | Yes (though only one sink allowed in entire unit) |
| Short-term Rental | Yes | Yes |
| Long-term Rental | Yes | Yes |
| Size Restrictions | Up to 800sf or <75% of primary dwelling, whichever is less | Up to 15% footprint coverage of property area |
| Height Restrictions | 20′ | 20′ |
| Placed within side/rear setbacks | Yes: If under 24’x24′ footprint, under 15′ height, under 10′ high walls | Yes: If under 24’x24′ footprint, under 15′ height, under 10′ high walls |
| Conformity (Design) Restrictions | Under 15′ height: No Over 15′ height: Yes |
Under 15′ height: No Over 15′ height: Yes |
| Utilities | Separate or shared with primary residence | Shared with primary residence |
| Average cost | $105,000 | $65,000 |
Differences
The ultimate difference between these two types of structures is whether it is an independent dwelling or an extension of the primary residence. This line is drawn at number of sinks. Home Studios are allowed one sink whereas ADUs can have multiple sinks.
At SQFT Studios, we build both ADUs and Home Studios. We find that Home Studios are an excellent alternative to ADUs that is less known, has less regulation, and is more affordable. All options are explored during the free consultation phase where we discuss with our clients the primary purpose of their new structure and have that guide the design.
If you’re having difficulty deciding between an ADU or Home Studio, contact us for a free consultation. We’ll go over the options, differences, and similarities in order to find the perfect solution for you and your needs.
Updated 4/27/2016
[…] If you are a homeowner, one way to be part of the solution is to build an Accessory Structure, which is a separate building on your property that can house additional people and/or families. These Accessory Structures come in various shapes and sizes, but we have highlighted two types in a recent blog post; Building in your backyard: Two Types of Accessory Structures. […]
[…] non-permitted, non-conforming structures), and we find a lot of consumers mistake them for ADUs. It’s not only difficult for clients researching these structures, but it makes it difficult for […]