Building an ADU in a Coastal Zone: The essentials you need to know

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Special thank you to Chris Dulnikowski of Ruland Design Group for sharing her vast knowledge about building an ADU in a coastal zone!
Building an ADU in a California coastal zone may pose a challenge, but you'll have a much easier time if you have an experienced ADU designer on your side. In this video, we're addressing a lot of the most common questions we get from clients with properties in coastal overlay zones.
TIMESTAMPS
1:19 What is Coastal Overlay?
2:29 What are the regulations for building an ADU in a Coastal Zone?
3:43 Coastal Zone ADU permitting timeline
5:44 Additional costs for building an ADU in a Coastal Zone?
6:50 Municipality differences
7:45 Design tips for building an ADU in a Coastal Zone
9:09 Real Coastal Zone client story
11:45 HOA vs Coastal Zone complications
WHAT IS AN ADU?
ADU stands for accessory dwelling unit. An ADU is a permanent additional housing structure built on a property that already has a main home or main structure. You may have heard them referred to as granny flats, casitas, guest houses, or in-law suites. They can be built on a single-family lot or multi-family lot (duplexes count as multi-family).
An ADU has its own entrance, separate from the primary house, as well as a kitchen, bathroom, and living space.
Accessory dwelling units can be rented year-round and add a lot of value to your property. They can be garage conversions, stand-alone units, attic or basement conversions, or be attached to the main house.
ADUs are exceptionally flexible, and most owners find that their use for the unit evolves over the years. They can be used for passive rental income, housing relatives, or in Terri and Jerry's case, a place to call home.
WHAT IS A COASTAL ZONE?
A coastal zone is a region within several miles of the coast. Every city's coastal zone is different, but you can refer to this website to get an idea of where you're city's boundaries lie: www.coastal.ca.gov/maps/czb/ The purpose of a designated coastal overlay zone is to protect and enhance the quality of public access and coastal resources.
CAN I BUILD AN ADU IN A COASTAL ZONE?
Yes, you can build an ADU in most coastal zones, but there will be extra restrictions that will have to be taken into consideration depending on your municipality. That's why we recommend working with a designer that has experience with designing in your jurisdiction.
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[@pamwelty]

Thanks for the coastal zone info..... what about flood zones?

[@sfbluestar]

I hope someone can provide a turn-key solution to building a structure in the coastal zone. We agree on the specifics of the house and the price, I write a check, and the company just makes it happen, taking care of everything including dealing with the building dept and the coastal commission.

[@GREENLALI]

We keep building and then wonder we get sinkholes or Landslide