Blog Post

Can You Build an ADU on a Beach Front Property?

Dustin Edwards • Aug 30, 2023

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) can provide a number of opportunities for investors, both experienced and new. Beach city rentals are always in demand, which makes building ADUs to add to your real estate portfolio for an additional income incredibly alluring. 


While in most beach cities, there are limits to the size and location of your ADU. There are different
challenges when building an ADU on a beachfront property.


In today’s article, we’ll review the challenges of building an ADU on a beachfront property to see if you can increase your passive income.


Understand your Zoning

Different municipalities have different regulations that must be followed. For example, in Long Beach, ADUs are allowed in all areas zoned for single-family detached housing except for r-3-t and r-4-m, which typically refer to multi-family residential zoning. However, this can change depending on where you are building. It can also significantly affect how wide or tall the ADU can be.


For ADUs built on beachfront properties in California, you also need to be aware of the coastal overlay zones. These zones are often protecting beaches and ocean access points. This can limit your project and options when building in or near these zones. Because these areas are protected, there will likely be more regulations and restrictions when building an ADU on a beachfront property.


While building an ADU on the coastal overlay zones is possible, permits may be more expensive and require more time to process. Some locations on the coastal overlay zones make it unlikely that you will be allowed to build on them. These include:


  • Very High Fire Hazard Areas
  • Wildland Urban Interface Site
  • Hillside Overlay zones
  • Bluff Top Sites
  • Environmentally sensitive habitat areas


Getting the Right Permits

Assuming you’ve already had your ADU designed and drafted, you'll next need to request your building permits. For ADUs built on coastal overlay zones, you'll need more than the typical building permits. You also need a coastal development permit. This means you’ll need two reviews before starting the project. You'll need the standard review required for every ADU in California and the coastal department review for ADUs built on the coastal overlay zone. With some luck, these will happen simultaneously, which can save time. However, this isn’t always the case.


Start Building

Once everything is done with the city and you are allowed to build, purchase the proper material for the job. To ensure the longevity of the new building, it's best practice to keep in mind that you are building on the coast, and many factors can affect the maintenance required in the future. Nearly every surface must be abrasion-resistant as the sand can chip away at wood, metal, and even scratch glass. The salt and moisture can quickly work out of most metals if unprotected. Hardwood decks constructed of cedar, redwood, and ipe are commonly used due to their rot resistance, though they should still be treated regularly to maximize their lifespan. Composite materials such as fiberglass, PVC, and concrete are famous for building near the coast.


Building an ADU on the coast can seem like too much for some people, but the reward of having a second beautiful rental that can provide you with great passive income for years to come is worth it for those who go through with it. If you need help understanding the coastal zones and how to build on them or help
manage your current beachfront property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or fill out our Owner Application online.

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By Dustin Edwards 01 May, 2024
Everyone wants to feel safe in their homes. As an investment property owner, it's up to you to decide whether or not to include security measures in your property. Many of the costs associated with the security measures can be included in the rent, meaning not only can you keep your property safe, but you can earn more income in the long run. However, you would still want your tenants to have renters insurance to protect their assets. Today, we’ll discuss the top five security measures you can add to your property and why they're beneficial to you and your tenant. Security Cameras Cameras are probably one of the first security measures people think about when asked about security. Cameras provide more benefits than just surveillance. They provide an extra level of security for the safety of the tenants and their belongings. Additionally, security cameras can be useful when repairs are required. Cameras can aid in supervising repairs and maintenance to ensure you’re receiving the agreed-upon work. During vacancies when the property is empty, security cameras can help keep the property safe from potential intruders. Doorbell cameras are incredibly popular now. They provide the aforementioned safety of a camera that can be accessed remotely, as well as the ability to communicate with visitors. Although one must be careful never to say you're not home, just say you're unavailable to strangers. Security Lights Security lights with motion detectors are another effective tool when adding security measures to your property. These lights brightly if a potential intruder attempts to get near your home. They can provide enough illumination to see the intruder or, at the very least, scare them off. Nowadays, you can find a combination of security cameras and motion-activated security lights, such as the floodlight cam wired plus from Ring . Additionally, because these lights only turn on when motion is detected, they’re more cost-effective than traditional lights with a switch. Illuminate the Property Light generally deters intruders as it's more difficult to hide. Adding lighting to the landscaping can increase the security of the property while creating a relaxing atmosphere. Lights can also be used in other areas of the property to accent features such as trees, benches, or artwork. This can help your property stand out while giving your tenants an additional feeling of safety. Keyless Entry Keyless entry is seen as both a convenience feature and a security feature. They usually use an electronic passcode, biometric data, or grant access through a smartphone app. Physical keys can be lost, stolen, or duplicated. You reduce the risk of unauthorized entry by eliminating the need for a physical key to enter the property. Many keyless entry systems include several features, such as remote locking and monitoring. Although keyless entry is a great new technology for keeping your tenants and properties safe, they’re best used with other security systems. Security Company Nothing beats having an extra pair of eyes on your property for security. This is where security companies like ADT and SimpliSafe come in. While companies may deal with security in varying ways, they aim to protect your investment. While safety is the primary role of a security company, remember that many tenants may be willing to pay more for a premium amenity like a home security company. Keeping your property and tenants safe is incredibly important to the longevity of an investment property. If you’re looking to improve the security of your Long Beach rental property or need help managing your beach city rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or fill out our Owner Application online .
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