ADU Construction in Arleta
Arleta ADUs drawn for LADBS plan check on lots where a new unit stands near the old garage: separation, wall ratings and footings. Aspenwell Construction.
On an Arleta lot where the old garage stays and a new unit goes up near it, the LADBS reviewer looks hard at the space between the two buildings. Close walls may need fire-rated construction and fewer openings, and two footings side by side must not lean on the same soil. The set has to show that gap, the wall ratings and both foundations so the plan checker can follow each one.
Separation between buildings
How close the buildings stand sets much of the wall design. A unit placed well apart from the garage and the house needs ordinary exterior walls. As the gap shrinks, the code begins to ask for fire-resistant wall assemblies and smaller or fewer windows on the near side, and eaves may have to be trimmed back. We measure from the existing walls to the property lines and to each other before drawing, so the plan checker sees real dimensions and the unit is placed to keep its glass.
Footings beside old concrete
Where a new footing runs close to the old garage footing, the reviewer checks that the added load does not undercut the older concrete. The engineer may hold the new footing back, take it deeper, or tie the two together with a grade beam. An old garage slab that will stay as a patio or storage area gets its edge exposed and measured, so the drawings record its true depth. Shear walls on the new unit then get hold-downs sized to the footing they bear on.
About our adu construction serviceEverything we do in Arleta
ADU Construction in Arleta: questions
For an Arleta unit standing on its own, the engineer typically draws a slab with a deepened, reinforced perimeter and adjusts the footing on any side that runs near an existing building. When a soils report is required, its bearing value sets the footing width.
It can, if the existing concrete under its walls passes the engineer review. LADBS will expect the converted space to meet dwelling rules for fire separation and escape windows, which may mean new openings, a rated wall facing the house if the two are close, and new anchors. Shallow edges get new footing sections.
Under the package, an Arleta unit may be freestanding, attached or a garage conversion, as long as it keeps to one story with 500 square feet as its ceiling. Every distance between buildings and to the lot lines goes on the site plan, which plan check reads closely here. Larger units are taken case by case.
ADU Construction in other cities
More we build in Arleta
Book an inspection in Arleta
Describe the house and what it needs. We look at the structure first and send the quote in writing.