Today, we’re jumping back into accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and tackling a question that may be bugging a few of you: can an ADU have a separate address?
As you may know, ADUs are increasing in popularity. These additional dwelling units, often called granny flats or in-law suites, are popping up in backyards and garages nationwide. They’re a fantastic way to create extra living space, generate rental income, and maximize the potential of your property.
But with all the buzz around ADUs, there’s one question that keeps coming up: can these units have their own separate address? It’s a great question, and the answer is… drumroll, please… it depends!
Factors That Determine ADU Addresses
Before diving into the details, let’s take a step back and look at the big picture. When it comes to assigning addresses to ADUs, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Local regulations: Every city and county has its own rules and regulations around ADUs, including how they’re addressed. Some localities allow ADUs to have their own separate address, while others require them to share an address with the primary dwelling unit.
- Property type: The type of property you own can also impact whether your ADU can have a separate address. Single-family homes, for example, may have different address assignment rules than multi-family properties or homes with attached garages.
- ADU configuration: The way your ADU is configured can also play a role in address assignment. Is your ADU attached to your main house, or is it a detached unit in your backyard? This distinction can impact whether your ADU can have its own address.
- United States Postal Service (USPS) guidelines: At the end of the day, the USPS has the final say in how addresses are assigned. They have specific guidelines around mail delivery and address assignment that can impact whether your ADU can have a separate address.
The Process of Assigning an ADU Address
Alright, now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s talk about the process of actually assigning an address to your ADU. Here’s how it typically works:
- Check with your local planning department: Before you start the address assignment process, it’s important to check with your local planning department to see what the rules and regulations are around ADU addresses in your area. They can provide guidance on whether your ADU is eligible for a separate address and what steps you need to take to make it happen.
- Submit a site plan: In most cases, you’ll need to submit a detailed site plan of your property, showing the location of your primary dwelling unit and your ADU. This site plan will be used to determine whether your ADU is eligible for a separate address and how that address will be assigned.
- File an address assignment request: Once you have your site plan ready to go, you’ll need to file an address assignment request with your local planning department or the USPS. This request will kick off the process of assigning a separate address to your ADU.
- Wait for approval: After you submit your address assignment request, it will be reviewed by the relevant authorities (either your local planning department or the USPS). They’ll take a look at your site plan, assess your ADU’s eligibility for a separate address, and make a determination. This process can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, so be patient!
- Receive your new address: If your address assignment request is approved, congratulations! You’ll receive a new, separate address for your ADU. This address will be used for mail delivery, utility setup, and other official purposes.
Benefits of Having a Separate ADU Address
Now, you might be wondering: why go through all the trouble of getting a separate address for your ADU? Well, there are actually some pretty compelling reasons to do so:
- Simplified mail delivery: With a separate address, your ADU tenants can receive their mail directly, without any confusion or mix-ups with the primary dwelling unit’s mail.
- Streamlined utility setup: Many utility companies require a separate address in order to set up independent accounts for an ADU. Having a separate address can simplify this process and ensure that your ADU has its own dedicated utility services.
- Increased privacy: If you’re renting out your ADU, having a separate address can provide an extra layer of privacy for your tenants. They’ll have their own dedicated space and won’t have to worry about sharing an address with the main house.
- Potential for increased property value: In some cases, having a separate address for your ADU can actually increase your property value. It can make your ADU feel more like a standalone unit and could be more attractive to potential buyers or renters.
Challenges of Assigning an ADU Address
Of course, like anything in life, there are also some challenges to consider when it comes to assigning a separate address to your ADU:
- Navigating local regulations: As we mentioned earlier, every city and county has its own rules and regulations around ADU addresses. Navigating these regulations can be tricky, and it’s important to do your due diligence to ensure that you’re following all the necessary steps and guidelines.
- Coordinating with the USPS: In some cases, you may need to work directly with the USPS to assign a separate address to your ADU. This can involve a bit of back-and-forth and may require some patience and persistence.
- Potential for confusion: If your ADU shares a lot with your primary dwelling unit, there may be some potential for confusion when it comes to mail delivery and visitor navigation. It’s important to clearly mark your ADU and provide clear directions to ensure that everyone can find their way around.
Real-World Examples
To help illustrate how ADU addresses can work in practice, let’s take a look at a few real-world examples:
Example 1: San Diego, California
In San Diego, the city allows ADUs to have their own separate address if they meet certain criteria. The ADU must have its own entrance, and it must be located on a lot that’s large enough to accommodate a separate address (typically at least 5,000 square feet). If these criteria are met, the property owner can submit an address assignment request to the city’s Development Services Department.
Example 2: Portland, Oregon
In Portland, ADUs are required to have their own separate address if they have separate utility meters or if they have a separate entrance on a different street from the primary dwelling unit. If these criteria are met, the property owner can contact the Portland Bureau of Development Services to request a new address for the ADU.
Example 3: Austin, Texas
In Austin, ADUs can have their own separate address if they are detached from the primary dwelling unit and have their own entrance. However, if the ADU is attached to the main house or if it shares an entrance with the primary dwelling unit, it must share an address with the main house. Property owners can contact the City of Austin’s Addressing Department to request a new address for their detached ADU.
So, Can an ADU Have a Separate Address?
So, can an ADU have a separate address? The answer is yes, in many cases! But as we’ve seen, there are a lot of factors to consider and steps to navigate in order to make it happen.
Ultimately, whether you decide to pursue a separate address for your ADU will depend on your specific property, your local regulations, and your individual needs and goals. But with a little bit of research and some careful planning, you can successfully assign a separate address to your ADU and unlock all the benefits that come with it.
So what are you waiting for? Start exploring your ADU address options today and take your property to the next level!
Ready to build?