Can You Build an ADU on a Beach Front Property?

Dustin Edwards • August 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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5 Signs It's Time To Replace Your Rental's Roof

By Dustin Edwards • May 8, 2025
Your property’s roof is its first line of defense from the sun, rain, and wind. Which means it will eventually wear out. Many landlords overlook this since a roof is generally designed to last twenty or so years, and they simply forget until the signs begin to show. Below, we’ve compiled a short list of five signs it’s time to replace your roof for when doing property inspections. Tenant Complaints When your roof has become damaged, your tenants will likely be the first to notice. When tenants report water stains on the walls and ceilings, it's a sign that you should inspect your roof. In severe cases, your tenant may notice water dripping from roof leaks. This moisture, if left unchecked, can lead to the growth of mold and mildew, which can be a health concern for your tenants. Some tenants simply move out, assuming the odors or recurring respiratory issues are caused by the rental and not just the roof. This leaves you with a vacancy to manage, and if you’re unable to find the leak during this period, the following tenant may have a negative experience as well. Many landlords have found it beneficial to have property inspections regularly in order to preserve both the property’s value and the tenant’s trust. Roof’s Age Even with the highest quality materials, a roof still has a shelf life. Most roofs in Long Beach, CA, use asphalt shingles, and these generally last around twenty to twenty-five years. Once they've passed this threshold, the faults begin to show themselves. A sagging roof line is a sign that your roof is due to be replaced, as it's a serious concern. It often indicates that moisture has entered the underlying decking and caused some structural damage. From ground level, you may not be able to notice these problems. However, during an inspection of the property, an experienced inspector should be able to notice soft spots or contours on the roof. These forms of damage often get worse over time. Coordinating these inspections and preventative maintenance can be difficult for landlords with an extensive portfolio, which is why many enlist help. Shingle Damage Damaged shingles are one of the most obvious signs that your roof is deteriorating. If you ever notice cracking, curling, or patches with missing shingles, the roof is no longer providing adequate protection to your property. Although you can buy time with spot repairs, if the entire roof shows signs of damage, it’s likely time to replace the roof. Aside from protecting your property, the roof affects your property’s curb appeal. A patchy and worn-out roof can drive down the rental appeal. Prospective tenants will easily be able to spot the differences between pictures taken in the listing when compared to the property in person. This can not only hurt your chances of filling a vacancy, but it can also hurt your reputation as a landlord. Granules in Gutters After heavy rainfall, it's a good idea to inspect your rain gutters. If you or your property manager notice large amounts of black or gray granules, it means your roof shingles are breaking down. These granules are critical for shedding water off the roof. Once the granules fall off the shingle, the shingle begins to degrade faster under the sun and elements. If you’re not sure how old your roof may be, Loss of granules can be a strong indicator that your roof is nearing the end of its lifespan. Regular gutter cleaning and roof inspections can help catch these problems early before they become expensive repairs . Increase in Utility Bills Your tenants complaining about their utility bills increasing or poor temperature control in the rental may not realize the roof is to blame. A failing roof can result in subpar insulation and ventilation. This can lead to higher heating and cooling bills for your tenant. This can be frustrating for your tenants while putting more strain on the HVAC system. This puts more wear and tear on your HVAC system. Being aware of the warning signs and being proactive can protect your rental property, maintain tenant satisfaction , and avoid emergency repairs. If you need help inspecting your roof or you need help managing your Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online .

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