Using an ADU While You Rebuild

You are likely dealing with pending insurance claims and long waits before construction can even begin, or you may have great insurance, but it’s unclear what path to take. However, one practical solution is to consider an ADU while your main home is being rebuilt.

Whether you already have it or are considering adding one, using it as temporary on-site housing can save you money, stress, and time. Here’s what you need to know about this option and how Pasadena and LA County policies may support you in this process.

What Is an ADU?

An Accessory Dwelling Unit is a secondary residential structure on the same property as a primary home. It can be detached (like a backyard cottage), attached (like a converted garage), or even internal (like a basement apartment). In California, ADUs are legal in most residential zones, and post-disaster flexibility makes them especially valuable during recovery.

Benefits of Using an ADU During Fire Recovery

1. On-Site Temporary Housing
While your home is being rebuilt, you can live in an ADU close to your property and community. This provides privacy and emotional comfort compared to staying in hotels or with friends and family.

2. Cost Savings
An ADU, especially a modular one, can be significantly more affordable in the long run. Renting long-term housing in Pasadena and surrounding cities can quickly drain your insurance allowance or savings.

3. Long-Term Investment
A modular ADU initially used as temporary housing can become a permanent rental unit, adding value and potential income after you move back into your rebuilt home.

4. Expedited Permits in Fire Zones
Local governments, including Pasadena and unincorporated LA County, are streamlining approvals for temporary housing, including ADUs and modular homes, in response to the 2025 LA wildfires. This is supported in the City of Los Angeles, for example, by Mayor Karen Bass’s Emergency Executive Order No. 1, which allows flexible use of RVs, tiny homes, and ADUs during rebuilding periods.

5. Future Resilience
An ADU improves housing supply and community resilience in areas like Pasadena, Altadena, and Sierra Madre, which are often hit hard by wildfire-related displacement.

How to Use an ADU During Fire Recovery: Step-by-Step

1. Already have an ADU on your property?
If it’s a legal ADU, you may be able to move in immediately. However, you should confirm with the City of Pasadena’s Planning Department to ensure it meets current use codes.

2. Consider Building a Modular ADU
If you don’t have one, consider a modular or prefabricated ADU,which can be built faster than a traditional one. Some models are move-in ready within 6–12 weeks and can meet local fire-resistant construction codes (Title 24, Chapter 7A).

3. Work with Professionals
Hire a licensed contractor familiar with wildfire-resilient design and local ADU codes. Consult architects, city planners, and insurance adjusters to ensure your rebuilding meets zoning laws, building codes, and coverage.

4. Document All Fire Losses
Make a detailed inventory of your personal property losses for the insurance. Use tools like United Policyholders’ inventory checklist to help.

5. Organize Insurance Records
Keep all documentation in one place, including loss lists, correspondence, receipts, and claim numbers. Consider using a cloud folder or binder labeled by category (housing, debris removal, personal property, etc.).

6. Understand Your Coverage
Know what your insurance allows for additional living expenses (ALE) and how it can be applied to modular ADU setup, rental alternatives, or utility connections.

7. It’s OK to Ask for Help
The insurance process is complex and emotionally draining. If it becomes overwhelming, consider hiring a licensed public adjuster or using free guidance from organizations like United Policyholders.

Local Resources for Pasadena-Area Residents

• City of Pasadena Planning & Permitting: cityofpasadena.net/planning
• LA County Rebuild Portal: recovery.lacounty.gov/rebuilding
• USGBC Wildfire Rebuilding Guide: usgbc-ca.org/wildfire-defense-rebuilding
• California Department of Housing ADU Resources: adu.hcd.ca.gov

Final Thoughts

Recovery can feel overwhelming, but using an ADU, whether existing or newly built, can be a smart, stabilizing step. It allows you to stay rooted in your neighborhood, control costs, and help create a more resilient future.