In-Law Apartments Not Always Allowed; Check Your Zoning Ordinances

Have you considered building an in-law apartment for your parent? The website for the San Francisco Chronicle has a quick rundown on some of the things you might want to think about. First and foremost: Is it allowed?

In many areas, in-law apartments are not legal because they violate the zoning ordinances of the community. … Communities that allow in-law apartments place restrictions on who can live there, limiting occupancy to direct relatives. These restrictions usually forbid the homeowners from renting the in-law apartment to an unrelated tenant.

The restrictions aren’t always so strict, though, the article points out. Some communities do allow you to rent out the dwelling.

For more tips on what to think about, click here to read our previous posts about in-law apartments.

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Leigh Ann Otte is a freelance writer who specializes in health and aging issues. She covers finding and paying for senior care for OurParents. If you have any questions about this post or need help finding senior-care options for a loved one, call 1-866-483-4896 to speak with a care advisor in your area.