Usually what is forbidden is a range. Do you need a stove when you visit?

Nope! My designs have one, but I’m fine scratching it.
I’ve seen specific mentions in the past, of things people ran up against, but can’t locate them.
I understand each city will have their own regulations. Just hoping for ideas and input. :)

I'd call the city building/permit dept. there to confirm what is and is not allowed before making plans. My husband has a detached garage that serves as his workshop and he originally wanted a utility sink. Our town would not allow it, saying that adding plumbing out there would make it a habitable space. On the other hand, for things that were not specifically forbidden or that might be open to interpretation, the assistant head of the permit dept. was very helpful and even met with one of our contractors to learn about a system that was new to him. You may get lucky. If not, a call could save you some time and money.

I'd think you could have a fridge and a coffee maker, maybe even a hot plate?

I would be most concerned about whether you can have a bathroom of some sort. The easiest thing to do is to pick one of those things - lets say pool house and find out what it can and can't have. I have seen pool houses that someone could easily stay in - mini kitchen, full bathroom and nice lounging area.

You should look at the actual municipal requirements where your children live so that you know exactly what you can and cannot do. The building restrictions should be online.

Thanks, all. I started to include… the powers that be want a design to review/approve. There isn’t a specific checklist of what’s allowed vs what isn’t. But any hint that it could be a dwelling would invite too much negative scrutiny.
I can make a very good case for a full bathroom, and most of a kitchen.

I would just plumb and design for everything you eventually want (consulting with your architect). Where I live (California), even municipalities that would've been extremely opposed to the idea of ADU's are now forced to allow them, and with much quicker/easier approval. Times are changing, and depending where you live, laws in your area may eventually change as well, and you will have done the work to make completion to a full ADU less expensive down the road.

Do not divulge your location. Make a few posts that suggest you live in Uruguay. Then build what you want.

Why not have your "kids" put a small addition on their house, with a bedroom/bathroom suite?

They’ve built a beautiful home, that’s perfect for them. An addition wouldn’t fit. Plus we both have a pair of dogs.

Ok, I get that. What about building an addition that's attached via an enclosed breezeway, perhaps the breezeway attached to the garage? You could have separate areas but if attached wouldn't be technically an ADU.

I would think that cooking appliances would most trigger their ire. Although bathroom fixtures--particularly a shower--might also be red flags. You can always buy a microwave and toaster oven later.

Good point. I figured the shower wouldn’t be an issue since it would be ok in a pool house -which could be permitted. Guess I need to figure out what to call this.
And no- there isn’t a pool -yet; but I’m expecting one eventually.

Good point. I can see the shower argument because of the pool.

I can see them questioning a pool house for a not yet built pool.

You mentioned this is what you want. Is this what your kids want too?

Is this going to be a new building? Or converting the workshop? If it is a new building, then you will need an architect anyway, so find out from them what you can get away with and what to "call" it.

Good luck!

Off topic, but this HOA requires owners to keep their garages open from 8am to 4pm to prove that nobody is living in them. Theft of items stored in garages is allowed.

Yoou sre just visiting why do you need a kitchen with any cooking appliance . Make sure the shop has a huge panel for elecric and stael a circuit for a 2 buner induction that can be put in a cupboard when not in use . Use your kids W/D when out kids visit they eat with us and do laundry in out place . Ihave never lived where there is an HOA and I never will they are ridiculous with the rules thay make . The one below is a perfect example of rule with no sense and open to lawsuit for sure . Your kids live on serveral acres how does an HOA ever get involved at all? Where I live we have bunkies they are really a smll building with a bed, maybe a sink often not A place to sit a TV and normally you use the main house bathroom .

It sounds like you're looking to add a living space onto your kids' detached shop for when you visit, but your municipality doesn't allow ADUs. However, they do permit pool houses, man caves, and she-sheds. To make it work, you might need to skip a washer/dryer and possibly a range to get the necessary permits. Consider designing a compact living space with a small kitchenette instead. It could also be helpful to consult with local authorities or a professional designer familiar with your area's regulations. Good luck with your plans!

Contact us if you need help. Visit information about ADU through our page.

man cave or she-shed would be what I'd go for. An open room with a kitchenette area with at least sink and fridge and dishwasher - all things that could be found in a man-cave/she-shed or a basement that has a bar/entertainment area. You can always buy a 2 burner induction countertop use for cooking.

I can't imagine they'd have a problem with a bath with a shower since it could mean someone in the shop could shower off if needed.