Looking for freelancing engineer - Phase 1 Feasibility / Records Review for Potential ADU and Home Expansion

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Aquifer PE's client is seeking a proposal for Phase 1 due diligence and feasibility analysis for a residential property in Manhattan Beach, CA. The owner is exploring options to expand the existing home and/or pursue an ADU-related solution, depending on site constraints, code requirements, and existing record conditions.

The property is currently improved with an approximately 3-bedroom / 2-bathroom home, and the client’s overall goal is to achieve a 4-bedroom / 3-bathroom layout for primary family use. There is also concern that certain existing rear-area improvements may not have been fully permitted, so the intent of this phase is to understand the existing legal and physical conditions before moving into design.

Requested Phase 1 services include:

• Site and zoning feasibility analysis for possible home expansion and/or ADU path

• Review of public records, permit history, and jurisdictional data available for the property

• Assessment of whether any apparent existing improvements may be unpermitted and may require legalization or after-the-fact permitting

• Preliminary review of applicable development constraints, including setbacks, lot coverage/FAR or other relevant bulk standards, parking implications if any, and ADU-related rules

• Confirmation of whether Coastal-related or other overlay/jurisdictional issues may affect entitlement or permitting

• High-level evaluation of possible development approaches, which may include:

• legalization of existing improvements

• addition/expansion to the main residence

• ADU-related configuration, if appropriate

• Preliminary roadmap identifying the most viable path forward, likely agency/process considerations, and recommended next steps for Phase 2 design and permitting

This phase is intended as an initial feasibility and advisory exercise only. No design work or permit processing is being authorized at this time unless separately approved.

• Relevant experience with residential feasibility, entitlement, and permitting work in Manhattan Beach and similar coastal or South Bay jurisdictions

• Experience reviewing possible unpermitted residential improvements and advising on legalization / after-the-fact permit pathways

• Familiarity with California ADU regulations and local implementation

• Team structure and who would be assigned to this Phase 1 effort

• Proposed deliverables for this phase

• Estimated timeline to complete Phase 1

• Fee structure for Phase 1

All communication should go through Aquifer PE & its client. Please do not contact the property owner directly. No work is authorized until a proposal is reviewed and approved.