Moreno Valley issues Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) permits ministerially under MVMC Β§9.08.060, which implements California Government Code Β§65852.2. ADUs are permitted in any residential zone where a single-family or multi-family dwelling is allowed. Applications go through Community Development - Planning Division and Building & Safety, with a 60-day statutory review window once the application is complete.
MVMC Β§9.08.060 (Accessory Dwelling Units) implements California's mandatory ADU framework. Permits are issued ministerially by Community Development - no public hearing, no Planning Commission, and no discretionary design review. Per Gov. Code Β§65852.2(a)(3), the City must approve or deny a complete ADU application within 60 days or the permit is deemed approved by operation of law. Applications are submitted through the Accela SimpliCITY portal at aca-prod.accela.com/MOVAL or in person at 14177 Frederick St. Plans must show compliance with the California Building Code (adopted in MVMC Title 8), Residential Code, and the development standards in MVMC Β§9.08.060: 4-foot side and rear setbacks, 16-foot maximum height for a detached ADU on a single-family lot (18 feet within Β½ mile of a major transit stop, plus 2 additional feet to accommodate roof pitch), and the state-law guaranteed 800 sq ft / 16 ft / 4-foot setback minimum regardless of underlying zoning. Detached ADUs are permitted up to 1,200 sq ft; attached ADUs are capped at 50% of primary dwelling area or 1,200 sq ft, whichever is less. JADUs up to 500 sq ft are allowed within an existing single-family dwelling. Call Planning at 951-413-3206 or Building & Safety at 951-413-3350 for project-specific guidance.
Building an ADU without a permit violates MVMC Title 8 and Β§9.08.060, enforced via stop-work order, retroactive permitting at investigation rates (typically double the standard permit fee), and general municipal penalty (up to $100/$200/$500 escalating per Cal. Gov. Code Β§36900). Unpermitted ADUs cannot be lawfully rented and must be disclosed at sale under Cal. Civ. Code Β§1102.
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