Moreno Valley, CA Accessory Structures: ADU Permits (2026)

MVMC §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 §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 §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 ½ 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.