Inyo County, CA Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Inyo County regulates accessory dwelling units under Title 18 Zoning Ordinance Section 18.78.340, which the County aligns with California ADU law (Gov. Code 66310 et seq.). ADUs are permitted in all residential and mixed-use zones; where local standards conflict with state law, state law prevails. The County's published ADU guidance and Housing Services page state detached ADUs may be up to 1,200 sq ft, and attached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft or 50% of the primary residence floor area. An ADU of up to 800 sq ft is allowed and is not subject to floor-area-ratio or lot-coverage limits, consistent with the state-mandated minimum 800 sq ft / 16-foot-tall unit. A minimum 10-foot separation between detached structures applies, and other setbacks follow the underlying zoning (with flexibility for units under 800 sq ft). One parking space is required per ADU unless the unit is within a half-mile of transit, created within an existing structure, in a historic district, or near car-share; JADUs require no parking. ADUs may be rented for periods of 30 days or more. There is no owner-occupancy requirement for an ADU, but a JADU requires the owner to occupy either the JADU or the primary dwelling. California Gov. Code 66323 requires ministerial approval of qualifying ADUs/JADUs within 60 days.