Palm Springs, CA Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

14 splits Palm Springs ADU approvals into two tracks. 2. Multifamily lots may add converted ADUs up to 25% of existing units, or up to two detached ADUs on a proposed multifamily project (eight on an existing one). 2, processed ministerially with no hearing; the city must determine completeness within 15 business days and approve or deny within 60 days of a complete application, or the permit is deemed approved. Under the ADU-permit track (subsection F), a studio or one-bedroom unit tops out at 850 square feet and a two-or-more-bedroom unit at 1,000 square feet, subject to a 25-foot front setback, 4-foot side and rear setbacks, a 45% floor-area-ratio cap, 50% maximum lot coverage, and a 50% minimum open-space requirement.

2 runs from 16 feet for a standard detached ADU up to 18 or 20 feet near a major transit stop, and up to 25 feet (capped at two stories) if the ADU is attached to the primary dwelling. Parking is one space per ADU or bedroom, whichever is less, waived entirely near transit, in a historic district, or when converted from an existing structure. An ADU within 600 feet of a California Register-listed historic property must be sited so it is not visible from any public right-of-way. Impact fees are waived for ADUs under 750 square feet and for all JADUs.