Redlands, CA Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)
ADU rules in Redlands, CA, also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances, cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Key Facts
- Detached second unit size cap
- 1,200 sq ft (§ 18.156.450)
- Attached second unit size cap
- 30% of primary unit's living area
- Local placement rule (superseded)
- Must be to the rear of primary unit
- Local entrance rule (superseded)
- Entrance not visible from street
- Local ordinance dates
- Ord. 2533 (2003), Ord. 2743 (2010)
- Controlling state law
- Gov. Code §§ 66310-66342
Summary
Redlands zoning still carries a 2003/2010 'second unit' ordinance requiring rear placement, a hidden entrance and extra parking, but California's statewide ADU law (Gov. Code §§ 66310-66342) overrides those restrictions wherever they conflict.
One parking space shall be provided on the same lot as the second unit, in addition to the required parking spaces serving the primary unit. Tandem parking is permissible to satisfy the parking requirement for the second unit. ... The second unit shall be provided with a separate outside entrance not visible from the street, with adequate pedestrian access from a public street to the entrance. ... All second units shall comply with the standards of an efficiency dwelling unit as defined by the uniform building code. ... The second unit shall be located to the rear of the primary unit.
Full Breakdown
1 or a manufactured home under Section 18007. 450 caps a detached second unit at 1,200 square feet and an attached one at 30 percent of the primary unit's existing living area, and routes approval through the community development director rather than a hearing body. 2) established the current statewide ADU framework, which bars cities from imposing rear-yard placement mandates, hidden-entrance requirements or parking minimums on many qualifying ADUs, including those within an existing structure or on lots near transit. 460 should expect the state ADU statute, not the local second-unit chapter, to control the outcome, and should confirm current review procedures with the Redlands Development Services Department before relying on the printed local text.
Violations & Fines
The code frames noncompliant second units as subject to the standard zoning enforcement process in Chapter 18.208, but any enforcement action resting solely on the rear-placement, hidden-entrance or extra-parking requirements of Section 18.156.460 is vulnerable to a state-law preemption challenge under the current Government Code ADU provisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Redlands still require an ADU to be built behind the main house?
How big can a Redlands second unit be under the local code?
Does Redlands' second-unit chapter require extra parking?
Who approves a second unit application in Redlands?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Redlands
How Redlands compares: Easiest Cities to Build an ADU·California rules heatmap·Compare Redlands to another location·View the California accessory structures overview
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ADU Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle adu rules.