ADU rules in Riverside, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Riverside regulates ADUs and JADUs under Chapter 19.442 of the Riverside Municipal Code (Title 19 Zoning). Detached ADUs are capped at 1,200 sq ft, attached ADUs at 50% of the primary dwelling or 1,200 sq ft (whichever is less, with minimums of 850 sq ft for one bedroom and 1,000 sq ft for more), and JADUs at 500 sq ft.
Under Riverside Municipal Code §19.442.030, an ADU, MADU (movable ADU), or JADU must be located on the same lot as the proposed or existing primary dwelling. Attached ADUs must have independent exterior access separate from the primary dwelling. ADUs do not require any additional off-street parking. Rentals must be for terms longer than 30 days — short-term vacation rental use is prohibited. The Building & Safety Division (951-826-5697) issues the building permit; plan check and permit issuance fees apply. Riverside processes ADU applications ministerially under California Government Code §65852.2, with no discretionary public hearing. The 2025 California Department of Housing and Community Development review confirmed that Chapter 19.442 substantially complies with the state ADU statute.
Unpermitted ADUs are code violations enforced by Riverside Code Enforcement, with potential administrative citations, daily fines, and requirements to either permit or remove the structure. Renting an ADU for fewer than 30 days violates §19.442.030 and may also violate the city's short-term rental rules.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Riverside County.
See how other cities in Riverside County handle adu rules.
See how Riverside's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
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