Temecula, CA Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

California Government Code §65852.2 (ADU) and §65852.22 (Junior ADU) preempt most local ADU restrictions. In Temecula, all single-family lots may have at least one ADU plus one JADU; multi-family lots allow multiple ADUs (at least two detached, plus conversion of up to 25% of existing units interior space). Maximum sizes: 850 sq ft for studios/1BR or 1,000 sq ft for 2+BR detached new construction (cities cannot reduce below these); attached ADUs up to 50% of primary dwelling or 1,200 sq ft. Statewide standards include: 4-foot side/rear setbacks, 16-foot height for detached single-story (18 ft if matching primary roof pitch, up to 25 ft on multifamily/transit lots), no owner-occupancy requirement through 2024 extended further, no replacement parking when converting a garage. SB 1211 (2024) raises allowed detached ADU counts on multi-family lots and removes replacement parking requirements when uncovered parking is demolished. AB 2533 (2024) provides amnesty for unpermitted ADUs built before Jan 2020 by limiting building code application. AB 1033 (2024, opt-in) lets cities allow ADUs to be sold separately as condos — Temecula has not adopted this. Permits are ministerial (no discretionary review) and must be approved or denied within 60 days. Temecula publishes pre-approved ADU plans to expedite review. School fees, impact fees waived for ADUs under 750 sq ft.