Amador County, CA Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)

Amador County does not have a stand-alone garage-conversion chapter; conversions of a garage into habitable space are handled primarily through the ADU rules in Chapter 19.72. Under the Category 2, Type 1 permit (Section 19.72.05(C)), one ADU may be created within the existing space of the primary dwelling or an existing accessory structure such as a garage, provided the unit has direct exterior access. A modest expansion of the existing accessory structure of up to 150 square feet is allowed solely to accommodate ingress and egress. For these within-existing-space conversions, the side and rear setbacks may be less than the general four-foot requirement so long as the county finds them sufficient for fire and safety. Importantly, Section 19.72.05(B)(3)(b) provides that when a parking structure (such as a garage) is converted to an ADU, additional parking or replacement of the existing parking spaces is not required, removing a common obstacle to garage conversions. A junior ADU created within the space must meet California Government Code section 65852.22 (now recodified within Gov Code 66310-66342). All conversions must still satisfy applicable building, fire, and life-safety codes and obtain Environmental Health certification of adequate water and wastewater service. Converting a garage to non-ADU storage or hobby space remains an accessory use subject to the standard building permit and zoning requirements.