Bellflower, CA Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)

A garage conversion in Bellflower is processed as an accessory dwelling unit under Bellflower Municipal Code Chapter 17.17, which implements California's ADU law (Gov. Code Sections 66310-66342). State law that the city must follow allows an ADU to be created within the existing space of an accessory structure such as a garage, and the conversion is reviewed ministerially. For a conversion of existing space, no new setbacks may be required beyond what fire and life-safety code demands of the existing walls, and a local agency cannot require replacement off-street parking when a garage is converted to an ADU. Bellflower's earlier 2017 ordinance (No. 1345) had prohibited garage conversions to ADUs and imposed owner-occupancy, but those restrictions were superseded by state law and the city's later amendments (Ord. 1401 in 2020 and Ord. 1443 in 2025), which brought the code into conformity with current Gov. Code standards. Converting a garage to a junior ADU (JADU, max 500 sq ft) within the walls of the existing single-family home is also allowed, though for a JADU the displaced parking generally must be replaced. Any conversion still requires building permits and must meet habitability, electrical, and plumbing code.