Garage conversion rules in San Bernardino County, CA — sometimes called garage-to-ADU or accessory living unit conversions — govern permits, ceiling height, egress, and parking replacement.
Garage-to-ADU conversions are permitted by right in San Bernardino County under CA Gov Code 65852.2. Replacement parking cannot be required. A building permit is required for habitable conversion.
Under California Government Code 65852.2 as amended by AB 68 and SB 13 (2019), garage conversions to ADUs or Junior ADUs are allowed by right in San Bernardino County and cannot be denied as long as the proposed conversion meets basic building code standards. State law explicitly prohibits requiring replacement off-street parking when an existing garage is converted to an ADU. The conversion requires a building permit from the San Bernardino County Building and Safety Division to ensure compliance with habitable space requirements: minimum ceiling height of 7 feet, natural light and ventilation (windows), egress windows or doors from sleeping areas, fire separation from the remaining garage if partial conversion, Title 24 energy efficiency standards including insulation and dual-paned windows, and independent or shared utility service. Converting to a non-ADU use (habitable space, bedroom, office) may still be permitted but carries additional zoning review. Garages converted without permits are a common issue discovered during home sales and often require retroactive permitting.
Unpermitted garage conversions can be cited and may require removal, reversal to a garage, or retroactive permitting with fees. Conversions that fail inspection for egress, fire separation, or energy standards can be ordered closed or modified. Retroactive permits typically cost double the original permit fee.
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See how San Bernardino County's garage conversions rules stack up against other locations.
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