Fairfield, CA Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)

11 and are shielded by the state ADU law referenced there. Under subsection A, no garage conversion is permitted on a lot smaller than 4,500 square feet. Subsection B requires that one on-site parking space be provided for each required space the conversion displaces, though this replacement requirement does not apply where the garage is converted to an ADU or JADU. Subsection C requires the conversion to stay architecturally consistent with the house through one of three design paths: leaving the garage door intact and permanently closed; keeping the functional garage door with an interior storage area between it and a partition wall; or removing the door and all remnants and finishing the opening with matching building materials, in which case an in-ground or raised masonry planter 30 inches deep must be installed between the driveway and the former door location, reduced in depth only as needed to preserve an 18-foot driveway measured from the back of the sidewalk.

Where there isn't enough driveway depth for at least an 18-inch planter, the applicant must fall back to one of the first two design options instead. The applicant submits drawings demonstrating compliance with the Zoning Ordinance to the Community Development Department as part of the conversion application.