Del Norte County, CA Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)

The County Planning Division lists conversion ADUs as one of the permitted ADU types: an existing structure such as a garage can be converted into an independent living unit with a separate exterior entrance. Per the County's 'Types of ADUs' guidance, conversion ADUs run from a 150 sq ft minimum up to 1,200 sq ft, with up to an additional 150 square feet allowed for ingress/egress. The County states that conversion ADUs and JADUs do not trigger a parking requirement, so converting a garage does not require you to replace the lost parking spaces - a key protection under California ADU law (Gov. Code 66314). Most conversions require only a building permit, reviewed within 60 days. For parcels within the California Coastal Zone, certain ADUs require coastal findings that are incorporated into the building permit review, and the Planning Division advises contacting them directly (planning@co.del-norte.ca.us / 707-464-7254) for coastal parcels. A garage converted to a Junior ADU must be within the walls of the single-family residence and capped at 500 sq ft; detached garages cannot host a JADU but can host a standard conversion ADU.