Hemet, CA Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)

Section 90-321 lets an ADU be attached to, located within, or detached from the primary dwelling, and expressly includes converting an attached garage or storage area under subsection (c)(2). Two conversion-specific breaks follow from that. First, on setbacks: subsection (c)(7) generally requires an ADU to meet the zone's standard setbacks, with a four-foot minimum from side and rear lot lines for new construction, but subsection (c)(7)a waives any setback requirement entirely for an ADU built in the same location and to the same dimensions as an existing structure being converted, which covers most straight garage conversions.

Second, on parking: subsection (c)(8)a states that when a garage, carport, uncovered parking space, or covered parking structure is demolished in connection with building an ADU, or is itself converted into the ADU, no replacement off-street parking space is required, even though ADUs elsewhere in the section can require up to one space per unit or bedroom. The application is processed ministerially through the building department for plan check approval, without discretionary review or a public hearing, and is deemed approved if the city has not acted within 60 days of a complete application.

A converted garage ADU is capped at the same interior livable space limits as any other ADU, generally 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom and 1,000 square feet for two or more bedrooms, and must be architecturally compatible with the primary dwelling in color, materials, and style. The section states that, to the extent it conflicts with or is less permissive than state ADU law, state law controls, since Hemet's ordinance implements Government Code title 7, chapter 13, division 1 rather than displacing it.