Monterey County, CA Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)

Section 21.64.030(E)(6) of the Monterey County Code provides: 'No setback shall be required for an existing garage that is converted or demolished and reconstructed as an ADU within the existing footprint of the structure.' This implements California Government Code § 65852.2(a)(1)(D)(vii). A four-foot setback must still be maintained for an ADU constructed above a converted garage. Converted garage ADUs count as one of the lot's allowed ADUs and remain subject to the other operational standards of § 21.64.030, including a maximum unit size of 1,200 sq ft (§ 21.64.030(E)(9)) and the prohibition on vacation rentals (§ 21.64.030(E)(4)). Under § 21.58.040, no off-street parking is required for the converted ADU, and the County may not require replacement of garage parking spaces that are demolished in connection with the conversion (per Gov. Code § 65852.2(a)(4)). The unit must comply with applicable building standards under Title 18 (Building Code), though the County may delay enforcement of certain non-life-safety building standards per California Health & Safety Code § 17980.12 (§ 21.64.030(E)(8)). Garage conversions to anything other than an ADU (e.g., habitable living space added to the primary dwelling, a workshop, or storage) are not granted the setback waiver and must meet underlying zoning district setbacks plus all Building Code requirements.