Palm Desert, CA Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)

Palm Desert Municipal Code has no stand-alone garage conversion chapter. Garage conversions run through § 25.34.030, the accessory dwelling unit section, and every conversion needs an ADU permit and a building permit. Both are reviewed ministerially, without discretionary review or a hearing, and the City must approve or deny a complete application within 60 days.

The definition of a junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU) is the first route. A JADU is no more than 500 square feet and must be contained entirely within an existing or proposed single-family structure. The code states that an enclosed use within the residence, such as an attached garage, is considered part of and contained within the single-family structure. A JADU needs an efficiency kitchen and either its own bathroom or an interior entrance plus a separate exterior entrance.

The second route is a Class 1 ADU. One ADU can go within the existing space of an accessory structure, such as a detached garage, plus up to 150 additional square feet if the expansion is limited to accommodating ingress and egress. It needs exterior access independent of the single-family dwelling and side and rear setbacks sufficient for fire and safety, as dictated by applicable building and fire codes.

When a detached garage is torn down for an ADU, the demolition permit is reviewed with the ADU application and issued at the same time. The parking rule is favorable: when a garage, carport, covered parking structure, or uncovered parking space is demolished in conjunction with an ADU or converted to an ADU, those off-street spaces are not required to be replaced. An ADU that is part of a primary residence or an accessory structure also needs no ADU parking.

Building code compliance still applies. All ADUs and JADUs must comply with local building code requirements, fire sprinklers are required if the primary residence needs them, and the certificate of occupancy cannot precede the primary dwelling's.