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

Tehama County Code Section 17.04.230 defines a 'private garage' as an accessory building, or portion of a building, designed and used only for the shelter or storage of vehicles by the occupants of the dwelling, including covered parking space or carport. There is no stand-alone County garage-conversion ordinance; a conversion is treated as a change of use and structural alteration subject to a building permit, the zoning standards of Chapter 17.08, and the underlying district's requirements. Converting an existing garage into an accessory dwelling unit is specifically protected by California's ADU law (Gov. Code 66310 et seq.), which requires ministerial approval of conversions of existing accessory structures and does not require replacement parking when a garage is converted to an ADU. Section 17.08.050 of the County code governs second/accessory dwelling units; the County's Municode publication now titles that section 'Accessory dwelling units.' If you convert a garage and lose required covered parking, note that each zone (for example R-1 under 17.16.070 and RE under 17.14.080) requires at least one parking space per dwelling unit clear of public streets, though state ADU law limits parking replacement requirements for ADU conversions. Confirm building, electrical, and Environmental Health requirements before starting.