Perris, CA Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)

Converting a garage into living space in Perris is regulated as a 'converted existing space ADU' or a JADU under Chapter 19.81 (Ordinance No. 1449, 2025). Under Sec. 19.81.090, a converted existing space ADU must be created within the existing or proposed floor area of the primary dwelling or an accessory structure, has a minimum size of 320 square feet, and has no maximum size limit, though the building envelope may be increased by up to 150 square feet to add a new entrance. A key state-mandated benefit: when a garage is converted to an ADU, the parking for the primary dwelling does not have to be replaced, and the converted ADU itself requires no parking (Sec. 19.81.090(7); Sec. 19.81.120(a)(3)). A JADU conversion is capped at 500 sq ft and must be entirely within the single-family residence's building envelope (Sec. 19.81.100). All conversions still require a kitchen, a separate exterior entrance, and a building permit, and the ADU/JADU may not be sold separately from the primary dwelling or rented for under 31 days (Sec. 19.81.130). Conversions that meet the chapter's standards are approved ministerially (Sec. 19.81.040). A converted garage that is not turned into a permitted ADU or JADU - for example, used as an unpermitted bedroom - is treated as an illegal conversion and is among the city's common code-enforcement issues.