Garage conversion rules in Redlands, CA — sometimes called garage-to-ADU or accessory living unit conversions — govern permits, ceiling height, egress, and parking replacement.
Redlands allows an existing garage (attached or detached) to be converted into an ADU under California state law, which the City applies directly. Converting a garage to living space requires a building permit, and historic-district conversions are subject to design-compatibility review.
In Redlands, the most common path for a garage conversion is turning an existing garage into an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). The City processes ADUs under current California state law (Gov. Code 66310-66342) rather than its outdated Municipal Code 'second unit' sections. State law specifically protects conversion ADUs: an ADU created within the existing footprint of an attached or detached garage is allowed, and the City cannot require replacement off-street parking when a garage is converted to an ADU. Conversion ADUs can be created from a garage, shed, or studio. Any garage-to-living-space conversion requires a building permit from the Redlands Building and Safety Division so the new habitable space meets fire, egress, electrical, and energy-code requirements. Converting a garage to general (non-ADU) habitable space such as a bedroom or family room is treated as a standard residential remodel and must still satisfy Title 18 zoning standards, including any minimum off-street parking the zone requires for the main dwelling. Because Redlands has designated Victorian and Craftsman historic districts, conversions of street-facing or historically significant garages may trigger Historic and Scenic Preservation Commission or design review to ensure compatibility.
Converting a garage to living space without a building permit is a code violation that can lead to stop-work orders, after-the-fact permit requirements, and orders to restore the space. Non-ADU conversions that eliminate required parking may be denied or require parking replacement.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Bernardino County.
See how other cities in San Bernardino County handle garage conversions.
See how Redlands's garage conversions rules stack up against other locations.
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