Redwood City, CA Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)

Two linked provisions govern garage conversions. Under the general ADU standards, § 37.3(C)(1)(b) states "no setback shall be required for an accessory dwelling unit located within the existing living area or an existing accessory structure," and specifically confirms that "a legal accessory building (including a detached garage) may be converted into an accessory dwelling unit provided the side and rear setbacks are sufficient for fire safety." A faster path runs through § 37.4, the Statewide Exemption Accessory Dwelling Units section, which requires "only a building permit" rather than a discretionary Use or Architectural Permit.

Under § 37.4(A), "Single-Family Conversion," one ADU and one JADU per lot are allowed "within the proposed space of a single-family dwelling or existing space of a single-family dwelling or accessory structure" (which includes a garage) if the unit "has exterior access separate from the primary dwelling and sufficient side and rear setbacks for fire safety," and the conversion "may include an expansion of no more than one hundred fifty (150) square feet beyond the same physical dimensions as the existing accessory structure to accommodate ingress and egress." Because a garage conversion under § 37.4 is exempt from most of § 37.3's development standards (only §§ 37.3(C)(1), and (I) through (K) still apply), the converted unit is not separately bound by the underlying district's setback, height, lot coverage, parking or design rules that govern new construction; ministerial review under § 37.6(B) must be completed within 60 days of a complete application.