Rohnert Park, CA Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)

25. The planning manager can grant the exemption for a single-family residence if the property meets nine findings. The lot's principal use must already be an existing single-family residence, and the covered parking eliminated by the conversion must be replaced with one non-tandem parking space per lot that is not already counted in the driveway. That replacement space can go in the required front yard or street side yard if the planning manager finds no meaningful harm to pedestrian safety or neighborhood attractiveness, but it can never push more than fifty percent of the front yard into parking use.

The replacement space cannot be rented out, must stay paved with an approved all-weather surface, and its upkeep remains the property owner's continuing obligation. The conversion itself is capped at one additional room, not counting closets or similar appurtenant space, and the original garage door has to remain in place and still look functional, so the conversion cannot read from the street as a straightforward garage demolition. Finally, the lot must be at least fifty feet wide, and there must be room on the curb in front of the lot for at least one on-street parking space, protecting overall neighborhood parking supply before the exemption is granted.