Santa Maria, CA Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)

Santa Maria Municipal Code Section 12-56.04(g)(4) (added by Ordinance No. 2021-03) provides that 'when a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished or converted in conjunction with the construction of an ADU, off-street parking space replacement shall not be required.' This mirrors and implements California Government Code Section 65852.2(a)(1)(D)(xi). However, Section 12-56.05(e)(1) treats Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit conversions differently: when a garage is converted to a JADU, onsite replacement parking must be provided in conformance with Chapter 12-32, although covered parking is not required. ADU conversions of existing garage space have no setback requirement (Section 12-56.04(f)(1)) and no floor area cap (Section 12-56.04(d)(2)(b)). A building permit is required for any garage conversion to verify life-safety compliance (independent exterior access, sufficient side/rear setbacks for fire safety, and compliance with the California Building and Residential Codes). For non-ADU garage conversions (e.g., converting to a den or workshop that is not a dwelling), Chapter 12-32 of the Municipal Code requires required parking spaces to be maintained, and any encroachment on or conversion of required parking must be replaced with parking approved by the Zoning Administrator.