Santa Maria, CA Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)
Garage conversion rules in Santa Maria, CA, sometimes called garage-to-ADU or accessory living unit conversions, govern permits, ceiling height, egress, and parking replacement.
Key Facts
- Garage to ADU - replacement parking
- Not required
- Garage to JADU - replacement parking
- Required (uncovered OK)
- Setback for converted garage ADU
- No setback required
- Permit required?
- Yes - building permit always
Summary
When a garage is converted to an ADU in Santa Maria, no replacement off-street parking is required, but converting a garage to a JADU or to other non-ADU living space requires onsite replacement parking under Chapter 12-32.
(4) Replacement Parking. 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. ... Section 12-56.05(e) Parking. (1) When a garage is converted to a JADU, onsite replacement parking shall be provided in conformance with Chapter 12-32. Covered parking is not required.
Full Breakdown
04(g)(4) (added by Ordinance No. 2(a)(1)(D)(xi). 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. 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). , 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.
Violations & Fines
Converting a garage without a building permit creates an unpermitted structure subject to code enforcement; an unpermitted garage-to-ADU conversion cannot be rented as a separate dwelling and must go through the Section 12-56.09 legalization process meeting current ADU standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to replace garage parking if I convert it to an ADU?
Can I convert my garage to a JADU without replacing parking?
Can I convert a garage to an in-law unit that's not an ADU or JADU?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Santa Maria
California rules heatmap·Compare Santa Maria to another location·View the California accessory structures overview
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