Upland, CA Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)
Garage conversion rules in Upland, CA, sometimes called garage-to-ADU or accessory living unit conversions, govern permits, ceiling height, egress, and parking replacement.
Key Facts
- Garage conversion allowed
- Building permit only, no hearing
- Parking replacement
- Not required when garage becomes ADU
- Multifamily conversions
- Up to 25% of existing units
- Roof decks
- Prohibited on garage-converted ADUs
- Demolition + ADU permit
- Reviewed and issued together
Summary
Upland lets homeowners convert an existing garage into living space as part of an Accessory Dwelling Unit under Municipal Code Section 17.37.040, and Section 17.37.060(F)(3) confirms that when a garage or covered parking spot is demolished or converted for the ADU, the city does not require those parking spaces to be replaced anywhere else on the lot.
4. A demolition permit for a detached garage that is to be replaced with an ADU is reviewed with the application for the ADU and issued at the same time... F. Parking... 3. No Replacement. When a garage, carport, or covered parking structure, or uncovered space is demolished in conjunction with the construction of an ADU or converted to an ADU, those off-street parking spaces are not required to be replaced.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4480959; v4 updated 2025-09-22).
Full Breakdown
040(A)(1) allows converting an existing garage, along with the rest of a single-family home's existing space, into an ADU or JADU with only a building permit, no discretionary review, as long as the unit has independent exterior access and side and rear setbacks adequate for fire and safety. 040(A)(3) similarly allows converting non-livable space, expressly including garages, basements, and storage rooms, into ADUs up to a quantity equal to 25% of the existing units, again with only a building permit. 040(C)(4) requires the demolition permit to be reviewed together with the ADU application and issued at the same time, so the two approvals move as one package rather than requiring separate permits and separate timelines.
060(F)(3): when a garage, carport, covered parking structure, or uncovered parking space is demolished in conjunction with building an ADU, or is itself converted into the ADU, the city does not require those off-street parking spaces to be replaced elsewhere on the property. 060(G).
Violations & Fines
An ADU that converts a garage without the required building permit, or that adds a prohibited roof deck under Section 17.37.060(G)(5)(b), is enforced through the same deed-restriction and general penalty framework as any other ADU violation: the city can pursue an injunction or abatement under Section 17.37.050(H)(5), and unpermitted construction is separately punishable as a misdemeanor under Section 1.16.010, with a fine up to $1,000, imprisonment up to six months, or both.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I convert my garage to an ADU, do I have to add new parking?
Can I put a rooftop deck on a garage I converted to an ADU?
Do I need a separate demolition permit before converting my garage?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Upland
California rules heatmap·Compare Upland to another location·View the California accessory structures overview
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Garage Conversions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in San Bernardino County handle garage conversions.