Victorville, CA Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)

California Government Code 65852.2(d) allows conversion of an existing garage or other attached or detached accessory structure into an ADU ministerially, with no replacement parking required — a major change from historic local rules. Victorville must approve a compliant garage-to-ADU application within 60 days and cannot require setback correction on existing walls of the garage being converted. A building permit is still required to ensure the converted space meets life-safety and energy code, including egress windows, R-19 wall and R-38 ceiling insulation (or current Title 24 values, which are aggressive for the High Desert climate zone), smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and ventilation. High Desert climate zone 14/15 Title 24 requirements include high-performance glazing and tight envelope sealing because cooling loads dominate. Garage conversions that do not become a separate dwelling unit (for example, expanding the primary home's den or home office) are not governed by the ADU statute and must meet the underlying Victorville zoning parking requirements — typically at least two covered parking spaces for a single-family home. Permits are processed through Victorville Development Department.