West Covina, CA Accessory Structures: Garage Conversions (2026)
Garage conversion rules in West Covina, CA, sometimes called garage-to-ADU or accessory living unit conversions, govern permits, ceiling height, egress, and parking replacement.
Key Facts
- Replacement Parking
- Not required
- Max Per Lot
- 1 ADU + 1 JADU
- Driveway Width
- Max 20 ft if converted
- Code
- WCMC Ch. 26 Div. 11
Summary
West Covina allows garage conversions to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) or Junior ADUs (JADUs) under state law and the City's Development Code. Converted garages do not require replacement parking. Each lot may have one ADU and one JADU. ADUs cannot have separate addresses or utilities.
On April 20th, 2021, the West Covina City Council passed Ordinance No. 2480 to update our ADU Ordinance to be consistent with the State: The city has 30 days to review a project from the initial official submittal. At 30 days the applicant will receive an Incomplete (Correction) Letter or an Approval Letter. Receiving an Approval Letter is not a permit for construction. The Approval Letter allows the applicant to submit to Building and/or Engineering for plan check. If any of the items listed on the application are not provided or the application is not notarized by the property owner, the Planning Division will not accept the application. ADU's and JADU's within the City of West Covina are not allowed to have second addresses or separate utilities from the main residence. Each lot can not have more than (1) ADU and (1) JADU.
Full Breakdown
West Covina permits garage conversions to ADUs and JADUs consistent with California Government Code Sections 65852.2 and 65852.22 and the City's Development Code (Chapter 26, Division 11). When converting a garage, carport, or covered parking structure to an ADU, replacement of lost off-street parking is not required. Setbacks and height limits do not apply to conversions of legally established structures. The entrance must be separate from the primary dwelling unit entrance. Exterior materials, colors, roof pitch, and architecture must match the primary unit. If the garage is converted, the driveway cannot be wider than 20 feet. Each lot may have no more than one ADU and one JADU. ADUs and JADUs within West Covina may not have second addresses or separate utilities from the main residence. A Second Unit Review (SUR) Application must be filed with the Planning Division. Example plans for garage conversions are available from the City.
Violations & Fines
Unpermitted garage conversions are subject to code enforcement, fines, and orders to restore the structure. Building without permits may result in stop-work orders and require retroactive permitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I convert my garage to a living space in West Covina?
Can my ADU have its own address and utilities?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in West Covina
California rules heatmap·Compare West Covina to another location·View the California accessory structures overview
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Garage Conversions in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Los Angeles County handle garage conversions.