Accessory Structures in Clovis, CA: What Residents Actually Need to Know

If you live in Clovis or are thinking about moving there, accessory structures are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Clovis has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of accessory structures, and some of them might surprise you.

Tiny Homes

Tiny homes on foundations treated as ADUs under CA Gov Code §65852.2 — must meet CA Building Code (min 150 sf per CBC §1207.4). Tiny homes on wheels (THOWs) classified as RVs — only allowed in RV parks; not permitted as permanent residence in Clovis.

Key details: On Foundation: ADU rules apply. Minimum Size: 150 sf (CBC §1207.4). THOWs: RV-classed, not permanent. Ceiling: 7 ft minimum.

Illegal THOW occupancy: nuisance abatement, removal order, daily fines.

Carport Rules

Carports in Clovis treated as accessory structures per CMC Ch. 9.36. Front-yard carports generally prohibited; side/rear allowed with 3 ft setback. Building permit required for attached carports; zoning permit for detached.

Key details: Front Yard: Generally prohibited. Setback: 3 ft side/rear. Max Height: 10 ft. Permit: Required.

Unpermitted front-yard carport: abatement, $100+ daily fine per CMC §1.08.

Shed Rules

Sheds and detached accessory structures under 120 sq ft exempt from Clovis building permit per CBC §105.2 / CMC adoption. Larger sheds require permit. Setbacks: 3 ft side/rear for structures under 6 ft tall; 5 ft for taller.

Key details: Permit Exempt: ≤120 sq ft. Max Height: 15 ft. Setback: 3-5 ft side/rear. Rear Yard Coverage: 30% max.

Unpermitted structure >120 sf: $100-$500 fine + retroactive permit at 2x fee.

The rules around shed rules in Clovis lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Garage Conversions

Garage-to-ADU conversions allowed by-right per CA Gov Code §65852.2(e). Clovis cannot require replacement parking for converted garage when creating an ADU. Building permit required; must meet habitability codes.

Key details: State Law: CA §65852.2(e). Parking Replacement: Not required. Setback: 0 ft if existing. Ceiling: 7 ft minimum.

Unpermitted conversion: retroactive permit, inspection, possible demolition if not correctable.

Clovis is more permissive than most cities when it comes to garage conversions. That said, there are still limits.

ADU Rules

ADUs allowed by-right in all Clovis residential zones per CA Gov Code §65852.2. Clovis ADU Ordinance (CMC Ch. 9.24) conforms to state law: max 1,200 sf detached, 4 ft side/rear setbacks, no owner-occupancy, no parking if near transit.

Key details: State Law: CA Gov Code §65852.2. Max Size: 1,200 sf detached. Setbacks: 4 ft side/rear. Parking: None near transit. Impact Fees: Waived <750 sf.

Unpermitted ADU: retroactive permit process under SB 477 available; code enforcement citation.

The rules around adu rules in Clovis lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Clovis gives residents more room on accessory structures. 3 of the 5 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

This guide is based on Clovis's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.