Compton's Accessory Structures: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles accessory structures a little differently. In Compton, California, there are 5 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

ADU Rules

Compton adopted ADU Ordinance No. 2341 on December 28, 2021. Both attached and detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft and JADUs up to 500 sq ft are permitted in residential zones with no minimum lot size.

Key details: Max Size (Detached): 1,200 sq ft. JADU Max: 500 sq ft. Setback: 4 ft side/rear. Ordinance: No. 2341 (Dec 28, 2021).

Unpermitted ADU construction is a building code violation. State law requires permit decisions within 60 days of a complete application.

Tiny Homes

Tiny homes on foundations are treated as ADUs under California Gov Code 65852.2 and Compton's ADU ordinance. Tiny homes on wheels are not permitted as permanent dwellings in residential zones. Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft and 16 ft tall are allowed.

Key details: On Foundation: Treated as ADU, permitted. On Wheels: Not allowed as permanent dwelling. Max Size (ADU): 1,200 sq ft detached. State Law: CA Gov Code 65852.2.

Unpermitted dwellings: removal or retroactive permitting. Zoning violations: fines and required relocation. Occupancy without certificate: prohibited.

Shed Rules

Compton regulates accessory structures through CMC Chapter 30 (Zoning) and Chapter 15 (Construction Codes). Non-habitable accessory buildings are permitted in residential zones subject to setback and size requirements.

Key details: Permit Exempt: Under 120 sq ft (CBC). Zoning: CMC Chapter 30 setbacks apply. ADU Conversion: +150 sq ft expansion allowed. Types Allowed: Garages, hobby shops, laundry.

Unpermitted structures exceeding exemption thresholds are building code violations. Structures in setback areas without approval are zoning violations.

Garage Conversions

Compton allows garage conversions to ADUs under Ordinance No. 2341. No replacement parking is required when converting a garage to an ADU under California Government Code.

Key details: Replacement Parking: Not required. Fire Rating: 1-hour for common walls. Sound Rating: STC 50 minimum. Code Basis: Ord. 2341 / CA Gov Code 65852.2.

Unpermitted garage conversions are building code violations subject to code enforcement, stop work orders, and potential demolition orders.

Carport Rules

Carports in Compton require a building permit and must comply with Chapter 30 zoning setbacks for the applicable residential zone. Open carports attached to or detached from the primary dwelling must maintain required side and rear yard setbacks.

Key details: Permit: Required for all carports. Setbacks: Must meet zone-specific yard requirements. Height: Subject to accessory structure limits. Violation: Misdemeanor, up to $1,000 fine.

Unpermitted carports: stop-work orders, required removal or retroactive permitting with penalty fees. Fines $200 to $1,000.

The Bottom Line

Compton's accessory structures rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Compton is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Compton can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.