How Redding Handles Accessory Structures: A Practical Guide

Redding maintains 100 local ordinances across all categories, and 5 of those deal specifically with accessory structures. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Redding falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Shed Rules

Redding Municipal Code Section 18.43.020 regulates residential accessory structures. One-story sheds up to 120 sq ft are permit-exempt, and lots are limited to two detached structures totaling no more than 1,500 sq ft without a Site Development Permit.

Key details: Code Section: RMC 18.43.020. Permit-Exempt Size: 120 sq ft, one story. Max Accessory Structures: 2 per lot. Cumulative Floor Area Cap: 1,500 sq ft. Permit Contact: Development Services 530-225-4416.

Exceeding the two-structure or 1,500 sq ft cap without a Site Development Permit, placing a structure forward of the primary residence, or building over 120 sq ft without a permit is enforced by Redding Code Enforcement.

ADU Impact Fees

Under Cal. Gov. Code §66322 (formerly §65852.2(f)(3)), ADUs under 750 sq ft are exempt from all local impact fees. ADUs of 750 sq ft or larger may only be charged impact fees proportional to the primary dwelling's square footage.

Key details: Under 750 sq ft: Exempt from impact fees. 750 sq ft and above: Proportional to primary. Governing Statute: Cal. Gov. Code §66322. Plan Check Fees: Still payable. School Fees: Ed. Code §17620 proportional.

Charging impact fees on an ADU under 750 sq ft, or charging disproportionate fees on a larger ADU, violates Cal. Gov. Code §66322 and is recoverable by the applicant. State law preempts any conflicting local fee schedule.

Redding is more permissive than most cities when it comes to adu impact fees. That said, there are still limits.

ADU Rules

Redding Municipal Code Section 18.43.140 implements California Government Code §§66310-66339 (formerly §65852.2). ADUs are ministerial in any single-family or multifamily zone, with state-default 800 sq ft detached size and 500 sq ft JADUs.

Key details: Code Section: RMC 18.43.140. Detached Max Size: 800 sq ft (state default). JADU Max Size: 500 sq ft. Side/Rear Setback: 4 ft minimum. Height: 16 ft detached / 25 ft attached.

Building an ADU without a ministerial permit is a Title 18 violation enforced by Redding Code Enforcement, with stop-work orders and citations. State law (Gov. Code §66341) bars standards beyond §§66310-66339.

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

Garage Conversions

Redding allows garage-to-ADU conversion under RMC §18.43.140 and Cal. Gov. Code §§66310-66339. No replacement parking may be required, and existing setbacks are grandfathered for the conversion footprint regardless of today's 4-foot minimums.

Key details: Code Section: RMC 18.43.140; Gov. Code §66323. Replacement Parking: Not required. Existing Setbacks: Grandfathered. JADU Max Size: 500 sq ft, attached only. Minimum Rental Term: 30 days.

Converting a garage without a building permit is a CBC violation, subject to stop-work orders and citations. Using a converted-garage ADU for stays under 30 days violates state ADU law and RMC 18.43.180 short-term rental rules.

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

ADU Permits

Redding processes ADU applications ministerially under RMC §18.43.140 and Cal. Gov. Code §66317, requiring a decision within 60 days. AB 587 (2019) lifted owner-occupancy as a permit prerequisite for standard ADUs.

Key details: Code Section: RMC 18.43.140. Review Type: Ministerial, no hearing. Approval Deadline: 60 days (Gov. Code §66317). Owner-Occupancy: Not required for ADUs. JADU Deed Restriction: Required.

If Redding misses the 60-day deadline, Cal. Gov. Code §66317 deems the application approved. Building without a permit triggers Title 18 enforcement. Selling a JADU separately from the primary residence violates Gov. Code §66333.

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

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Redding gives residents more room on accessory structures. 4 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.

These rules come from Redding's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.