West Covina's Accessory Structures: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles accessory structures a little differently. In West Covina, California, there are 2 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.

Shed & Carport Rules

A shed under 120 square feet and under 7 feet tall is exempt from planning review in West Covina, but two is the limit per lot and a building permit may still apply. Bigger sheds need an administrative permit and are capped at 1,000 total square feet, or 70 percent of the house's floor area, on R-A and R-1 lots.

Key details: Exempt shed size: Under 120 sf, under 7 ft tall. Exempt structures per lot: Maximum of 2. Combined accessory building cap: 1,000 sf (R-A/R-1), excl. ADUs. Per-building cap: 70% of primary home's floor area. Governing sections: Development Code Sec. 26-70 to 26-72.

Building or maintaining a shed or accessory structure that exceeds the exemption thresholds without the required administrative permit, or exceeding the 1,000-square-foot combined accessory building cap without an approved permit, is a Development Code violation subject to the city's administrative citation and fine process. A third exempt-size structure placed on a lot where two already exist is likewise a violation because Section 26-71(b)(1) caps the exemption at two structures per site regardless of each one's individual size.

Garage Conversions

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.

Key details: Replacement Parking: Not required. Max Per Lot: 1 ADU + 1 JADU. Driveway Width: Max 20 ft if converted. Code: WCMC Ch. 26 Div. 11.

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.

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

The Bottom Line

West Covina'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 West Covina is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that West Covina 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.