West Covina's Accessory Structures: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles accessory structures a little differently. In West Covina, 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.

Carport Rules

Carport construction in West Covina requires a building permit and must comply with zoning setback requirements. The updated Development Code (2024) provides streamlined regulations for accessory structures.

Key details: Permit: Building permit required. Setbacks: Must comply with zoning code. Code: Development Code (March 2024). Contact: Building Division 626-939-8434.

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

Tiny Homes

Tiny homes in West Covina are regulated as ADUs if permanent. CA Gov Code Section 65852.2 allows ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft detached. Tiny homes on wheels classified as RVs. ADU height limit generally 16 ft for detached.

Key details: Permanent: Regulated as ADU per state law. Max Size (ADU): 1,200 sq ft detached. Height Limit: 16 ft for detached ADU. On Wheels: Classified as RV.

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

ADU Rules

West Covina allows 1 ADU and 1 JADU per lot. Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft. Height: 16 ft detached, 25 ft attached. 4-foot setbacks. No separate utilities or addresses from the main residence.

Key details: Max Size: 1,200 sq ft (detached). Separate Utilities: Not allowed. Height (Detached): 16 ft. Code Section: Dev. Code Ord. 2519.

Unpermitted ADUs face code enforcement. STR use of ADUs is prohibited. Contact Community Development at (626) 939-8400.

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.

Shed Rules

West Covina regulates accessory structures under the Development Code. Small structures may be exempt from building permits. Larger structures require permits and must comply with zone development standards.

Key details: Permit Exempt: Under 120 sq ft (verify). Setbacks: Per zone standards. Review Body: Community Development. Contact: (626) 939-8400.

Unpermitted structures face code enforcement. Building permits are required for larger accessory structures.

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.