Accessory Structures in Alhambra, CA (2026)
5 verified accessory structures rules for Alhambra, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Alhambra allows accessory dwelling units on any lot zoned for single-unit, multi-unit or mixed residential use under Municipal Code § 23.22.040. Detached ADUs on single-unit lots top out at 1,200 square feet, height is capped at two stories and 25 feet, and only one open or enclosed parking space is required.
Alhambra ADU Zoning and Size Rules
Some RestrictionsAlhambra Municipal Code § 23.22.040(D), (F), (G)
(D) Unit size and property development standards. (1) The following size limits apply: (a) A detached ADU on a lot with an existing or proposed single-unit dwelling may not exceed 1,200 square feet in area. (b) A detached ADU on a lot with an existing or proposed multi-unit dwelling structure may not exceed 850 square feet in area for an ADU with one bedroom or less, and 1,000 square feet for a...
ADU Impact Fees
Alhambra Municipal Code § 23.22.040(M)(2) waives impact fees and connection or capacity charges for owners legalizing an unpermitted ADU or JADU built before January 1, 2020, except when utility upgrades are needed for health and safety.
Alhambra Fee Waiver for Pre-2020 ADUs
Light RestrictionsAlhambra Municipal Code § 23.22.040(M)(2)
(2) A homeowner applying for a permit for a previously unpermitted accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit constructed before January 1, 2020, shall not be required to pay impact fees or connection or capacity charges except when utility infrastructure is required to comply with Cal. Health and Safety Code § 17920.3 and when the fee is authorized by Cal. Gov't Code § 66324(e).
ADU Owner Occupancy
Alhambra imposes no owner-occupancy requirement on accessory dwelling units under Municipal Code § 23.22.040(H)(1). A separate junior ADU does require an owner-occupant, unless the owner is a governmental agency, land trust or housing organization.
Alhambra ADU Owner-Occupancy Rule
Light RestrictionsAlhambra Municipal Code § 23.22.040(H)
(H) Owner-occupancy requirement. (1) There shall be no owner-occupancy requirements for ADUs. (2) Should a lot have a JADU, the applicant for the JADU must be an owner-occupant of either the newly created JADU or the single-unit dwelling. Owner-occupancy shall not be required if the owner is another governmental agency, land trust, or housing organization. (3) Upon approval of a JADU applicatio...
ADU Rental Restrictions
Alhambra Municipal Code § 23.22.040(L) flatly prohibits using an accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit as a short-term rental, cross-referencing the short-term rental permit chapter, Chapter 5.92, for enforcement.
Alhambra Bans ADUs as Short-Term Rentals
Heavy RestrictionsAlhambra Municipal Code § 23.22.040(L)
(L) Short-term rental. ADUs and JADUs are prohibited from being utilized as short-term rentals pursuant to Chapter 5.92.
Shed & Carport Rules
Alhambra limits detached accessory structures such as sheds, garages, and gazebos to 15 feet in height, sets a 3-foot minimum from interior side and rear lot lines, allows structures under 4 feet to sit within 3 feet of a street side lot line, and caps how much of the required rear yard they can cover at 40%, under Zoning Code § 23.12.020.
Alhambra Accessory Structure and Shed Rules
Some RestrictionsAlhambra Municipal Code § 23.12.020 (Accessory Structures)
(A) Applicability. (1) Detached structures. The provisions of this section apply to roofed structures, including but not limited to garages, carports, sheds, workshops, gazebos, and covered patios which are detached from and accessory to a main building on the site... (C) Development standards. Accessory structures shall meet the development standards of the zoning district in which it is locat...
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