Accessory Structures in Fresno, CA (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Fresno, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Fresno permits Accessory Dwelling Units (called Second Dwelling Units, Backyard Cottages, and Accessory Living Quarters) on any residential lot under Fresno Municipal Code Section 15-2754, but California state law (Gov. Code 66314-66323) now overrides stricter local standards, requiring ministerial approval of an 800 sq ft detached ADU with 4-foot side and rear setbacks.
ADUs by right; state size/setback rules override local
Some RestrictionsFresno Municipal Code (Citywide Development Code) Sec. 15-2754(A), (C), (D), (F), (L)
15-2754 Second Dwelling Units, Backyard Cottages, and Accessory Living Quarters. A. Purpose. The purpose of this section is to: 1. Maintain the character of single-family neighborhoods; 2. Ensure that new units are in harmony with developed neighborhoods; and 3. Allow Second Dwelling Units as an accessory use to Single-Unit Dwellings, consistent with the Government Code (Section 65852.2). C. Di...
ADU Permits
Fresno reviews ADU applications ministerially through the Planning Division of the Department of Planning and Development (DARM/Planning) under FMC Section 15-2754, consistent with California Government Code §65852.2. Plan review is local; the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) sets statewide minimum standards but does not review individual Fresno permits.
Fresno ADU Permit Process
Few RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Fresno cannot charge impact fees on ADUs under 750 square feet under California Government Code §65852.2(f)(3)(A), which preempts local fee schedules. For ADUs 750 sf and larger, impact fees must be charged proportionally to the size of the primary dwelling per square foot.
Fresno ADU Impact Fees
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Under California AB 587 (codified at Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(6)), Fresno cannot impose owner-occupancy requirements on ADUs permitted between January 1, 2020 and January 1, 2025. After January 1, 2025, AB 976 (2023) made the owner-occupancy prohibition permanent, so Fresno may not require owner-occupancy on any ADU. Junior ADUs (JADUs) still require owner-occupancy of either the primary unit or the JADU under Gov. Code §65852.22.
Fresno ADU Owner-Occupancy Rules
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
California Government Code §65852.2(a)(6) prohibits using ADUs and JADUs as short-term rentals of fewer than 30 days. Fresno's FMC 15-2754 incorporates this minimum 30-day lease requirement, and a deed restriction is recorded against the property to make it enforceable against future owners. Long-term rentals of 30+ days are permitted with no additional Fresno license requirement.
Fresno ADU Rental Restrictions
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
In Fresno a one-story detached tool/storage shed of 120 square feet or less, no more than 12 feet high, and at least 3 feet from property lines needs no building permit; accessory structures on residential parcels of 10,000 sq ft or less are capped at 12 feet high and must comply with Fresno Municipal Code Section 15-2004.
Sheds under 120 sq ft permit-exempt; 12 ft height cap
Few RestrictionsFresno Municipal Code (Citywide Development Code) Sec. 15-2004(A), (D)(2)(b), (E)(1)
15-2004 Accessory Buildings and Structures. A. Applicability. These provisions apply to: 1. All new structures over seven feet in height, including, but not limited to, garages, carports, porte-cocheres, sheds, workshops, gazebos, greenhouses, cabanas, trellises, play structures, aviaries, covered patios, etc. which collectively shall be referred to as Accessory Structures, that are attached or...
Garage Conversions
Converting a garage to living space in Fresno generally means creating an Accessory Dwelling Unit under Fresno Municipal Code Section 15-2754, and California Government Code Section 66314 bars the City from requiring replacement of the parking spaces lost when a garage is converted to or demolished for an ADU.
Garage-to-ADU allowed; no replacement parking required
Some RestrictionsCalifornia Government Code Sec. 66314(d)(11) (ADU garage conversion / parking replacement); cf. Fresno Municipal Code Sec. 15-2754(N)(1)(c)
When a garage, carport, covered parking structure, or uncovered parking space is demolished in conjunction with the construction of an accessory dwelling unit or converted to an accessory dwelling unit, the local agency shall not require that those offstreet parking spaces be replaced.
Carport Rules
Carports allowed as accessory structures in residential zones per Fresno Municipal Code (FMC) Title 15 (Citywide Development Code). Must meet setbacks for primary structure in most zones; attached carports follow garage standards. Building permit required.
accessory-structures/carport-rules
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Fresno allows tiny homes primarily as ADUs under CA Gov Code §65852.2 and FMC accessory-dwelling-unit provisions. Tiny homes on wheels permitted only as Movable Tiny Houses (MTH) meeting HCD standards, not as permanent dwellings on private lots.
accessory-structures/tiny-homes
Some RestrictionsLooking for Fresno County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fresno city rules.
Accessory Structures in Fresno County →