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
FMC §15-2754 implements CA Gov Code §65852.2. Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft allowed on single-family lots. 4 ft side/rear setbacks. ADUs under 750 sq ft exempt from impact fees. Pre-approved plans available through the city.
Fresno ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Rules
Some RestrictionsADU 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
FMC §15-2004 allows sheds/accessory structures under 120 sq ft and 12 ft height without a permit if 3 ft from property lines. Structures over 120 sq ft require a building permit. Must not be in required front yard or street-side setback.
Fresno Shed & Outbuilding Rules
Few RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Garage conversions to ADUs or habitable space are allowed under FMC §15-2754. When a garage is converted to an ADU, the city cannot require replacement of the demolished parking spaces per CA Gov Code §65852.2.
Fresno Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsCarport 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 →