Accessory Structures in Hawthorne, CA (2026)
5 verified accessory structures rules for Hawthorne, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
The City of Hawthorne regulates ADUs and JADUs under Hawthorne Municipal Code Chapter 17.21, which implements California's state ADU law. ADUs are permitted in any residential or mixed-use zone allowing housing. A single-family site may have one ADU plus one JADU; JADUs are capped at 500 square feet within the primary dwelling.
Hawthorne Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Hawthorne Municipal Code Section 17.20.160 governs accessory buildings and structures, including sheds. Storage rooms and tool sheds for customary household items are limited to a maximum of 120 square feet, may be wired for electrical service, but may not have plumbing. Buildings and structures must stay at least 10 feet from an alley centerline.
Hawthorne Shed and Accessory Building Rules
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Hawthorne allows converting an existing garage to an ADU or JADU under Municipal Code Chapter 17.21, consistent with California state ADU law. A JADU is capped at 500 square feet within the primary single-family dwelling. Converting garage space into living area without permits is a code violation, and any habitable conversion must meet building-code standards.
Hawthorne Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Hawthorne regulates carports under the residential development standards in Municipal Code Chapter 17.20. Carports may substitute for required garages on key and interior lots only where parking is screened from the street by a building or wall. Fabric and prefabricated metal carports are prohibited, and canopies are not allowed in any setback area or over driveways.
Hawthorne Carport Rules
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
The City of Hawthorne has no standalone tiny-home or tiny-house-on-wheels ordinance. A fixed-foundation tiny house used as a second dwelling is regulated as an ADU under Municipal Code Chapter 17.21 and California state ADU law. Movable tiny houses on wheels are treated like recreational vehicles and are not permitted as permanent dwellings.
Hawthorne Tiny Home Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Los Angeles County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Hawthorne city rules.
Accessory Structures in Los Angeles County →