Accessory Structures in Highland, CA (2026)
5 verified accessory structures rules for Highland, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
In the City of Highland, California, an accessory dwelling unit is reviewed ministerially, with the city acting within 60 days of a completed application. Highland Municipal Code § 16.44.180 sets four-foot side and rear setbacks, a 1,200-square-foot cap for larger units, and bars ADUs in high fire severity zones or on septic systems.
Accessory Dwelling Unit Rules in Highland, California
Some RestrictionsHighland Municipal Code § 16.44.180
1. Location Restrictions. One ADU shall be allowed on a lot with a proposed or existing primary dwelling that is zoned residential, except as otherwise set forth herein. To protect the public health and safety, no ADUs shall be constructed in an area designated as a high fire severity zone, or in an area without adequate sewer systems (i.e., on septic tank system). ... ... a. Size Restrictions....
ADU Impact Fees
In the City of Highland, California, an accessory dwelling unit under 750 square feet is not charged development impact fees. An ADU of 750 square feet or larger is charged fees proportionately in relation to the square footage of the primary dwelling unit, and Government Code Section 65852.2 still governs what the City can collect.
Highland CA ADU Development Impact Fees
Some RestrictionsHighland Municipal Code § 3.36.080(E)
§ 3.36.080. Development impact fee exemptions and exceptions. ... ... E. Accessory Dwelling Units. Accessory dwelling units ("ADUs") that are less than 750 square feet shall not be charged development impact fees. For an ADU that is 750 square feet or larger, the ADU will be charged fees proportionately in relation to the square footage of the primary dwelling unit. Notwithstanding the foregoin...
ADU Rental Restrictions
In the City of Highland, California, an accessory dwelling unit can be rented, but not for short-term stays: Highland Municipal Code § 16.44.180 bars rentals of less than 31 consecutive days, and a building-permit-only ADU or JADU can be rented only for terms of 31 days or longer. An ADU cannot be sold separately from the main house.
ADU Rental Restrictions in Highland, California
Some RestrictionsHighland Municipal Code § 16.44.180
4. Transfer. ... An ADU shall not be sold, transferred, or assigned separately from the primary dwelling, except when the ADU is constructed by a qualified nonprofit corporation pursuant to California Government Code Section 66341. In such cases, the ADU may be separately sold to an eligible low-income buyer as defined by state law. Otherwise, the ADU may be rented, but shall not be used for sh...
Shed & Carport Rules
In the City of Highland, California, a detached accessory building in a residential district has a maximum height of 20 feet and a maximum size of 1,000 square feet, must sit at least 10 feet from any other building, and can never be closer than one foot to a property line. A larger building needs a staff review permit approved by the planning commission.
Highland Accessory Building and Shed Rules
Some RestrictionsHighland Municipal Code § 16.40.030
A. Accessory Structures within Residential Districts. ... ... 4. Detached Accessory Structures. a. A detached accessory structure may be located within an interior side yard or rear yard; provided, that when such a structure is located closer than five feet to an interior side or rear lot line, one-hour fire walls shall be installed on the side or sides located within the setback. In no case sh...
Garage Conversions
In the City of Highland, California, converting or demolishing a garage, carport or covered parking structure to create an ADU does not require replacement parking, as long as the ADU stays in use as a legal ADU. Highland Municipal Code § 16.44.180(D)(5) and (E)(5) also treat an attached garage as inside the walls for a junior ADU.
Garage Conversion to ADU Rules in Highland, California
Light RestrictionsHighland Municipal Code § 16.44.180
5. Parking Requirements. a. In addition to the off-street parking space(s) required for the primary dwelling, one off-street parking space shall be provided for each ADU, except when: ... ... c. When the ADU is created by converting or demolishing a garage, carport, covered parking structure, or uncovered parking space, replacement of parking space(s) eliminated by the construction of the ADU s...
Looking for San Bernardino County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Highland city rules.
Accessory Structures in San Bernardino County →