Accessory Structures in Indio, CA (2026)
5 verified accessory structures rules for Indio, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Indio caps detached accessory dwelling units at 1,200 square feet and 18 feet tall, with 4-foot side/rear setbacks, though state ADU law overrides any conflicting local limit.
Indio ADU Size, Height and Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsIndio Unified Development Code § 4.02.03 (Development Standards)
ADUs detached from an existing or proposed primary dwelling shall be subject to a maximum height of 18 feet. ... The floor area of a detached ADU shall not exceed 1,200 square feet. ... A four-foot side and rear yard setback shall be required for new attached or detached ADUs. ... A detached ADU shall be located at least six feet away from the primary dwelling unit.
ADU Impact Fees
Indio charges no development impact fees on an ADU or JADU smaller than 750 square feet; larger units pay fees prorated to the primary home's square footage under the city's Unified Development Code.
Indio ADU Impact Fee Exemption Under 750 SF
Some RestrictionsIndio Unified Development Code § 4.02.02(D)(3)-(4)
3. No impact fees shall be imposed on a JADU or ADU that is less than 750 square feet in size. For purposes of this Chapter, "impact fees" shall not include utility connection fees or capacity charges. 4. For ADUs that are 750 square feet or more, impact fees shall be charged proportionately in relation to the square footage of the primary dwelling unit. E. Building and Fire Code Compli...
ADU Rental Restrictions
Indio prohibits renting an accessory dwelling unit for stays under 31 days, reserving ADUs for long-term housing rather than vacation rentals under the city's Unified Development Code.
Indio ADU Short-Term Rental Ban
Heavy RestrictionsIndio Unified Development Code § 4.02.02(H)
Short-Term Rentals.ADUs shall not be used for short-term rentals for a term of less than 31 days. I. Application — Owner Certification.An ADU may not be sold or otherwise conveyed separately from the primary residence except for as provided below (per Government Code Section 65852.26). As part of the building permit application process for an ADU, the owner of record shall submit a declarati...
Shed & Carport Rules
Indio sets tiered setback and height limits for detached sheds and accessory buildings based on size, from 6 feet for small structures up to 20 feet for larger ones.
Indio Accessory Structure Size and Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsIndio Unified Development Code § 3.02.04(C)(2), (5) and Table 3.02.04-1
Accessory structures shall not contain indoor cooking facilities (combination of a sink, cooking apparatus, and refrigeration appliance) and shall not be designed for full-time living, guest accommodation (i.e., guesthouses), or rental purposes (see Chapter 4.02 (Accessory Dwelling Units). Pool houses that conform to the requirements of this Chapter are permitted. Accessory structures may have ...
Garage Conversions
Converting an existing garage into an accessory dwelling unit in Indio requires no new setback, as long as the ADU keeps the same footprint and location as the garage it replaces.
Indio Garage-to-ADU Conversion Setback Rule
Light RestrictionsIndio Unified Development Code § 4.02.03(G)(2)
Conversion of Existing Accessory Structure.No setback shall be required for an ADU located within the existing living area or an existing accessory structure (e.g., detached garage), or an ADU that replaces an existing structure (e.g., garage converted to an ADU) and is located in the same location and to the same dimensions as the structure being replaced, unless required to meet current Build...
Looking for Riverside County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Indio city rules.
Accessory Structures in Riverside County →