Accessory Structures in Placentia, CA (2026)
6 verified accessory structures rules for Placentia, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
In the City of Placentia, California, an accessory dwelling unit is a ministerially permitted use in single family, multi-family and mixed-use zones under Municipal Code Chapter 23.73. A detached unit is capped at 1,200 square feet with 4 foot side and rear setbacks, and the city must process a complete application within 60 days.
Placentia ADU Rules: Size, Setbacks, Height and Review Timelines
Some RestrictionsPlacentia Municipal Code § 23.73.060
(1) Underlying Zoning. Accessory dwelling units shall comply with all of the development standards for a new residential dwelling unit in the zone in which the accessory dwelling unit is to be located, including, but not limited to, setbacks, height, and lot coverage unless otherwise addressed by this chapter, or contrary to state law. ... (A) Floorspace. ... (ii) The total area of floorspace o...
ADU Impact Fees
In the City of Placentia, California, Section 23.73.070(2) bars any impact fee on an accessory dwelling unit smaller than 750 square feet, whatever the council's fee resolution says. A unit of 750 square feet or more pays impact fees in proportion to the square footage of the primary dwelling, and all applicable fees are due before occupancy.
Placentia ADU Impact Fees: No Fee Under 750 Square Feet
Light RestrictionsPlacentia Municipal Code § 23.73.070(2)
(2) Impact Fees. Notwithstanding any fee resolution to the contrary: (A) No impact fee shall be imposed on any accessory dwelling unit less than seven hundred fifty (750) square feet in size. (B) For accessory dwelling units seven hundred fifty (750) square feet or greater, impact fees shall be charged proportionately in relation to the square footage of the primary dwelling. (C) All applicable...
ADU Owner Occupancy
In the City of Placentia, California, the owner-occupancy requirement attaches to junior accessory dwelling units, not to full ADUs. Section 23.73.090(7)(D) requires a recorded deed restriction that the owner resides in either the primary residence or the junior unit, with three exceptions, and the restriction runs with the land.
Placentia ADU Owner Occupancy: Junior ADU Deed Restriction
Some RestrictionsPlacentia Municipal Code § 23.73.090(7)
(7) The owner of property on which a junior accessory dwelling unit is constructed shall be required to record a deed restriction which shall run with the land and shall provide for the following: ... (D) A restriction that the owner resides in either the primary residence or the junior accessory dwelling unit. Notwithstanding the foregoing: (i) The owner may rent both the primary residence and...
ADU Rental Restrictions
In the City of Placentia, California, Section 23.73.070(3)(B) requires rentals of an accessory dwelling unit and of the primary unit to carry a contract length of at least 31 days. The restriction binds every later owner of the property, and the unit cannot be sold separately from the primary residence except under two state-law exceptions.
Placentia ADU Rental Rules: 31-Day Minimum Contract Length
Some RestrictionsPlacentia Municipal Code § 23.73.070(3)
(3) Restrictions. The following restrictions shall apply to all accessory units: (A) The accessory dwelling unit shall not be sold separately from the primary residence unless constructed pursuant to Government Code Sections 66340 and 66341. (B) Rentals of the accessory dwelling unit and the primary unit shall have a contract length of at least thirty-one (31) days. (C) The restrictions shall b...
Shed & Carport Rules
In the City of Placentia, California, a detached accessory building in an R district must sit on the rear one-half of the lot, at least 10 feet from any dwelling, not within 5 feet of an alley and not within 1 foot of the side line. In the R-1 district accessory building height is capped at 20 feet, and none can be built before the main building.
Placentia Accessory Building and Shed Location Rules
Some RestrictionsPlacentia Municipal Code § 23.81.120
(e) In case an accessory building is attached to the main building it shall be made structurally a part of and have a common roof with the main building, and shall comply in all respects with the requirements of this title applicable to the main building. Unless so attached, an accessory building in an “R” district shall be located on the rear one-half of the lot and at least ten (10) feet from...
Garage Conversions
In the City of Placentia, California, Section 23.73.080 requires ministerial approval of an accessory or junior dwelling unit built within the existing space of a single-family dwelling or accessory structure, which covers a garage. The conversion needs separate exterior access, fire-safe side and rear setbacks, and allows up to 150 square feet of expansion for ingress and egress.
Placentia Garage Conversion to ADU: Mandatory Approval Rules
Some RestrictionsPlacentia Municipal Code § 23.73.080
(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the city shall ministerially approve an application for any of the following accessory dwelling units within a residential or mixed-use zone: (A) A junior and/or accessory dwelling unit within the existing or proposed space of a single-family dwelling or accessory structure. (i) An expansion of up to one hundred fifty (150) square feet sh...
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County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Placentia city rules.
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