Accessory Structures in Riverside, CA (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Riverside, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Riverside Municipal Code Chapter 19.442 governs Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), Junior ADUs (JADUs) and Movable ADUs (MADUs). Every single-family and multi-family property in the city is eligible for at least one ADU and one JADU under state law and §19.442.030.
ADU Standards under RMC Chapter 19.442
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
An ADU in Riverside requires a building permit issued ministerially (no discretionary review) and must be approved or denied within 60 days of a complete application, per California Government Code §66317 and RMC Chapter 19.442.
ADU Building Permit Process
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Per California Government Code §66323 (as amended by SB 543, 2025), Riverside may not charge any development impact, capacity, or connection fee on an ADU of 750 sq ft or less. For ADUs larger than 750 sq ft, the city's impact fees must be charged proportionately to the size of the primary dwelling.
ADU Impact Fee Exemption for Units ≤750 sq ft
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Riverside does not impose an owner-occupancy requirement on standalone ADUs — this is preempted by California Government Code §66315. However, properties with a Junior ADU (JADU) under RMC §19.442 must have the owner occupy either the primary dwelling or the JADU per Gov. Code §66333.
Owner-Occupancy Rules for ADUs and JADUs
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Under RMC §19.442.030, ADUs, JADUs and MADUs in Riverside may only be rented for terms longer than 30 days — short-term vacation rentals are prohibited. This mirrors the local-agency authority granted by California Government Code §66314(a)(6).
Minimum 30-Day Rental Term for ADUs
Heavy RestrictionsShed Rules
One-story detached storage sheds 120 sq ft or smaller are exempt from a building permit under California Residential Code R105.2 and Riverside Municipal Code Title 16, but they must still meet zoning setbacks in RMC Chapter 19.440 (Accessory Buildings and Structures).
Shed Permits and Setbacks in Riverside
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Converting an existing garage into an ADU or Junior ADU is permitted ministerially in Riverside under RMC Chapter 19.442 and California Government Code §65852.2. No replacement covered parking is required when the garage becomes an ADU.
Garage Conversion to ADU Rules in Riverside
Few RestrictionsCarport Rules
Carports in Riverside are accessory structures under RMC Chapter 19.440 and must be permitted by Building & Safety. They must be open on at least two sides or they are reclassified as garages, and must meet zoning setbacks for their underlying residential zone.
Carport Permits and Standards in Riverside
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Riverside allows movable accessory dwelling units (MADUs) between 150 and 430 square feet on single-family lots under RMC Chapter 19.442. Tiny homes on wheels classified as RVs cannot be used as permanent dwellings on residential lots.
Tiny Homes and Movable ADUs in Riverside
Some RestrictionsLooking for Riverside County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Riverside city rules.
Accessory Structures in Riverside County →