Accessory Structures in Santa Rosa, CA (2026)
4 verified accessory structures rules for Santa Rosa, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Santa Rosa actively promotes Accessory Dwelling Units under California ADU law and local Zoning Code Chapter 20-42. ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft are allowed on single-family lots with streamlined permitting.
Santa Rosa ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Rules
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Small sheds under 120 square feet and under 10 feet tall do not require a building permit in Santa Rosa. Larger accessory structures require permits and must meet zoning setback requirements.
Santa Rosa Shed & Outbuilding Rules
Few RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Santa Rosa supports garage conversions to ADUs under California ADU law. Converting a garage to living space requires a building permit but parking replacement is not required under state law.
Santa Rosa Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Santa Rosa Zoning Code Section 20-42.030 caps carports at 16 feet tall and requires the carport face to sit at least 19 feet back from the property line, curb, or sidewalk on street-facing lots. Any structure over 120 sq ft needs a building permit. Carports are subject to Design Review and the 2022 California Building Code.
accessory-structures/carport-rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Sonoma County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Santa Rosa city rules.
Accessory Structures in Sonoma County →