Accessory Structures in Tulare, CA (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Tulare, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Tulare allows one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) per single-family parcel in R-1, R-M, and R-H zones under TMC § 10.60.030, plus one junior ADU under § 10.60.040. The city mirrors state law: minimum 4 ft side/rear setbacks, no local development standard (lot coverage, FAR, open space, minimum lot size) may block an ADU up to 800 sq ft. Detached ADUs may be up to 16 ft tall; attached ADUs may match the primary dwelling height up to 25 ft. Conversions of existing space are exempt from setback rules under Gov. Code § 65852.2.
ADU size, height, and setbacks: Tulare Municipal Code § 10.60.030
Few RestrictionsADU Permits
ADU applications in Tulare are reviewed ministerially (no public hearing, no discretionary review) per Cal. Gov. Code § 65852.2(b), with a 60-day approval clock. Apply through the Community Development Department (Planning Division) plus a building permit through TMC Title 15 (California Building Code, 2022 edition). Standards in TMC § 10.60.030 cover setbacks, size, and number of units; the building permit covers structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical code compliance.
ADU permit process: ministerial review under TMC § 10.60.030
Few RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Per Cal. Gov. Code § 65852.2(f)(3), Tulare cannot charge impact fees on any ADU under 750 sq ft. For ADUs 750 sq ft and larger, impact fees must be 'proportional in size' to the primary dwelling — typically computed as ADU sq ft divided by primary dwelling sq ft, then multiplied by the standard SFR impact fee. Standard building permit, plan check, school facility fees, and utility connection fees still apply.
ADU impact fees: waived under 750 sq ft (Gov. Code § 65852.2(f))
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Tulare cannot require owner-occupancy for an ADU permitted between January 1, 2020 and January 1, 2025 — TMC § 10.60.030 states 'Owner occupancy shall not be required, and no land use agreement requiring owner occupancy shall be recorded or enforced on properties containing accessory dwelling units.' This mirrors Cal. Gov. Code § 65852.2(a)(7). Junior ADUs (JADUs) under TMC § 10.60.040 do require owner-occupancy of either the primary dwelling or the JADU per Gov. Code § 65852.22(a)(2).
ADU owner-occupancy: not required (TMC § 10.60.030)
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
California law (Gov. Code § 65852.2(a)(6)) prohibits renting an ADU for less than 31 days, effectively banning short-term/vacation rentals (Airbnb, VRBO) of any ADU permitted after January 1, 2020. Tulare's TMC § 10.60.030 incorporates this limitation by reference to state law. Long-term rentals (31 days or longer) are permitted and the ADU cannot be sold separately from the primary dwelling (with limited SB 9 / qualified nonprofit exceptions).
ADU rental restrictions: 30-day minimum, short-term rental prohibited
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Tulare Municipal Code Chapter 10.204 (Accessory Structures) governs sheds. One-story detached tool/storage sheds, playhouses and similar structures with a floor area not greater than 120 square feet are exempt from building permits, though zoning rules still apply. Residential accessory structures may be located within 3 feet of the rear property line and within 10 feet of any street-side yard property line; front setbacks must match the underlying zoning district. The minimum distance between any structure used for human habitation and a detached shed, garage, or carport is 10 feet (TMC § 10.32.060).
Sheds in Tulare: 120 sq ft permit exemption, 3-ft rear setback
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Converting an existing garage to an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in Tulare is governed primarily by California Government Code § 65852.2, which preempts most restrictive local rules. The city must ministerially approve a garage-conversion ADU on any lot with an existing or proposed single-family dwelling. The local agency cannot require replacement of off-street parking spaces lost to the conversion, and existing structures converted to ADUs are exempt from local setback requirements. Tulare Municipal Code Ch. 10.204 (Accessory Structures) implements these state mandates locally.
Garage conversion to ADU in Tulare: state law preempts local rules
Few RestrictionsCarport Rules
Carports in Tulare are regulated under TMC § 10.32.060 (Development Standards) and Chapter 10.204 (Accessory Structures). Single-family dwellings must have a minimum of two covered parking spaces, each at least 9 ft wide and 20 ft deep — a carport satisfies this 'covered' requirement. Carports must be set back at least 10 ft from any dwelling on the lot. Where a carport opens onto a public street, a 20-ft driveway apron is required between the structure and the street. All parking surfaces (including the carport pad and driveway) must be asphalt concrete, chip seal, or comparable all-weather surfacing.
Carports in Tulare: 10-ft separation, surfaced driveway required
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Tulare does not have a tiny-home-specific ordinance. Tiny homes on foundations are regulated under Appendix AQ of the 2022 California Residential Code (CRC), Title 24 Part 2.5 — which defines a tiny house as a dwelling 400 sq ft or less excluding lofts. Such a unit can be permitted only as an ADU under Gov. Code § 65852.2 (subject to local ministerial review) or as a primary dwelling meeting full CRC requirements. Movable/wheeled tiny homes (THOWs) are treated as recreational vehicles under Health & Safety Code § 18010 and may not be used as permanent dwellings outside a permitted RV park.
Tiny homes in Tulare: state Appendix AQ + ADU pathway
Some RestrictionsLooking for Tulare County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tulare city rules.
Accessory Structures in Tulare County →