Garage Conversions: El Monte vs Long Beach
How do garage conversions rules compare between El Monte, CA and Long Beach, CA?
El Monte and Long Beach have similar restriction levels.
El Monte, CA
Los Angeles County
El Monte permits garage-to-ADU conversions under state ADU law: no replacement parking required and the converted garage may be reconstructed up to its original footprint as an ADU.
View full El Monte rules →Long Beach, CA
Los Angeles County
Garage conversions to ADU or JADU allowed under CA state ADU law. Converted garages are exempt from setback requirements. No replacement parking required if within ½ mile of transit.
View full Long Beach rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | El Monte | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Garage-to-ADU conversion | Allowed by-right under state law | - |
| Replacement parking | Not required (Gov. Code §66314(a)(1)(D)) | - |
| Permit required | Yes — building permit + plan check | - |
| Non-ADU conversion | Replacement parking required | - |
| Max ADU size (attached/converted) | 1,200 sq ft or 50% of primary, whichever greater | - |
| Setback for existing garage | Existing nonconforming setbacks allowed | - |
| State Law | - | CA Gov Code §65852.2 |
| Setbacks | - | Exempt — existing footprint governs |
| Replacement Parking | - | Not required near transit |
| Pre-Approved Plans | - | Available from Long Beach Planning |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
El Monte FAQ
Do I have to replace the parking if I convert my garage to an ADU?
No. Under California Government Code §66314 (the state ADU law) and El Monte's ADU/JADU Program Guidelines, no replacement parking is required when a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished or converted in conjunction with creating an ADU.
Can I convert my garage into a bedroom without making it an ADU?
Only with a permit, and you must provide replacement on-site parking that meets EMMC Title 17 residential parking standards. Most R-1 lots require 2 covered spaces, so a straight bedroom conversion is often infeasible. Converting to an ADU avoids the parking-replacement requirement.
Long Beach FAQ
Can I convert my garage into living space in Long Beach?
Garage conversions to ADU or JADU allowed under CA state ADU law. Converted garages are exempt from setback requirements. No replacement parking required if within ½ mile of transit.
What permits do I need for a garage conversion in Long Beach?
State Law: CA Gov Code §65852.2. Setbacks: Exempt — existing footprint governs. Replacement Parking: Not required near transit. Pre-Approved Plans: Available from Long Beach Planning.
Compare other topics
See how El Monte and Long Beach compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool