Garage Conversions: Garden Grove vs Midway City

Do I have to replace parking if I convert my Garden Grove garage to an ADU?

No. Under GGMC 9.54.040 and California Government Code §65852.2, Garden Grove cannot require replacement parking when an existing garage is converted to an ADU.

Can a converted garage be a JADU in Garden Grove?

Yes, if the garage is attached to the single-family dwelling. The JADU is capped at 500 sq ft and must be within the walls of the primary single-family structure, per GGMC 9.54.050.

Do I need a permit for a garage conversion in Garden Grove?

Yes. Garden Grove Building Services requires a building permit for any change of use from garage to habitable space. Plan check, building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits may all apply.

Do I have to replace the parking space if I convert my garage to an ADU in unincorporated Orange County?

No. Section 7-9-90(d)(3) of the Orange County Codified Ordinances expressly states that no replacement of removed parking spaces is required when an existing garage, carport, or covered parking garage is converted to an ADU or removed to accommodate ADU construction. This mirrors California Government Code 65852.2 and is one of the strongest permissive ADU rules in the state.

How big can my garage-conversion ADU be?

Section 7-9-90(a)(2) caps a conversion ADU at the square footage of the converted structure, up to 1,200 square feet. Section 7-9-90(c)(1) separately allows an expansion of up to 150 square feet beyond the existing dimensions for ingress/egress (which counts toward the maximum). A junior ADU is capped at 500 square feet under Section 7-9-90(a)(3) and Government Code 65852.22.

Can I rent out my converted garage on Airbnb?

No. Section 7-9-90(c)(5) prohibits any ADU or JADU from being used as a short-term rental of less than 30 days. The unit may be used as a long-term rental of more than 30 days. Short-term-rental use can support administrative action against the ADU and code-enforcement penalties.