5 rules for unincorporated Del Norte County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Unincorporated Del Norte County permits Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs (JADUs) on any parcel zoned for residential use with an existing or proposed primary dwelling. Standard ADUs run 150-1,200 sq ft; JADUs max 500 sq ft. State law (Gov. Code 66314+) makes review ministerial within 60 days.
In unincorporated Del Norte County, a shed is an 'accessory building' subordinate and incidental to the main residence. Under the Coastal Zoning Ordinance (Title 21), on parcels under three acres a single accessory building may not exceed 1,000 sq ft or 16 ft in height without a use permit.
Unincorporated Del Norte County allows converting a garage or other existing space into an ADU. Conversion ADUs may be up to 1,200 sq ft (plus up to 150 sq ft for ingress/egress) and require no replacement parking, consistent with California ADU law.
A carport in unincorporated Del Norte County is treated as an accessory structure under the zoning code. In the Coastal Zone (Title 21), a single accessory building on a residential lot under three acres may not exceed 1,000 sq ft or 16 ft in height without a use permit; building permits and setbacks apply.
Unincorporated Del Norte County has no separate 'tiny home' category; a permanent tiny house on a foundation is typically permitted as an ADU (150-1,200 sq ft). Movable tiny houses on wheels (RV/trailer) are not dwellings under the zoning code and face stricter limits.
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