Accessory Structures in Glenn County, CA (2026)
5 rules for unincorporated Glenn County, California.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
In unincorporated Glenn County, ADUs are permitted as 'second dwellings' under Chapter 15.175 and built to the standards of Chapter 15.590 of the Unified Development Code. The county code references older state law, but current California Government Code Sections 66310-66342 control and require ministerial approval.
Glenn County accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules
Some RestrictionsGlenn County Code Sec. 15.590.020(B)(4)
In accordance with California Government Code Sections 65852.2 (a)(1)(B)(i) and 68582.2(c), no maximum size is imposed on second dwellings provided that it does not exceed lot coverage requirements.
ADU Rental Restrictions
In unincorporated Glenn County, a second dwelling (ADU) permitted in the Agricultural Preserve zone under Glenn County Code Chapter 15.175 cannot be rented to the open market. Zoning Code Section 15.46.020 limits who may live in the unit to relatives of the property owner or to employees who work on the property, closing off ordinary tenant rentals.
Glenn County Restricts Second Dwelling Rentals
Significant RestrictionsGlenn County Code § 15.46.020 (AP - Agricultural Preserve Zone, Permitted Uses)
The following uses and structures shall be permitted in the AP zone: One single-family dwelling for each parcel of land; Second dwelling per each parcel of land subject to Chapter 15.175 providing that such dwelling may only be occupied by relatives of the owner or by employees who work on the property;
Shed & Carport Rules
Glenn County's Unified Development Code allows accessory buildings such as gardening sheds as uses incidental to a dwelling. In the RE Rural Residential Estate zone, an accessory building under 1,000 square feet needs only a 5-foot side and rear setback; larger structures must meet the main building's setbacks.
Glenn County shed rules
Some RestrictionsGlenn County Code Sec. 15.350.060(D)
Side Yard, Accessory Buildings. The side yard of any accessory building that exceed one thousand square feet shall be the same as that required for the main building. Any accessory building less than one thousand square feet shall have a minimum of five feet side yard and rear yard.
Garage Conversions
Glenn County treats a converted garage that becomes living quarters as a second dwelling under Chapter 15.175 or as an addition to the main dwelling. Either way it must meet the Chapter 15.590 construction standards, and current California ADU law (Gov. Code 66310-66342) lets owners convert a garage to an ADU ministerially.
Glenn County garage conversion rules
Some RestrictionsGlenn County Code Sec. 15.590.020(B)(2)
Attached second units shall have their own entrance separate from the primary dwelling. An entrance common area which then provides access to each individual dwelling unit shall be acceptable.
Tiny Homes
Glenn County's Unified Development Code has no separate 'tiny home' category. A tiny house on a permanent foundation is treated as a dwelling or 'second dwelling' under Chapter 15.590, while Section 15.590.020(C) prohibits travel trailers, RVs or other road-capable vehicles from being used as a dwelling.
Glenn County tiny home rules
Heavy RestrictionsGlenn County Code Sec. 15.590.020(C)
Travel trailers, recreational vehicles, or other similar vehicles capable of travel on public roadways shall not be allowed as a dwelling.
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