5 rules for unincorporated Imperial County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Unincorporated Imperial County regulates ADUs and JADUs in Title 9, Division 4, Chapter 5 (Section 90405). In a June 26, 2025 review letter, California HCD found parts of the county ordinance noncompliant with State ADU Law (Gov. Code 66310-66342), so state standards control where the local code is more restrictive.
Detached sheds and accessory buildings in unincorporated Imperial County are regulated as accessory buildings under Title 9, Division 5, Section 90501.12. In residential (R) zones they cannot exceed three stories or 35 feet, cannot sit in the front yard of the primary use, and if over one story must stay at least 5 feet from any interior property line.
Converting an existing garage to an ADU is expressly allowed in unincorporated Imperial County. Title 9, Section 90405.03.G requires no setback for an existing garage converted to an ADU. State ADU Law (Gov. Code 66314) further bars the county from requiring replacement parking when a garage is converted.
Carports and private garages in unincorporated Imperial County are regulated as accessory buildings under Title 9, Division 5, Section 90501.12. An attached private garage may reach 1,000 square feet; outside Urban Areas on A-2, A-3, S-1 and S-2 parcels larger detached garages follow an acreage table, and those 4,000 sq ft or over need an administrative permit.
Unincorporated Imperial County has no standalone 'tiny home' ordinance. A small fixed-foundation dwelling is treated as an ADU under Title 9, Section 90405 (detached units up to 1,200 sq ft) or a JADU up to 500 sq ft. Living in a tiny home on wheels or RV outside a licensed park is barred by the county Camping Ordinance (Section 92903.02).
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