5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 1 city in Stanislaus County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Unincorporated Stanislaus County permits ADUs and JADUs ministerially in R-1, R-2, R-3, R-A, A-2 and residential P-D zones under Zoning Ordinance Chapter 21.74. A detached/attached ADU may be up to 1,200 sq ft; a junior ADU up to 500 sq ft. State law (Gov. Code 66310+) sets the floor.
In unincorporated Stanislaus County, a detached one-story tool/storage shed of 120 sq ft or less is exempt from a building permit, but still must meet zoning setbacks. Larger sheds need a building permit. The Planning Department sets coverage and setback limits.
Stanislaus County's Zoning Ordinance Chapter 21.74 lets a legally established garage be converted into an accessory dwelling unit with no added setbacks and no replacement parking required. The ADU still needs a building permit and a recorded covenant. A garage is defined as covered parking at least 9 by 19 feet.
Stanislaus County's Zoning Ordinance defines a carport as a covered parking space at least 9 by 19 feet, open on at least two sides (Section 21.12.145). As a detached accessory structure it must be incidental to the main building and meet the zoning district's setbacks; the roof edge marks the setback point.
Stanislaus County has no separate 'tiny home' ordinance. A permanent tiny house on a foundation is regulated as an accessory dwelling unit under Chapter 21.74 (up to 1,200 sq ft). Living in a recreational vehicle is prohibited in every zoning district (Section 21.12.505), so a tiny home on wheels cannot be a residence.
1 cities in Stanislaus County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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Stanislaus County Ordinance Hub β