5 rules for unincorporated Tehama County, California.
Verified from official government sources
Unincorporated Tehama County allows accessory dwelling units in residential and agricultural zones under Title 17 Section 17.08.050. Because California's ADU law (Gov. Code 66310 et seq.) preempts conflicting local rules, ADUs are approved ministerially with state minimum standards taking precedence over the County's older provisions.
Sheds and detached accessory buildings in unincorporated Tehama County are governed by Title 17 Section 17.08.020. A one-story shed may occupy up to half the required rear yard, and a shed up to 15 feet at the ridge may sit on the side and rear line if at least 70 feet from any street; otherwise a 5-foot clearance applies.
Converting a garage to living space in unincorporated Tehama County is regulated as a building change under Title 17 and the County building code. A private garage is defined in Section 17.04.230, and converting one into an ADU is governed by Section 17.08.050 and California's preemptive ADU law, which protects garage-to-ADU conversions.
Carports in unincorporated Tehama County are treated as private-garage/accessory structures. Section 17.04.230 includes a carport within the private-garage definition, and Section 17.08.030(C) allows garages, carports, and other accessory buildings to be attached to the main building or connected by a breezeway. Accessory-building setbacks in 17.08.020 apply.
Unincorporated Tehama County has no dedicated tiny-home ordinance. A tiny home on a permanent foundation is regulated as a dwelling or, if it qualifies, as an accessory dwelling unit under Section 17.08.050. A movable tiny home on wheels is treated like a recreational vehicle (Section 17.04.470), which is not permitted as a permanent residence.
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