Accessory Structures in Tehama County, CA (2026)
5 rules for unincorporated Tehama County, California.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Tehama County Code § 17.08.050 lets one attached or detached ADU go on an R-1, RE, AG-1 through AG-4, or NR lot with an existing single-family home, capped at 1,200 square feet: subject to more permissive state ADU law.
Tehama County ADU Zoning Standards
Some RestrictionsTehama County Code § 17.08.050(A)
"One attached or detached ADU may be established on all lots that are occupied with a single family dwelling unit and zoned residential or any lot that has an existing legally established permitted single family dwelling...2. The lot is zoned R-1, RE, AG-1, AG-2, AG-3, AG-4, or NR...5. The increased floor area of an attached ADU shall not exceed 50 percent of the existing living area, with a ma...
ADU Impact Fees
Tehama County folds accessory dwelling units into its single-family development impact fee, $2,750 per unit, under § 9.15.030, though California law exempts small ADUs and reduces the fee for larger ones.
Tehama County ADU Development Impact Fees
Some RestrictionsTehama County Code §§ 9.15.020(I), 9.15.030(B)(1)
"Single family residential" means detached single family units, attached single family units, and second units, but does not include guest cottages... (§ 9.15.020(I)) Fee Schedule — Single Family Res. (per unit): Library $129.50, General Govt. $436.00, Sheriff $82.00, Corrections $215.00, Fire Protection $576.50, Parks and Rec. $55.00, Transportation $1,256.00, Total Fee $2,750.00 (§ 9.15.030(B...
ADU Owner Occupancy
Tehama County's zoning code requires the lot's existing home to be owner-occupied before an ADU can be added, but California law now permanently bars local agencies from imposing that condition on standard ADUs.
Tehama County ADU Owner-Occupancy Rule
Light RestrictionsTehama County Code § 17.08.050(A)(3)
"The lot on which the ADU is constructed shall contain an existing owner-occupied single-family residence. The property owner must maintain occupancy of either the main residence or second residence."
Shed & Carport Rules
A detached storage shed in unincorporated Tehama County needs no building permit if it's 120 square feet or smaller, at least 6 feet from the house, and clear of setbacks and utility easements.
Tehama County Shed Permit Exemption
Few RestrictionsTehama County Code § 15.02.310(B)(1), Item 1
One-story detached residential accessory buildings used as tool or storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the structure is not located on a public utility easement or in front, rear and side setbacks required by the zoning code of Tehama County. The floor area shall not exceed one hundred twenty square feet. The structure shall be a minimum of six feet from the dwelling or accesso...
Garage Conversions
Converting an existing garage into an accessory dwelling unit in the unincorporated area of Tehama County needs no side or rear setback, and a garage-top ADU only needs a 5-foot setback.
Tehama County ADU Garage Setback Waiver
Few RestrictionsTehama County Code § 17.08.050(A)(10)
Setbacks are not required for an existing garage that is converted to an accessory dwelling unit, and a setback of no more than five feet from the side and rear lot lines are not required for an accessory dwelling unit that is constructed above a garage.
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