Riverside County
Palm Desert ADU rules
Research summary of local ADU rules on file for Palm Desert in Riverside County. Not a determination for a specific lot.
City or county ADU page
Palm Desert Planning department. No ADU-specific page was found.
Check any California address for freePalm Desert rules on file
Local rules recorded in this project for this jurisdiction. Where a city figure on file is stricter than the state baseline on file, both are shown.
Which rules apply
Palm Desert's ADU rules are in Municipal Code Sec. 25.34.030, amended through Ordinances 1423 (2024) and 1441. Class 1 units are the ones state law requires (Gov. Code 66323); Class 2 ADUs also meet the local standards in subsection G.
Source: Palm Desert Municipal Code Sec. 25.34.030 Accessory Dwelling Units (Chapter 25.34, eCode360; as amended through Ord. 1423 and Ord. 1441), Sec. 25.34.030.E, accessed 2026-10-25.
Review and timing
Every ADU and junior ADU needs a ministerial ADU permit and a building permit, with no hearing. The City says within 15 business days whether an application is complete, and approves or denies within 60 days of a complete application or it is deemed “approved” (paused if you ask for a delay; may wait for a new home's permit). A denial lists what to fix and can be appealed to the Planning Commission.
Source: Palm Desert Municipal Code Sec. 25.34.030 Accessory Dwelling Units (Chapter 25.34, eCode360; as amended through Ord. 1423 and Ord. 1441), Sec. 25.34.030.D, accessed 2026-10-25.
How many units (Class 1)
One converted ADU and one junior ADU in an existing or proposed home (an ADU may also be in an existing accessory structure, plus 150 sq ft for entry), combined with one new detached ADU of up to 800 sq ft with 4 ft side and rear setbacks. Multifamily: conversions of non-living space up to 25% of the units (at least one), plus up to two detached ADUs with a proposed building or up to eight with an existing one (not more than the existing units).
Source: Palm Desert Municipal Code Sec. 25.34.030 Accessory Dwelling Units (Chapter 25.34, eCode360; as amended through Ord. 1423 and Ord. 1441), Sec. 25.34.030.E.1, accessed 2026-10-25.
Where ADUs are allowed
Class 1: lots in residential or mixed-use zones. Class 2: lots zoned for single-family or multifamily homes. Junior ADUs: lots zoned for single-family homes only.
Source: Palm Desert Municipal Code Sec. 25.34.030 Accessory Dwelling Units (Chapter 25.34, eCode360; as amended through Ord. 1423 and Ord. 1441), Sec. 25.34.030.F.1, accessed 2026-10-25.
Height
Detached: 16 ft; 18 ft within a half mile walk of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor (plus 2 ft to match the main home's roof pitch), or on a lot with a multifamily building of more than one story. Attached: 25 ft or the zone limit, whichever is lower, and no more than two stories. Class 2 detached ADUs are one story.
Source: Palm Desert Municipal Code Sec. 25.34.030 Accessory Dwelling Units (Chapter 25.34, eCode360; as amended through Ord. 1423 and Ord. 1441), Secs. 25.34.030.F.2, G (Allowed Stories), accessed 2026-10-25.
Size limits (Class 2)
Up to 850 sq ft (studio or one bedroom) or 1,000 sq ft (two or more bedrooms). An attached ADU is also limited to 50% of the existing home, but that limit, the 20 ft front setback, the 50% lot coverage and the 50% open space rules may not reduce an ADU below 800 sq ft.
Source: Palm Desert Municipal Code Sec. 25.34.030 Accessory Dwelling Units (Chapter 25.34, eCode360; as amended through Ord. 1423 and Ord. 1441), Sec. 25.34.030.G.1-G.4, accessed 2026-10-25.
Setbacks (Class 2)
4 ft side and rear; 20 ft front (subject to the 800 sq ft rule). No setback for an ADU built in the same place and size as an existing structure.
Source: Palm Desert Municipal Code Sec. 25.34.030 Accessory Dwelling Units (Chapter 25.34, eCode360; as amended through Ord. 1423 and Ord. 1441), Sec. 25.34.030.G.2, accessed 2026-10-25.
Parking (Class 2)
One space per ADU or per bedroom, whichever is less, which may be in setback areas or tandem. None within a half mile walk of public transit, in a historic district, for an ADU in the home or an accessory structure, where on-street permits are not offered, within one block of a car share stop, or when applied for with a new home. Garages or spaces removed for an ADU do not need to be replaced.
Source: Palm Desert Municipal Code Sec. 25.34.030 Accessory Dwelling Units (Chapter 25.34, eCode360; as amended through Ord. 1423 and Ord. 1441), Sec. 25.34.030.G.6, accessed 2026-10-25.
Design (Class 2)
Exterior wall, roof, window and door materials and colors the same as the main home, and a roof slope matching its dominant slope. Down-lights only, its own exterior entrance, and interior dimensions of at least 10 ft in every direction with 7 ft walls. Windows and doors may not look directly into a neighboring lot (screening allowed); within 30 ft of a side or rear line they need clerestory or frosted glass.
Source: Palm Desert Municipal Code Sec. 25.34.030 Accessory Dwelling Units (Chapter 25.34, eCode360; as amended through Ord. 1423 and Ord. 1441), Sec. 25.34.030.G (Architectural Requirements), accessed 2026-10-25.
Near historic properties (Class 2)
An ADU on or within 600 ft of a California Register historic property must not be visible from a public street.
Source: Palm Desert Municipal Code Sec. 25.34.030 Accessory Dwelling Units (Chapter 25.34, eCode360; as amended through Ord. 1423 and Ord. 1441), Sec. 25.34.030.G (Historical Protections), accessed 2026-10-25.
Owner occupancy
No owner-occupancy requirement for ADUs. For a junior ADU that shares sanitation with the home, the owner must live in the home or the junior ADU (not required if it has its own bathroom, or for a government agency, land trust or housing organization). A deed restriction is recorded for a junior ADU.
Source: Palm Desert Municipal Code Sec. 25.34.030 Accessory Dwelling Units (Chapter 25.34, eCode360; as amended through Ord. 1423 and Ord. 1441), Sec. 25.34.030.F.7-F.8, accessed 2026-10-25.
Rentals and separate sale
No ADU or junior ADU may be rented for less than 30 days, or sold separately from the lot and the main home except as Gov. Code 66341 allows.
Source: Palm Desert Municipal Code Sec. 25.34.030 Accessory Dwelling Units (Chapter 25.34, eCode360; as amended through Ord. 1423 and Ord. 1441), Sec. 25.34.030.F.4-F.5, accessed 2026-10-25.
Fire sprinklers
Required only if the main home needs them, and an ADU does not trigger sprinklers in the existing home.
Source: Palm Desert Municipal Code Sec. 25.34.030 Accessory Dwelling Units (Chapter 25.34, eCode360; as amended through Ord. 1423 and Ord. 1441), Sec. 25.34.030.F.3, accessed 2026-10-25.
Impact and utility fees
No impact fee for a junior ADU or an ADU under 750 sq ft; larger ADUs pay in proportion to the main home. Junior ADUs and converted ADUs on single-family lots need no new utility connection or connection fee (unless built with a new home).
Source: Palm Desert Municipal Code Sec. 25.34.030 Accessory Dwelling Units (Chapter 25.34, eCode360; as amended through Ord. 1423 and Ord. 1441), Sec. 25.34.030.H, accessed 2026-10-25.
Existing conditions and older units
The City will not deny an ADU because of a nonconforming condition, code violation or unpermitted structure that is not a health and safety threat and is not affected by the ADU. Unpermitted ADUs built before 2020 may be legalized unless the unit is substandard.
Source: Palm Desert Municipal Code Sec. 25.34.030 Accessory Dwelling Units (Chapter 25.34, eCode360; as amended through Ord. 1423 and Ord. 1441), Sec. 25.34.030.I, accessed 2026-10-25.
Where to ask
Palm Desert Development Services (Planning and Building and Safety).
Source: City of Palm Desert Building and Safety page, accessed 2026-10-25.
California state rules on file
The statewide baseline recorded from state law and the HCD ADU Handbook.
Detached size cap described in state law
1,200 sq ft. Recorded in this rules file from Government Code section 66314.
Source: California Government Code section 66314, 66314, accessed 2026-10-16.
Side and rear setback cap for a new ADU
4 ft. Recorded in this rules file from Government Code section 66314, which describes a cap on side and rear setbacks for a new ADU.
Source: California Government Code section 66314, 66314, accessed 2026-10-16.
Setback for a conversion of an existing structure
No additional setback, as recorded in this rules file from Government Code section 66314 for a conversion of an existing structure.
Source: California Government Code section 66314, 66314, accessed 2026-10-16.
Minimum lot size
A city may not impose a minimum lot size for an ADU, as recorded in this rules file from Government Code section 66314.
Source: California Government Code section 66314, 66314, accessed 2026-10-16.
Minimum unit the handbook says cities must allow
At least an 800 sq ft ADU with 4 ft side and rear setbacks. The HCD ADU Handbook (updated March 2026) describes this under section 66321(b)(3).
Source: HCD ADU Handbook, 66321(b)(3); handbook updated March 2026, accessed 2026-10-16.
Detached height described in the handbook
16 ft, or 18 ft or 20 ft in some cases. The HCD ADU Handbook (updated March 2026) describes this under section 66321(b)(4).
Source: HCD ADU Handbook, 66321(b)(4); handbook updated March 2026, accessed 2026-10-16.
Permit decision deadline
60 days. Recorded in this rules file from Government Code section 66317(a)(3): the permitting agency must decide on (approve or deny) a completed ADU application within 60 days when an existing single-family or multifamily dwelling is on the lot. Section 66317(a)(1) says the application is considered ministerially, without discretionary review or a hearing.
Source: California Government Code section 66317, 66317(a)(1), (a)(3), accessed 2026-10-17.
Owner-occupancy requirement
None. Recorded in this rules file from Government Code section 66315: a local agency may not impose an owner-occupancy requirement on an ADU. It may require that the property be used for rentals of terms 30 days or longer. The HCD ADU Handbook (updated March 2026) describes the same rule.
Source: California Government Code section 66315, 66315; HCD ADU Handbook updated March 2026, accessed 2026-10-17.
Parking near public transit
No parking standards within one-half mile walking distance of public transit. Recorded in this rules file from Government Code section 66322(a)(1). Section 66322(a) lists several other cases where parking standards may not be imposed.
Source: California Government Code section 66322, 66322(a), accessed 2026-10-17.
Ministerial categories
The HCD ADU Handbook (updated March 2026) states that Government Code section 66323 sets four ministerial categories. This rules file does not restate those four categories.
Source: HCD ADU Handbook, 66323; handbook updated March 2026, accessed 2026-10-16.
Fire Hazard Severity Zones
If your lot is in a Fire Hazard Severity Zone, the CAL FIRE Office of the State Fire Marshal says in Information Bulletin 25-004 (issued March 3, 2025): “Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZs) should not restrict the development of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). However, additional building standards may be necessary, including but not limited to California Fire Code Chapter 49 and California Building Code Chapter 7A.” State ADU law does not itself bar an ADU there. A city or county may still apply its building code, including wildfire-resistant construction (Gov. Code 66314(d)(8)); require side and rear setbacks “sufficient for fire and safety” for a unit converted under 66323(a)(1); and decline parking in setbacks on specific fire and life safety findings (66314(d)(10)(B)). It may also consider public safety when it designates where ADUs may be permitted (66314(a)). Sprinklers can't be required in an ADU or JADU if the primary residence doesn't need them (66314(d)(12), 66323(d)). Some cities and counties still apply their own fire-zone limits. Where this summary has one, it is listed with the local rules. This summary does not look up your lot. Check the CAL FIRE Fire Hazard Severity Zone map viewer linked from the State Fire Marshal's Fire Hazard Severity Zones page: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/5065c998b4b0462f9ec3c6c226c610a9
Source: CAL FIRE Office of the State Fire Marshal Information Bulletin 25-004, page 4, issued March 3, 2025; Gov. Code 66314, 66323, accessed 2026-10-20.
State baseline on the directory → · State ADU rules on the homepage →
Can I build an ADU in Palm Desert?
State law sets a baseline for ADUs in Palm Desert, and the local standards on file are listed on this page. Whether a specific lot can add an ADU depends on zoning, utilities, and other site facts this page does not measure. Confirm with the City of Palm Desert Development Services Department, or run a free address summary.
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