Riverside ADU Regulations & Building Guide

Riverside is located in Southern California and is renowned for its cultural heritage and beautiful landscapes. It provides residents with both urban amenities and suburban comfort.

California State ADU Laws

California has some of the most progressive ADU legislation in the country. Recent laws including AB 68, SB 13, and AB 881 have significantly streamlined the ADU approval process and reduced barriers for homeowners.

Key California ADU Regulations:

• Size Limits: Detached ADUs can be up to 1,200 sq ft. Attached ADUs can be up to 50% of the primary dwelling or 1,200 sq ft, whichever is less.
• Setbacks: Minimum 4-foot side and rear setbacks for detached ADUs.
• Height: Generally up to 16 feet, with some exceptions for two-story ADUs (up to 25 feet in certain zones).
• Parking: No additional parking required in most cases, especially near transit.
• Owner Occupancy: No owner-occupancy requirement until 2025 for most ADUs.

Riverside Local Requirements

While California state law provides baseline regulations, Riverside may have additional local requirements. GatherADU's team stays current with Riverside's specific zoning codes, architectural guidelines, and permit processes to ensure your ADU project meets all requirements.

Common local considerations in Riverside include:

• Design review requirements and architectural standards
• Utility connection fees and impact fees
• Fire department access requirements
• Neighborhood-specific overlay zones

California law (AB 68, AB 881, SB 9, and subsequent legislation) guarantees your right to build ADUs. Cities cannot:

• Require owner-occupancy for ADUs permitted after 2020
• Require additional parking for ADUs near transit
• Charge impact fees for ADUs under 750 sq ft
• Deny ADUs that meet state minimum standards
• Impose lot coverage limits that prevent a 800 sq ft ADU

If you believe your ADU application is being unfairly denied, California HCD can intervene on your behalf.

California ADU Legislation Overview

California leads the nation in ADU-friendly legislation. The state has passed numerous laws to encourage ADU construction as a solution to the housing crisis.

Key California ADU Laws:

• AB 68 (2020): Reduced local government review time and expanded ADU construction options.
• SB 13 (2020): Limited impact fees and reduced owner-occupancy requirements.
• AB 881 (2020): Prohibited minimum lot size requirements and allowed JADUs in all zones.
• AB 2221 (2022): Further streamlined the ADU approval process.
• SB 897 (2022): Increased height limits for ADUs in certain zones.

California ADU Benefits:

• Property value increase of 20-30% on average
• Rental income potential of $1,500-$3,500+ monthly
• Housing flexibility for family members
• No owner-occupancy requirements (until 2025)

Riverside is the largest city in California's Inland Empire region and the county seat of Riverside County. Known for its citrus heritage, historic Mission Revival architecture, and educational institutions, Riverside offers a blend of suburban living with growing urban amenities.

Population: Riverside has a population of approximately 324,722 residents. It's part of the larger Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario metropolitan area, which is home to about 4.6 million people.

Local Economy: Riverside's economy is diverse, with several key sectors:

1. Education: Home to the University of California, Riverside, and several other colleges.
2. Healthcare: Major hospitals and medical centers are significant employers.
3. Government: As the county seat, government jobs play a crucial role.
4. Logistics and Distribution: Due to its location and available land.
5. Manufacturing: Including food processing and construction materials.
6. Agriculture: Though diminished, the citrus industry still has a presence.

Popular Neighborhoods:

1. Downtown: Historic area undergoing revitalization with new residential and commercial developments.
2. Wood Streets: Known for its early 20th-century craftsman homes.
3. Victoria: An upscale area with larger homes and lots.
4. Canyon Crest: A family-friendly area near UC Riverside.
5. La Sierra: A diverse area with a mix of housing types.
6. Orange crest: A newer, master-planned community in the southern part of the city.

ADU Regulations in Riverside:

Riverside has implemented ADU regulations in line with California state law:

1. Zoning: ADUs are permitted in all residential zones and mixed-use zones that allow residential uses.
2. Types of ADUs: Both attached and detached ADUs are allowed, as well as Junior ADUs (JADUs).
3. Size Limits:
   • Detached ADUs: Up to 1,200 square feet.
   • Attached ADUs: Up to 50% of the primary dwelling's living area or 1,200 square feet, whichever is less.
   • JADUs: Up to 500 square feet.
4. Height Restrictions: Detached ADUs are generally limited to 16 feet in height, with some exceptions allowing up to 24 feet.
5. Parking: Generally, no additional parking is required for ADUs, especially if they're located within half a mile of public transit.
6. Owner Occupancy: As of 2020, there is no owner-occupancy requirement for ADUs built between January 1, 2020, and January 1, 2025. Owner occupancy is required for properties with JADUs.
7. Approval Process: ADUs that meet certain criteria are eligible for ministerial approval, streamlining the process.
8. Multiple ADUs: In multi-family properties, up to two detached ADUs are allowed, or ADUs for 25% of the existing units within the structure, whichever is greater.
9. Impact Fees: Reduced impact fees for ADUs smaller than 750 square feet.
10. Design Standards: ADUs must be designed to be compatible with the primary residence and neighborhood character.

These regulations aim to increase housing options in Riverside and address the city's growing housing needs.

Unique Aspects of Riverside:

Riverside is known as the birthplace of California's citrus industry. The Parent Navel Orange Tree, from which all Washington navel oranges descended, still stands in the city.

The city is home to several historic landmarks, including the Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, a National Historic Landmark known for its distinctive Mission Revival style architecture.

Riverside has a strong focus on education, with the University of California, Riverside playing a significant role in the city's culture and economy. The city is also home to several other colleges and universities.

The city's commitment to arts and culture is evident in its numerous museums, including the Riverside Art Museum and the Mission Inn Museum.

Riverside has been making efforts to revitalize its downtown area, with new residential developments, restaurants, and entertainment venues.

The city's location at the foot of Box Springs Mountain provides opportunities for outdoor recreation, with numerous parks and trails in and around the city.

In conclusion, Riverside offers a unique blend of historic charm, educational opportunities, and growing urban amenities. Its ADU regulations reflect the city's efforts to address housing needs in a region experiencing significant growth. As Riverside continues to develop and attract new residents, particularly those seeking more affordable alternatives to coastal cities, ADUs may play an increasingly important role in its housing landscape, providing more diverse and potentially more affordable housing options.

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