Garage Conversion Guidance Template
About this resource: This format and content can be used to provide information for homeowners about converting an existing garage to an ADU.
Guidelines for Garage Conversion ADU Projects in [JURISDICTION NAME]
For support with or questions about your ADU project, please contact:
[Add desired contact information - permit center hours, planner contact information, online contact form, etc.]
Converting your existing garage: [Add notes here about regulations regarding converting an existing attached or detached garage. This may include accounting for required parking spaces for the primary unit if required.]
Adding an ADU attached to your existing garage: [Add notes here about regulations regarding adding an ADU on top of, or attached to, an existing garage. This doesn’t technically count as a garage conversion, but homeowners may look at this resource for guidance for adding an ADU to their garage.]
Conversion of other accessory structures: Besides garages, a property may have accessory structures such as a recreation room, storage building, or barn. [Add notes here about how converting these structures may or may not differ from garage conversions.]
Local Rules Regarding Garage Conversions
[Add a general statement about garage conversion ADUs in your community. Do you allow them in only specific circumstances? What are important things someone should know before reading the specifics?]
| Existing Attached Garage | Existing Detached Garage | |
|---|---|---|
| Footprint and size restrictions | ||
| Setbacks | ||
| Parking | ||
| Fire Safety | ||
| Access/Entrances | ||
| Utilities |
Typical Conversion Requirements
Converting a garage into a livable unit can involve significant upgrades to the existing structure. It is highly recommended you begin with an inspection by a structural engineer to help determine if your garage can be successfully converted, especially because the scope of these changes will largely determine the cost of your project.
Typical examples of upgrades include (but are not limited to):
- Building Code compliance
- Changing the existing roof structure
- Adding windows and doors - you may be required to remove existing garage doors, or you may be able to incorporate that into the design of the unit.
- Adding a moisture barrier between the foundation and the flooring
- Upgrading the existing foundation
- Adding insulation and meeting any energy code requirements
- Adding or upgrading plumbing and electrical
- Fire safety requirements, which may be more onerous for an attached garage
- Utility hookups (electricity, water, sewage)
- Placement for equipment like water heater and laundry
- Upgrades of main utility lines and possible installation of separate meters and service connections
- HVAC installation or upgrades
- For attached garages, this is likely still a separate system from the primary home
- Comfort and livability upgrades
- For attached garages, sound and odor barriers may be highly recommended
Converting an Unpermitted Garage/Accessory Structure
[Add details here about the process for converting a garage or structure that wasn’t originally permitted. Include details about what happens if someone starts the process but doesn’t go through with the project – will they be forced to tear down the existing unpermitted structure?]
Permitting an Existing Unpermitted Unit in Your Garage
If your garage or accessory structure already has an unpermitted unit in it, [add guidance here about what to do to permit the unit, tying the guidance to any programs you have incentivizing legalization of existing units. Be clear about the risks of not legalizing the unit and any costs involved.]