City of West Covina ADU Regulations

Everything you need to know about building Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in West Covina, CA.

Overview

The recent ordinance passed in West Covina is a significant step forward in increasing housing density and affordability in the state. Accessory dwelling units are a great way to add more affordable housing without significantly impacting traffic or the environment.

Building an ADU is a great way to add extra living space to your home, but the process can be complex and confusing. At Vision ADU, we specialize in helping homeowners in West Covina build beautiful and functional ADUs. We’ll work with you to figure out the best design for your needs and budget, pull all the required permits, and manage the construction process from start to finish.

Type of ADUs

The following type of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are allowed in West Covina, California.

 Attached ADU

An Attacched ADU connects to an existing house, typically through the construction of an addition along the home’s side or rear.

Detached ADU

An Attacched ADU connects to an existing house, typically through the construction of an addition along the home’s side or rear.

Garage Conversion

An Attacched ADU connects to an existing house, typically through the construction of an addition along the home’s side or rear.

Junior ADU

An Attacched ADU connects to an existing house, typically through the construction of an addition along the home’s side or rear.

West Covina Property Requirements

Several rules and regulations must be followed when building an ADU in West Covina. These include:

Number of ADUs Allowed

Single-family lots can build 1 attached ADU or 1 detached ADU with 1 JADU. Multi-family lots are allowed a maxium of 2 detached ADUs.

ADU Size

850 square feet of floor area for a studio/1 bedroom. 1,000 square feet for 2 bedrooms (no more than two bedrooms are allowed)

Height Limit

The maximum height is 16 feet, measured to the top of the roof ridge, and the unit shall not exceed one story.

Number of Bedrooms Allowed

Allows  2 bedrooms.

Setbacks

4 feet from the property line is the minimum side and rear setbacks required for an attached or detached ADU. There are no minimum setbacks requirements for garage conversions or JADUs unless it is needed to ensure fire safety.

Owner Occupancy

JADUs are subject to an owner-occupancy requirement, the property owner must live on the property. All other ADUs built in West Covina after January 1, 2020, but before January 1, 2025, are not subject to any owner-occupancy requirement.

Rental Guidelines

No short term rentals allowed.

West Covina is a relatively young city, having only been incorporated in 1923. It is a beautiful city located in the heart of Southern California. The city is home to many great attractions, including the West Covina Town Center, which features a variety of shops and restaurants. The city is also home to a number of parks and recreation areas, making it a great place to take a stroll or go for a run. And if you’re looking for a place to cool off on a hot day, the West Covina Splash Pad is the perfect spot.