Palm Springs Zoning and ADU Guide for Homeowners and Sellers

Last updated November 13, 2026. Reviewed by the Cash Home Buyers CA team. Information comes from the City of Palm Springs; sources are listed at the end.

Palm Springs allows accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior ADUs (JADUs) on residential lots with a single-family home, and the Planning Department answers questions at 760-323-8245. The city says owners must show compliance with Section 93.23.14 of the Zoning Code.

Palm Springs ADU rules at a glance

Who is eligible for an ADU in Palm Springs?

The city lists three conditions. The property must be in a residential zoning district or in a Planned Development District that specifically permits ADUs. It must be on the same lot as a single-family home or multi-family apartments. And the owner must show compliance with Section 93.23.14 of the Zoning Code.

Zoning standards and design review

The city says the proposed unit still has to meet zoning development standards such as building setbacks, maximum lot coverage and minimum building separation, and that an ADU or JADU may be attached or detached depending on lot size.

If the property has terrain with a 10% slope or more, or sits on a major thoroughfare such as Sunrise Way, the city says you may also need to go through architectural review before drawing construction documents and getting a building permit.

How an ADU affects selling a house in Palm Springs

The city describes ADUs as a way to add affordable housing and extra income for owners. For a seller, the question is whether any extra unit was permitted.

An unpermitted guest house or converted garage can come up in a buyer’s inspection, an appraisal or a lender’s review, and sellers in California generally have to disclose known problems.

A cash buyer can purchase the property with the unit as it stands and price the risk into the offer.

How to sell a house in Palm Springs with an unpermitted unit

1. Confirm what exists. Note any guest house, garage conversion or added kitchen or bathroom.
2. Ask the city. Call the Planning Department at 760-323-8245 about zoning, and the Building Division at 760-323-8299 about permits.
3. Weigh the options. Legalize it, sell with a credit, or sell as-is.
4. Disclose honestly. A cash offer removes repairs and inspections from the timeline but not disclosure duties.

We buy Palm Springs houses as they are. Read how selling a house as-is in Palm Springs works, or see our Palm Springs cash-offer process.

Have a guest house or ADU and a decision to make? Call (424) 435-2326 or request a cash offer. There is no cost and no obligation.

Palm Springs conditions for an ADU, in order

The city lists three eligibility conditions. The property must be in a residential zoning district or a Planned Development District that specifically permits ADUs. It must be on the same lot as a single-family home or multi-family apartments. And the owner must show compliance with Section 93.23.14 of the Zoning Code.

If a guest house or converted garage on your lot was never permitted, check these three in order, because the first one, zoning, can rule a unit out before size and setbacks are considered.

Terrain and thoroughfares add a review step

The city says that if the property has terrain with a 10 percent slope or more, or sits on a major thoroughfare such as Sunrise Way, you may also need architectural review before drawing construction documents and getting a building permit.

A hillside or arterial lot is common in Palm Springs, so a buyer who plans to add a unit should expect that step. It also affects the time a legalization would take.

Attached or detached, and what the city checks

The city says an ADU or JADU may be attached or detached depending on lot size, and that the unit still has to meet zoning development standards such as building setbacks, maximum lot coverage and minimum building separation. For a seller, that means an older casita may meet today’s rules or may not, depending on how far it sits from the property line and from the main house.

Palm Springs ADU FAQ

Which Palm Springs lots can have an ADU?

Lots in a residential zoning district, or a Planned Development District that specifically permits ADUs, on the same lot as a single-family home or multi-family apartments.

Does a hillside lot need extra review in Palm Springs?

The city says terrain with a 10 percent slope or more, or a lot on a major thoroughfare such as Sunrise Way, may require architectural review first.

Where is an ADU allowed in Palm Springs?

In residential zoning districts such as R-1-A, R-1-B and R-1-C, or in a Planned Development District that specifically permits ADUs, on a lot with a single-family home or multi-family apartments.

Which code section governs ADUs?

The city points to Section 93.23.14 of the Zoning Code.

When might architectural review be needed?

The city says it may be needed on terrain with a 10% slope or more, or on a major thoroughfare such as Sunrise Way.

Can I sell a Palm Springs house with an unpermitted unit?

Yes. It does not legally stop a sale, but it can slow a traditional one. A cash buyer can purchase the property as-is.

Who to call about a Palm Springs ADU

The city’s ADU page explains Palm Springs’ allowances for accessory dwelling units, and notes that a new unit must meet the zoning development standards, including setbacks. It does not list size, fee or review-time numbers, so confirm those with the Planning Department at 760-323-8245 or at the City Hall counter, open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Questions to ask before you build, buy or sell

1. Does my zone allow an ADU or junior ADU, and what setbacks apply?
2. Is there an existing permit and final inspection for the guest house or converted space on this lot?
3. Can an unpermitted unit be legalized, and what would the city require?
4. Do any city notices, deed restrictions or utility approvals apply?

Disclosure when a Palm Springs property has an ADU

Sellers must tell buyers about known unpermitted work. Under Civil Code 1102.1, the transfer disclosure statement cannot be waived in an as-is sale, and a late disclosure lets the buyer cancel within three days of in-person delivery or five days of mailing. Our California as-is guide and natural hazard disclosure guide explain the rules, including earthquake fault and wildland zones.

Sources

• City of Palm Springs: Accessory Dwelling Units

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules and hours change; confirm requirements with the City of Palm Springs.