Redlands 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 Redlands; sources are listed at the end.

Redlands says it uses current State law for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and approval for an ADU in a residential or mixed-use zone is ministerial, meaning a building permit only. For application details, the city sends people to the One Stop Permit Center at 909-798-7536.

Redlands ADU rules at a glance

How many ADUs can a Redlands lot have?

On a single-family lot, the city lists one detached, attached or converted-space ADU plus one Junior ADU within the home. It also notes that from January 1, 2027, AB 956 (2026) lets owners on lots zoned for single-family homes build up to two new detached ADUs.

On a multifamily lot, the city lists up to eight detached ADUs on an existing multifamily property, not to exceed the number of existing units, and up to two on a lot with a proposed multifamily building.

Setbacks, height and parking

The city lists 4-foot side and rear setbacks for ADUs. For detached ADUs it lists a minimum height allowance of 16 feet, or 18 feet near a major transit stop, and a 25-foot maximum for attached ADUs or the zoning limit, whichever is lower.

Parking is one space per unit or bedroom, whichever is less, and tandem driveway parking is allowed.

No parking is required if the ADU is within half a mile walking distance of public transit, inside a historic district, part of the existing home or an accessory structure, where on-street permits are not offered to the occupant, or within one block of a car-share vehicle. The city also says replacement parking is not required when a garage is converted.

The unpermitted ADU amnesty provision

The city’s page quotes Government Code section 66332. In short, a local agency generally cannot deny a permit for an unpermitted ADU or Junior ADU built before January 1, 2020 just because it violates building standards or ADU rules, unless correcting the problem is necessary to meet health and safety standards.

The quoted text also says an owner applying for such a permit is not required to pay impact fees or connection charges except in limited cases, and that an inspector may recommend health and safety corrections.

It does not apply to a building deemed substandard under Health and Safety Code section 17920.3. The city notes an owner may get a confidential third-party code inspection from a licensed contractor before applying.

How an ADU affects selling a house in Redlands

A permitted ADU can be part of a sale, but an unpermitted unit raises questions about legality, insurance and financing. The city says an ADU can only require owner-occupancy in narrow cases, and that a Junior ADU with shared sanitation facilities does require it. Buyers and lenders look at that history. A cash buyer can purchase the property with the unit as it stands.

How to sell a house in Redlands with an unpermitted unit

1. Confirm what exists. Note any garage conversion, backyard unit or added bathroom or kitchen.
2. Check the permit record. Call 909-798-7536 with the address.
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 Redlands houses as they are. Read how selling a house as-is in Redlands works, or see our Redlands cash-offer process. For permit questions, see our Redlands building permits guide.

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

Redlands ADU FAQ

Does Redlands require a special approval for an ADU?

The city says approval of ADUs in residential or mixed-use zones is ministerial, which means a building permit only.

How big can a detached ADU be in Redlands?

Up to 1,200 square feet of interior living space, according to the city.

Can an HOA prohibit an ADU in Redlands?

The city says state law voids covenants that effectively prohibit or unreasonably restrict an ADU or Junior ADU on a single-family lot.

Can I sell a Redlands 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.

Sources

• City of Redlands: Accessory Dwelling Units
• City of Redlands: Building & Safety Division

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm requirements with the City of Redlands.