ADUByCity
Verified March 14, 2026

ADU Regulations in Riverside, California

Riverside County · CA · Pop. 315,000

Max ADU Size

1,200

sq ft detached

Rear Setback

4 ft

Permit Timeline

60 days

Build Cost

$110,000 – $240,000

Zoning

Allowed ADU Types

✓Detached ADU
✓Attached ADU
✓JADU (Junior ADU)
✓Garage Conversion
Max per lot: 2 ADUs✓ No owner-occupancy required

Riverside follows California state ADU law; ministerial approval required

Source: City of Riverside — ADU Information · Riverside Municipal Code Chapter 19.630

Dimensions

Size & Setback Requirements

Detached

1,200

sq ft max

JADU

500

sq ft max

Attached

50% of primary home, max 1,200 sq ft

Setbacks

front

Same as primary dwelling

side

4 ft

rear

4 ft

Max height: 16 ft

Lot coverage: Per zone regulations; ADU coverage exempted up to 800 sq ft

Riverside's larger lots in older neighborhoods are well-suited for detached ADUs

Permitting

Permit Process

Department

Riverside Community & Economic Development Department

Review Timeline

60 days

Permit Fees

$5,000 – $11,000

Impact Fees

Impact fees waived under 750 sq ft

Required Documents

  • ›Site plan
  • ›Architectural plans
  • ›Elevations
  • ›Title 24 energy compliance
  • ›Structural drawings (new construction)

Online permit portal available for initial submittal

Visit Riverside Community & Economic Development Department →

Infrastructure

Utilities & Requirements

Solar

Required

Parking

Not required

Separate Meter

Optional

Fire Sprinklers

See note

Sewer: Connect to existing sewer; RCWD or City of Riverside depending on area
Fire Sprinklers: Not required unless primary structure requires them
Parking: No additional parking required

Financials

ADU Costs in Riverside

Typical Build Cost

$110,000 – $240,000

Cost per Sq Ft

$160 – $230

Monthly Rental

$1,200 – $2,100/mo

Property Value Added

Adds $100,000 – $200,000 to property value

Available Grants & Programs

  • ★CalHFA ADU Grant Program available

Inland Empire costs are lower than coastal markets; labor is readily available

Use the free ADU Cost Calculator →

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Disclaimer: Information is compiled from publicly available municipal codes for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, zoning, or construction advice. Regulations change frequently. Always verify with your local planning department. Last verified: March 14, 2026. Verify with Riverside Community & Economic Development Department

Explore More

Nearby Cities in Riverside County

Moreno Valley

Max 1,200 sq ft · $110,000 – $230,000

Corona

Max 1,200 sq ft · $145,000 – $300,000

Murrieta

Max 1,200 sq ft · $145,000 – $295,000

Temecula

Max 1,200 sq ft · $150,000 – $305,000

Jurupa Valley

Max 1,200 sq ft · $130,000 – $270,000

Menifee

Max 1,200 sq ft · $135,000 – $275,000

Riverside Quick Facts

  • Max size1,200 sq ft
  • Rear setback4 ft
  • Permit timeline60 days
  • Build cost$110,000 – $240,000
  • Rental income$1,200 – $2,100/mo
  • Owner occupancyNot required

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Official Source

City of Riverside — ADU Information

Riverside Municipal Code Chapter 19.630

Last verified: March 14, 2026

Free Tools

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Stay Updated

ADU rules change often.

Get notified when Riverside's regulations update, plus guides on permitting and financing.