West Covina

One ADU and one JADU are permitted on each residential lot.

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary residential unit that provides complete independent living facilities, including living, sleeping, cooking and sanitation and is located on the same lot as a primary dwelling.

A Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU) must be located within the primary residence.

West Covina aligns its ADU regulations with California state law and applies local standards related to development, design and permitting.

• Detached ADU: A standalone residential unit located on the same lot as the primary home.
• Attached ADU: A unit that is physically connected to the primary dwelling
• Conversion ADU: A unit created by converting existing legally constructed structures
• Junior ADU (JADU): A unit up to 500 sq. ft. located within the existing home with an efficiency kitchen.

• Maximum Size:
  
  • Detached: Maximum 1,200 sq. ft.
  • Attached: Maximum 1,000 sq. ft. or 50% of the primary dwelling, up to 1,200 sq. ft.
• Setbacks:
  
  • Minimum 4 ft from side and rear property lines for new ADUs
  • Front setback: 25 ft
  • Existing setbacks may be maintained for conversion ADUs
    
    
• Height Limits:
  
  • Attached: Maximum 16 ft
    
    
• Parking Requirements:
  
  • Attached ADU: 1 parking space required (10’ x 20’)
  • Parking not required if:
    
    • Within ½ mile of public transit 
    • ADU is a studio
  • JADU: No parking required

To build an ADU in West Covina, the following approvals and submittals are typically required:

• Second Unit Review (SUR) application submission
• Planning review and approval prior to building permit issuance
• Plan check through Building and/or Engineering after planning approval
• Additional design review (SUB application) if visible from the public right-of-way

Homeowners should also review West Covina current fee schedule, utility connection requirements and fire code compliance.

The City of West Covina reviews ADU applications within 30 days from initial official submittal and issues either a correction letter or approval letter. 

An approval letter allows the applicant to proceed to building plan check but is not a construction permit.

Engaging professionals familiar with West Covina ADU process can help streamline approval and potentially reduce delays.

ADUs are allowed on lots with an existing or proposed primary dwelling in residential zones.

For the most current and complete information, refer directly to the City of West Covina.

The official ADU webpage provides an overview of development standards, application procedures and general requirements, while the Second Unit Review (SUR) Application outlines the formal submission process and required documentation.