Can I Build an ADU in West Covina?

Yes — by right

ADUs and JADUs are allowed by right in all residential and mixed-use zones; ministerial approval, no hearing.

1 ADU + 1 JADU

At least one ADU and one JADU per single-family lot (a conversion ADU may also be possible).

Conversion ADUs (≥1, up to 25% of units) + up to 8 detached (≤1,000 sq ft, ≤16 ft each)

Detached ADUs on a multifamily lot are limited to 8 (or 1 per primary unit, whichever is less) and capped at 1,000 sq ft and 16 ft each.

Allowed

Up to 500 sq ft, within the walls of an existing single-family home (single-family lots only).

1,200 sq ft

1,200 sq ft for a detached ADU on a single-family lot; detached ADUs on a multifamily lot are capped at 1,000 sq ft each (Sec. 26-140(c)(2)).

Greater of 850 sq ft (studio/1-bedroom) or 1,000 sq ft (2+ bedrooms), or 50% of the existing primary dwelling — not to exceed 1,200 sq ft

800 sq ft

An 800 sq ft ADU must be allowed regardless of FAR/lot-coverage caps; a city also cannot cap an attached ADU below 850 sq ft (1,000 for 2+ bedrooms).

500 sq ft

16 ft

16 ft baseline; cities must allow 18 ft within ½ mi of a major transit stop or where the primary dwelling is two-story, and 20 ft on a lot with a multistory multifamily building.

4 ft

A city cannot require more than 4 ft side or rear setback; conversions of existing structures are exempt.

4 ft

No front setback may block the mandatory 800 sq ft / 16-ft / 4-ft-setback ADU; otherwise per base zone

10 ft

10 ft minimum between a detached ADU and the primary dwelling (and all other structures, including garages) — far above the state's zero. State law sets no separation requirement.

Up to 1 space

At most 1 space per ADU (or per bedroom, whichever is less) — and waived in the common cases below.

Yes — no parking required near transit & for conversions

No parking may be required within ½ mi walking distance of transit, in a historic district, for an ADU within an existing structure, within one block of car-share, or in certain permit-parking areas.

Not required

When a garage/carport is demolished or converted to build an ADU, replacement parking cannot be required.

Ministerial (by right)

No public hearing or discretionary design review for a qualifying ADU.

60 days

The agency must act within 60 days of a complete application — and the ADU is deemed approved if it does not.

Only for a JADU

No owner-occupancy requirement for ADUs (the prior sunset was removed). A JADU may require owner-occupancy, principally where it shares sanitation with the main house.

Waived under 750 sq ft

An ADU of 750 sq ft or less pays no impact fees (the 750 sq ft threshold itself is exempt under § 66311.5); larger ADUs pay fees proportional to the primary dwelling. JADUs (≤ 500 sq ft) are exempt.

Building permit, Second-unit review (ministerial zoning clearance)

West Covina layers a 'second unit review' zoning clearance onto the building permit. It is ministerial (no public hearing or discretionary design review), but is a distinct local step.