How large can a detached ADU be in Desert Hot Springs?

State law guarantees the right to build an 800-square-foot ADU with 4-foot setbacks regardless of lot size. Larger detached ADUs up to 1,200 square feet may be permitted depending on zoning, lot coverage, slopes and utility placement.

Is owner-occupancy required for ADUs in Desert Hot Springs?

No. Under Assembly Bill 976, Desert Hot Springs cannot require owner-occupancy for standard ADUs, meaning owners can rent both the primary home and ADU as long-term housing where allowed.

Does Desert Hot Springs require new parking for ADUs?

Parking is often waived when an ADU is near transit, part of a garage conversion or meets state ADU exemptions. When required, parking ratios follow California's ADU parking standards.

Are hillside or sloped lots eligible for ADUs?

Yes, but hillside grading, slope stability and utility access may impact placement on sloped parcels in Desert Hot Springs. Some sites require geotechnical review to approve ADU pads or trenching routes.

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Desert Hot Springs Homes with ADU, Casita & Guest House

Welcome to the ADU resource for Desert Hot Springs, CA, a city known for its resort-spa zoning history, natural hot mineral water aquifers, and hillside desert terrain north of Palm Springs. These characteristics shape ADU feasibility, setbacks, height limits, and long-term rental potential across the city.

The city follows California’s statewide ADU laws while applying local development standards from the City of Desert Hot Springs Municipal Code (Zoning Code Title 17). ADUs are permitted on single-family and multifamily lots, subject to lot coverage, hillside grading, and hot-spa overlay restrictions where applicable.

Fun Fact: Desert Hot Springs sits directly atop one of the most geothermally active aquifers in California, which is why many lots contain historic spa-related easements and utility routes — important considerations for ADU placement and trenching.

Explore Desert Hot Springs Real Estate | See All DHS Open Houses | Riverside County Real Estate

⭐ Riverside County ADU Specialist — Antoinette Nichols: Antoinette guides owners through hillside grading limits, lot coverage rules, and setback exceptions that impact ADU placement in Desert Hot Springs. She also evaluates spa-district parcels, potential utility conflicts, and rental income projections specific to the city’s long-term tenant demand.

Why ADUs Work Well in Desert Hot Springs

Large desert parcels provide excellent ADU space. Many DHS lots exceed 7,000–10,000 sq ft, giving ample room for detached ADUs while meeting state minimum 4-foot setbacks.
Strong rental demand from spa visitors and local workforce. Long-term rental demand is supported by nearby Palm Springs, regional hospitality employment, and affordable Inland Empire housing trends.
State law provides predictable baseline ADU allowances. Owners are entitled to an 800 sq ft, 16-foot tall ADU with 4-foot side/rear setbacks regardless of local zoning restrictions.
AB 976 removes owner-occupancy requirements. Investors and homeowners may rent both primary and accessory units as long-term rentals.
Garage conversions are common in flat desert tracts. Single-story homes with detached garages often convert cleanly into permitted ADUs.

Desert Hot Springs ADU, Casita & Guest House Listings

Live MLS feed — refreshed continuously for casita-friendly or multi-gen properties:

New ADU-ready listings appear throughout the week as the DHS market updates.

Where Is Desert Hot Springs?

Located just north of Palm Springs and bounded by the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains, Desert Hot Springs is known for its mineral-water spa resorts and wide desert neighborhoods — features that influence ADU grading, utilities and construction cost planning.

Desert Hot Springs ADU & Financing FAQ

Q: Does Desert Hot Springs allow attached, detached and conversion ADUs?

A: Yes. ADUs are permitted in all single-family residential zones in accordance with California’s ADU law and Desert Hot Springs’ Zoning Code Title 17 development standards.

Q: How large can a detached ADU be?

A: State law requires cities to permit at least 800 sq ft ADUs regardless of lot size. Larger ADUs (up to 1,200 sq ft) may be possible depending on zoning, lot coverage, hillside rules and utility locations.

Q: Is owner-occupancy required in Desert Hot Springs?

A: No. Under AB 976, the city cannot require owner-occupancy for standard ADUs, allowing both units to be rented long-term where permitted.

Q: Does DHS require additional parking?

A: Parking is often waived for ADUs if located near transit, part of a conversion, or if meeting any of California’s broad parking exemptions.

Q: Are hillside parcels eligible for ADUs?

A: Yes, but hillside grading and slope stability rules may affect placement. Many sloped DHS parcels require geotechnical review before approving ADU pads or utility trenches.

ADU Planning & Strategy with Solve Lending & Realty

Our team reviews lot layout, utilities, grading, rental data and financing strategy so you know whether an ADU is feasible before committing to plans or a purchase.

Antoinette Nichols leads Riverside County ADU planning, backed by lender-integrated support.