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Indio Homes with ADU, Casita & Guest House

Welcome to the ADU, casita and guest house guide for Indio, CA — the Coachella Valley’s largest city and Riverside County’s fast-growing “City of Festivals.” Indio’s mix of master-planned neighborhoods, golf communities and infill housing creates real opportunity for multi-gen living, guest suites and long-term rentals.

California’s statewide ADU laws guarantee core rights for detached ADUs, attached ADUs and garage conversions, while Indio’s planning staff review design, access and safety details at the parcel level. The state’s 2025 ADU Handbook outlines minimum standards for size, setbacks and approvals, which Indio must incorporate into its permitting framework.

Fun Fact: Indio hosts globally known events like the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival and Stagecoach Festival, drawing more than a million visitors annually and reinforcing its “City of Festivals” identity.

Explore Indio Real Estate | See All Indio Open Houses | Riverside County Real Estate

⭐ Riverside County ADU Specialist — Antoinette Nichols: Antoinette helps Indio buyers and owners evaluate ADU-ready lots, HOA design standards, golf-course neighborhood rules, setbacks, access and privacy. She focuses on how ADUs and casitas fit into Indio’s resort-driven housing demand, multi-gen living needs and long-term rental potential.

Why ADUs & Casitas Make Sense in Indio’s “City of Festivals”

Largest city in the Coachella Valley with steady growth. Indio continues to grow in population and housing, creating demand for flexible living options, in-law suites and second units.
Resort, golf and festival-oriented economy. Proximity to major venues and golf resorts makes well-designed casitas and guest houses attractive for extended family, caretakers or long-term tenants.
State law guarantees core ADU rights. Under California Government Code §§ 65852.2–65852.22 and the 2025 ADU Handbook, owners are entitled to at least one ADU per residential lot (subject to health and safety rules), with streamlined, ministerial approvals.
800 sq ft “safe harbor” design. State law requires cities to allow an ADU up to 800 sq ft, 16 ft height and 4-ft side and rear setbacks, regardless of local lot-coverage limits, when other life-safety standards are met.
Owner-occupancy restrictions removed for standard ADUs. AB 976 prohibits cities from imposing owner-occupancy requirements on most ADUs, allowing both the primary home and ADU to be rented as long-term housing where other regulations permit.

Indio ADU, Casita & Guest House Listings

Live MLS feed — focused on homes that advertise guest house, casita or second-unit style amenities:

New ADU-capable and casita-ready listings in Indio appear as the Coachella Valley market updates.

Where Is Indio, CA?

Indio sits in the Coachella Valley region of Riverside County, about 23 miles east of Palm Springs and roughly 125 miles east of Los Angeles, anchoring the eastern valley as its largest city.

Indio ADU & Financing FAQs

Q: Are ADUs allowed in Indio?

A: Yes. Indio must comply with California’s ADU statutes, which require cities to approve ADUs through a ministerial (non-discretionary) process when projects meet state and local development standards. Parcel-specific details are reviewed by the City’s Planning and Building divisions.

Q: How large can a detached ADU be in Indio?

A: Under state law, Indio must allow at least an 800 sq ft ADU up to 16 ft in height with 4-ft side and rear setbacks. Many properties may support larger ADUs (often up to 1,000–1,200 sq ft) depending on zoning, lot size and applicable development standards.

Q: Can garages or existing structures be converted to ADUs in Indio?

A: Yes. California ADU law requires cities to allow conversion of existing space — including garages, basements and accessory structures — when projects meet building, safety and parking rules. Indio applies these statewide provisions in its review of conversion ADUs.

Q: Is owner-occupancy required for ADUs in Indio?

A: No. Under AB 976 and related changes reflected in the 2025 ADU Handbook, cities like Indio cannot impose owner-occupancy requirements on most ADUs, though separate rules can apply to Junior ADUs (JADUs).

Q: Will I need new parking spaces for an ADU in Indio?

A: Many ADUs are exempt from additional parking under state law — for example, when they convert existing space, are within a certain distance of transit, or are part of an existing primary residence. Where parking is required, at least one space per ADU is typical. Owners should confirm project-specific requirements with Indio Planning or Building staff.

ADU Planning & Strategy with Solve Lending & Realty

Our team helps Indio homeowners and buyers evaluate lot configuration, setbacks, HOA rules, utility capacity, rental projections and ADU build scenarios so you can decide where a second unit makes sense before committing capital.

Antoinette Nichols leads Riverside County ADU planning, with integrated lending guidance and broker support from Solve Lending & Realty.