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Riverside Homes with ADU, Casita & Guest House

This page is your factual guide to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), casitas and guest houses in Riverside, CA — the county seat of Riverside County and the largest city in the Inland Empire. Riverside’s growing population, university presence and commuter access have made additional housing like ADUs a core part of its long-term planning.

The City of Riverside has adopted a dedicated ADU ordinance (Chapter 19.442) and publishes ADU/JADU guidance and permit-ready ADU plans through its Community & Economic Development Department, giving owners a clear path from concept to permit.

Fun Fact: Riverside is recognized as the birthplace of California’s citrus industry and today serves as a regional hub for students, healthcare workers and logistics jobs — all drivers of long-term rental demand.

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

⭐ Riverside County ADU Specialist — Antoinette Nichols: Antoinette helps Riverside owners and buyers evaluate lot size, slope, zoning, setbacks, height limits and architectural context under the City’s ADU ordinance. She also reviews when permit-ready ADU plans and JADUs make sense versus custom designs, especially near universities and major employment centers.

Why ADUs Work in Riverside’s Inland Empire Housing Market

  • City ordinance explicitly supports ADUs and JADUs. Chapter 19.442 of the Riverside Municipal Code establishes ADUs and JADUs as important housing types and lays out clear standards for size, height, setbacks and parking.
  • Detached ADUs can be up to 1,200 sq ft. Riverside’s standards allow detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft, while attached ADUs may be up to 50% of the primary dwelling’s floor area, not to exceed 1,200 sq ft, subject to zoning and development criteria.
  • Permit-ready ADU plans streamline design. The city offers pre-approved ADU plans for eligible sites, reducing design time and clarifying structural, energy and code compliance up front.
  • Population growth supports long-term ADU rental demand. Riverside’s population and median income have grown steadily over the past decade, reinforcing demand for private, long-term rentals and multi-gen living options.

Official ADU resources are published at City of Riverside – ADUs/JADUs and in the Riverside Municipal Code Chapter 19.442 (Accessory Dwelling Units).

Riverside ADU, Casita & Guest House Listings

Live MLS feed — focused on Riverside homes with guest-house or casita-style layouts:

New Riverside ADU-capable listings appear as the Inland Empire market updates.

Where Is Riverside, CA?

Riverside sits about 50–60 miles east of downtown Los Angeles in the Inland Empire, along the 91, 60 and I-215 corridors. It is the county seat of Riverside County and a regional hub for education (UC Riverside), healthcare and logistics.

Riverside ADU & Financing FAQ

Q: How big can a detached ADU be in Riverside?

A: Under the City of Riverside’s ADU standards, detached ADUs may be built up to 1,200 square feet of habitable area, subject to lot coverage, height and other development standards in the zoning code.

Q: Does Riverside allow both ADUs and JADUs?

A: Yes. The city recognizes both Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs (JADUs) as important housing types and provides standards for each through its planning and development services.

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

A: No. In line with California’s AB 976, the City of Riverside does not impose owner-occupancy requirements on most ADUs used as long-term housing, as long as all other regulations are met.

Q: Are permit-ready ADU plans available in Riverside?

A: Yes. Riverside offers a permit-ready ADU program with pre-approved plan sets for qualifying sites, which can shorten design review and clarify upfront construction expectations.

Q: Can I convert an existing garage to an ADU in Riverside?

A: Yes. In accordance with state ADU law, the city allows qualifying garage conversions to ADUs and generally does not require replacement parking when an existing garage is converted, as long as the project meets building and safety code.

ADU Planning & Strategy with Solve Lending & Realty

Solve Lending & Realty helps Riverside owners and buyers review zoning, ADU/JADU feasibility, permit-ready options, rental projections and cost-to-build paths so you know where a second unit makes sense before you invest.

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

How to Finance an ADU or Second Unit in Riverside

Watch the video, then choose a loan structure that fits your Riverside ADU strategy.

ADU Financing Options

Use your existing equity or structure a new purchase around your ADU build.

Cash-Out to Build ADU Purchase Loans Second Mortgages

Check Your Riverside Home’s ADU Equity Potential

Get a quick value check and see how much equity you may be able to use for ADU construction or for upgrading into a more ADU-friendly property in Riverside.

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Talk to Antoinette Nichols About ADU Properties in Riverside