No. As of October 2026, California law (Government Code §66314(d)(11)) does not allow a city to require replacement parking when a garage, carport or covered parking is converted to an ADU or demolished to build one. The City of Long Beach confirms that garage conversions need no replacement parking.
What does the state law actually say?
When a garage, carport or covered parking structure is demolished in conjunction with building an ADU, or converted to an ADU, the city may not require those off-street spaces to be replaced. HCD's ADU Handbook notes that 2024 changes extended this to uncovered spaces demolished for an ADU. Rules as of October 2026.
What happens to my driveway curb cut after a garage conversion?
As of October 2026, Long Beach has one rule to plan for: if the conversion leaves the driveway unable to fit a code-compliant or compact parking stall, the unused curb cut must be removed and the curb restored. That is a cost to plan for, and it gives the street a parking space back.
Does a new ADU need its own parking space in Long Beach?
Often not. As of October 2026, state law caps ADU parking at one space per unit or per bedroom, whichever is less. No parking is required when the ADU is:
- Within a half-mile walk of public transit.
- In a historic district.
- Part of the existing home or an existing accessory structure, such as a garage conversion.
- On a street where on-street parking permits are required but not offered to the ADU occupant.
- Within one block of a car share vehicle.
- A junior ADU.
Long Beach notes that most locations in the city are exempt. Where a space is required, it can be in an open driveway or tandem.
Is parking treated differently in the coastal zone?
Somewhat. As of October 2026, Long Beach "highly encourages" at least one parking space per ADU in the coastal zone where feasible. That is encouragement, not a replacement requirement.
When does it depend?
It depends on whether you are converting or adding. A pure garage conversion needs no replacement parking. A new detached ADU elsewhere on the lot may need one space unless an exemption applies, and most Long Beach addresses qualify. Parking required for the main house stays required unless an exemption covers it. We confirm which case your lot is in.
Related
Sources, as of October 2026: California Government Code §§66314 and 66322; HCD ADU Handbook (updated March 2026); City of Long Beach ADU zoning summary and bulletin (IB-PZ-001).
Updated October 2026