Converting Garages Into Rental Units Without Permits
Southern California frequently sees garages converted into living quarters or offices, but without permits, these modifications can lead to hefty fines and penalties. Local zoning and building codes often require permits, proper insulation, egress windows, electrical upgrades, and fire separation. If you skip permits, you risk fines and forced restoration to its original state. Many illegal garage conversions have been created in LA and surrounding areas without the necessary permits, and local jurisdictions may offer amnesty programs with varying timelines to complete legalization for illegal garage conversion. Insurance claims – like fire or flood – could be denied because the structure isn’t up to code.
Running Unauthorized Home-Based Businesses
Running a business from your garage – like auto repair, woodworking, or childcare – can violate zoning and safety laws. Local regulations typically restrict home-based businesses or require specific safety standards like ventilation and fire suppression. Home businesses are highly regulated. Businesses that cannot be run from home include auto repair shops, contractor’s yards, adult-oriented businesses and retail businesses. Without compliance, your garage usage could attract penalties or zoning board action. Insurance might not cover an accident if the garage is legally designated for residential use only.
Storing Hazardous Materials Improperly
Stockpiling paints, solvents, pesticides, or gas in your garage might be illegal – or at least highly regulated. OSHA and fire codes limit how much flammable liquid you can store and require approved cabinets. Mixing incompatible chemicals is also dangerous and often breaches regulations. Improper storage of hazardous materials can trigger cleanup orders or criminal charges under acts like EPCRA or the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act. Even something as common as having multiple paint cans stored improperly can land homeowners in hot water with local fire departments.
Blocking Emergency Access and Exit Routes
Using your garage for storage is fine, but blocking emergency exits or access is unsafe and often against fire codes. Storing items near the garage door tracks or egress door can obstruct escape routes. In fire emergencies, that small clutter can be life-threatening, and may violate codes requiring clear exit paths. Insurance inspections can fail over this, affecting your coverage. Keep pathways clear and storage organized – not just legally smart, but lifesaving. Fire marshals across the country regularly cite homeowners for these seemingly minor infractions that can have major consequences.
Converting Required Parking Spaces for Other Uses
Required covered off-street parking, such as a garage or carport, must be maintained accessible for the parking of vehicle(s), unless there is an approval from LA County Planning for another use of the garage. The garage entrance and driveway cannot have items blocking vehicle access to the driveway and garage or carport interior. The garage is inaccessible for the parking of vehicles as the garage door has been removed or the garage door entrance is sealed. Various items maintained in front of the garage door prevent access to the required covered parking spaces. Many municipalities enforce these rules strictly, viewing garage conversions or blockages as violations of minimum parking requirements that were established when the home was originally built.
Violating Setback and Height Restrictions
Parcels in Agricultural and Residential Zones have front, side and rear yard setbacks. The parking or storage of vehicles in front yard areas is not allowed unless on a driveway, which is the area leading directly to an approved garage or carport. The front yard is the area, paved or unpaved, between the house and the road not including the driveway. The regulations facilitate the compatible placement of garages on lots in single-family residential zones where the predominant building form includes a main building with a rear detached garage. These regulations mandate that the covered parking requirement be satisfied by a private garage and that the garage be detached and placed within the rear half of the lot.