A garage conversion is usually the lowest-cost path to an ADU in Upland — $75,000-$150,000, versus $175,000-$350,000 for a new detached build — because the shell already exists.
Garage Conversion Cost in Upland
Converting an existing garage in Upland runs $75,000-$150,000. That's well under the $175,000-$350,000 typical cost of a ground-up detached ADU, because you're reusing the foundation, walls, and roof. The biggest variables are whether the slab and framing are sound, what utility/electrical upgrades are needed, and your finish level. Permit fees add ADU permit fee set by Council resolution (§ 17.37.040(B)); the city's April 2023 guidebook listed $810, plus building permit/plan check typically $3,000-$4,000 and a $189 county fire letter. 2026 amounts not published online; confirm with Building & Safety, (909) 931-4110.. A converted unit rents for about $1,900-$2,250/mo (1BR) in Upland.
The Upland Garage Conversion Permit Process
A garage-to-ADU conversion in Upland needs building permits even if the exterior is unchanged. Approval process: Ministerial, no hearing (§ 17.37.040(C)). Building permit only for the § 17.37.040(A) categories (conversions; one detached ADU of 800 sq ft or less at 16 ft with 4-ft side/rear setbacks; multifamily conversions and detached units); everything else also needs an ADU permit with the § 17.37.060 design standards (matching roof slope and materials, 12-inch eaves, 10-ft minimum interior width, no direct window sight lines, down-lighting, drought-tolerant landscaping, no roof decks). A garage demolition permit is issued with the ADU permit. Deed restriction recorded before the certificate of occupancy (§ 17.37.050(H) — HCD's July 8, 2025 letter found this unlawful for ADUs). Rent reporting: projected annual rent with the building permit, then actual rent within 90 days after each January 1 (§ 17.37.050(I)). The review timeline is 60 days from a complete application, deemed approved if the city does not act (§ 17.37.040(C)); the city's 2023 guidebook adds 15-21 working days for the San Bernardino County Fire residential fire letter. No current published averages., with plan check: Planning checks Chapter 17.37 (zoning, size, setbacks, design); Building & Safety checks the California Building/Residential Codes as amended by Ordinance 2004 (Nov 24, 2025); San Bernardino County Fire issues a residential fire letter ($189 in 2023). Sprinklers only if the main house has them (§ 17.37.050(C)). Applications go through the city's CSS online portal.. Pre-approved plans: The city's Building & Safety Division publishes a Pre-approved ADU Plans page (last read July 2026); the number of plans, sizes and any plan fee could not be re-verified on Sept 20, 2026 because the city website was unreachable. A site-specific plot plan is still required. Confirm current availability with Building & Safety, (909) 931-4110..
- Confirm eligibility — ADUs are allowed in Building-permit-only ADUs (§ 17.37.040(A)): any lot in a residential or mixed-use zone. ADU-permit ADUs (§ 17.37.040(B)): lots zoned for single-family or multifamily residential use. JADUs: single-family-zoned lots only (§ 17.37.050(A)). No minimum lot size..
- Prepare conversion plans — layout, egress windows, insulation, ventilation, smoke/CO detectors, plus a kitchen and bathroom.
- Submit for plan check — Planning checks Chapter 17.37 (zoning, size, setbacks, design); Building & Safety checks the California Building/Residential Codes as amended by Ordinance 2004 (Nov 24, 2025); San Bernardino County Fire issues a residential fire letter ($189 in 2023). Sprinklers only if the main house has them (§ 17.37.050(C)). Applications go through the city's CSS online portal..
- Pull permits and build — fees run ADU permit fee set by Council resolution (§ 17.37.040(B)); the city's April 2023 guidebook listed $810, plus building permit/plan check typically $3,000-$4,000 and a $189 county fire letter. 2026 amounts not published online; confirm with Building & Safety, (909) 931-4110.; then framing, electrical, plumbing, and final inspection.
No Replacement Parking Required
No. California law (AB 68 / Gov Code §66314) prohibits cities from requiring replacement parking when you convert or demolish a garage to build an ADU — so you do not need to add a parking space anywhere on the lot. Owner-occupancy is not required, so you can rent the converted unit out.
The JADU Option for an Attached Garage
If your garage is attached to the house, you can convert it into a junior ADU (JADU) — capped at 500 sq ft, entirely within the existing or proposed single-family house (an attached garage counts as inside the house); efficiency kitchen required (§ 17.37.030) and built within the existing walls. JADUs are cheaper and faster to permit than a full ADU, though they may share sanitation with the main home. A full ADU gives you more size and a separate unit; a JADU is the budget route.
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Upland Garage Conversion FAQ
How much does a garage conversion cost in Upland?
Do I need a permit to convert a garage in Upland?
Do I have to replace the parking if I convert my garage in Upland?
How long does a garage conversion take in Upland?
Can I convert an attached garage into a JADU in Upland?
Compare your options: see the full Upland ADU rules, estimate your build with the Upland ADU cost calculator, or read the general garage conversion guide.