ADU Rules in Sacramento, CA (2026)
ADU rules, permit requirements, size limits, and fees for Sacramento, CA. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Yes, ADUs are allowed in Sacramento, CA.
Sacramento, CA permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on residential properties. ADUs — also called granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, or secondary suites — are secondary housing units on a single-family or multifamily lot. California state law actively preempts local restrictions, making ADU approval a streamlined ministerial process. In Sacramento, the Sacramento Community Development Department — Building Division handles ADU permit applications. Below you will find the current size limits, setbacks, fees, and timeline for building an ADU in Sacramento.
ADU Size Limits
ADU Size Limits in Sacramento: Detached ADU: up to 1200 sq ft (max height: 16 feet). Attached ADU: 50% of primary dwelling up to 1200 sqft. Junior ADU (JADU): up to 500 sq ft — must be within the existing primary dwelling or accessory structure. Detached ADU maximum 1,200 sqft per California Gov Code §66314(d)(5) . JADU up to 500 sqft within existing residential structure per §66313(d) + §66333. Garage conversion ADUs limited to existing footprint plus 150 sqft for ingress/egress per §66323(a)(1)(A). Sacramento City Code Title 17.
| Type | Max Size | Max Height |
|---|---|---|
| Detached ADU | 1200 sq ft | 16 feet |
| Attached ADU | 50% of primary dwelling up to 1200 sqft | Same as primary dwelling height limit per zone |
| JADU | 500 sq ft | Within existing structure |
Permit Fees
ADU Permit Fees in Sacramento: Plan check fee: Varies — typically $500–$2,200 for standard ADU based on project valuation. Building permit fee: Varies by valuation — typically $1,200–$4,500. Impact fees: None. School fees: Exempt for ADUs under 750 sqft per §66323 (ministerial approval; school fee exemption codified in H&S Code series; formerly CA ADU statute). ADUs 750+ sqft subject to school developer fees at Sacramento City Unified or Twin Rivers USD rates.. Total estimated permit cost: $2,000–$7,500 total permit fees depending on size and scope. Impact fees waived for ADUs under 750 sqft per §66323 (ministerial approval; formerly CA ADU statute). Sacramento CDD fee schedule: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/community-development/building/fee-schedule. Sacramento generally has lower fees than Bay Area cities.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Plan Check | Varies — typically $500–$2,200 for standard ADU based on project valuation |
| Building Permit | Varies by valuation — typically $1,200–$4,500 |
| Impact Fees | None |
| School Fees | Exempt for ADUs under 750 sqft per §66323 (ministerial approval; school fee exemption codified in H&S Code series; formerly CA ADU statute). ADUs 750+ sqft subject to school developer fees at Sacramento City Unified or Twin Rivers USD rates. |
| Total Estimate | $2,000–$7,500 total permit fees depending on size and scope |
Permit Timeline
Sacramento ADU Permit Timeline: The permitting agency shall either approve or deny the application to create or serve an accessory dwelling unit within 60 days from the date the permitting agency receives a completed application if there is an existing single-family or multifamily dwelling on the lot. Apply through the Sacramento Community Development Department — Building Division online permit portal. Phone: (916) 808-8300.
Setback Requirements
ADU Setback Requirements in Sacramento: Front setback: Same as zone standard. Side setback: 4 feet. Rear setback: 4 feet. 4-foot side and rear setbacks required for new detached ADUs per Gov Code §66314(d)(7). No setback required for ADU replacing existing structure in same footprint (e.g., garage conversion) per §66314(d)(7). Front setback follows applicable zone standards.
Parking Requirements
Parking Requirements: No additional parking required for ADUs within one-half mile of RT light rail stations or Sacramento Regional Transit bus rapid transit lines. Garage conversion ADUs require no replacement parking per California Gov Code §66314(d)(11).
Restrictions & Requirements
- ADU must comply with objective City Code Title 17 zoning standards
- ADU cannot be sold separately from primary dwelling (except under Gov Code §66314(d)(1) Article 4 provisions)
- ADU must have permanent foundation
- Fire sprinkler requirements based on project scope and proximity to existing structures
- Floodplain restrictions in American River and Sacramento River corridor areas
How Many ADUs Are Allowed?
Number of ADUs Allowed in Sacramento: Single-family lots: 1 ADU + 1 JADU per single-family lot. Multifamily properties: Up to 25% of existing units (minimum 2) as detached ADUs; 1 ADU per existing unit for internal conversions per Gov Code §66323(a)(3) . Urban Lot Split (Gov Code §66411.7) permits up to 4 units on qualifying single-family lots in urbanized areas (this is a separate lot-split statute, not an ADU law). Sacramento adopted the ministerial Urban Lot Split approval per state mandate.
Single-Family Lots
1 ADU + 1 JADU per single-family lot
Multifamily Properties
Up to 25% of existing units (minimum 2) as detached ADUs; 1 ADU per existing unit for internal conversions per Gov Code §66323(a)(3)
State Law & Preemption
State Preemption: California Government Code Chapter 13 (§§66314–66333, effective January 1, 2025 per Stats. 2024 Ch. 7, SB 477) preempts Sacramento's local ADU restrictions. Sacramento must permit ADUs by-right on all single-family and multifamily residential lots. Owner-occupancy requirement eliminated per §66315 (as amended by AB 68, 2019). State preemption is now codified in the current ADU Article (Chapter 13) rather than the former statute. Sacramento adopted its own local ADU ordinance that implements state law and provides additional local facilitation for ADU development, recognizing ADUs as a critical housing strategy for the capital city.
Historic District Considerations
Historic District Requirements: Sacramento has 9 historic districts where additional design review may be required for ADU construction. Design review approval is required before obtaining a building permit for properties in historic overlay zones. Sacramento has 9 historic districts including: Boulevard Park, Elmhurst, G Street/16th Street, Newton Booth/Poverty Ridge, Old North Sacramento, Old Sacramento, Poverty Ridge, Railroad District, and Winn Park Capital Plat. Old Sacramento is a State Historic Park and National Historic Landmark. Design Review Board approval required for exterior modifications in historic districts. Sacramento Historic Preservation Staff: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/community-development/planning/historic-preservation Look up historic district boundaries at: https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/community-development/planning/historic-preservation
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Sacramento?
Yes. Sacramento, CA allows accessory dwelling units. On a single-family lot you can build 1 ADU + 1 JADU per single-family lot.
How big can an ADU be in Sacramento?
The maximum size for a detached ADU in Sacramento is 1,200 square feet. A Junior ADU (JADU) can be up to 500 square feet.
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Sacramento?
The typical ADU permit timeline in Sacramento is The permitting agency shall either approve or deny the application to create or serve an accessory dwelling unit within 60 days from the date the permitting agency receives a completed application if there is an existing single-family or multifamily dwelling on the lot.. Total estimated permit fees are $2,000–$7,500 total permit fees depending on size and scope.
Do I need extra parking for an ADU in Sacramento?
Sacramento parking rules for ADUs: No additional parking required for ADUs within one-half mile of RT light rail stations or Sacramento Regional Transit bus rapid transit lines. Garage conversion ADUs require no replacement parking per California Gov Code §66314(d)(11).
Do I have to live on-site to have an ADU in Sacramento?
Owner-occupancy requirement in Sacramento: No additional standards, other than those provided in Section 66314, shall be used or imposed, including an owner-occupant requirement.
Source: Sacramento City Code Title 17; California Government Code §§66314–66333 (Stats. 2024 Ch. 7 §20). Last verified April 5, 2026. View source