ADU rules in Carmichael, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Carmichael ADUs follow Sacramento County Zoning Code ADU standards (updated July 2024) - 4 ft setbacks from side/rear, 16 ft max height detached (25 ft attached), max 1 ADU + 1 JADU per single-family lot. The County publishes free Shelf-Ready ADU plans for unincorporated parcels.
Sacramento County implements California Gov't Code §65852.2 (ADU statute) through the Zoning Code (updated July 11, 2024). In Carmichael: ADUs are allowed on any single-family residential lot. Setbacks: 4 ft minimum from rear and interior side property lines. Height: 16 ft detached single-story; up to 25 ft attached. One ADU and one JADU permitted per lot (JADU only if owner-occupied). Size: up to 800 sqft (or 50% of primary if larger) for standard ADU; JADU up to 500 sqft within the existing house footprint. Owner-occupancy is required for JADUs. No parking required if within 1/2 mile of transit. Carmichael Recreation & Park District impact fees apply. Free County 'Shelf-Ready' ADU plans available at 460, 870, 1,000 and 1,184 sqft.
Building without permits: stop-work order, after-the-fact permit at double fee. Renting an unpermitted ADU also disqualifies the property from STR/long-term rental compliance. Persistent unpermitted construction: misdemeanor under SCC §16.04.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Sacramento County.
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