ADU rules in Sacramento County, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Sacramento County permits ADUs and JADUs on all residential lots per Government Code 65852.2. Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft, 4 ft setbacks, and streamlined 60-day ministerial review are standard.
County Code Title 22 Zoning incorporates state ADU mandates (Gov Code 65852.2, AB 68, SB 13, AB 881, AB 1033). On single-family lots, one ADU plus one JADU are allowed by right. Detached ADUs are permitted up to 1,200 sq ft or 50 percent of primary unit for attached ADUs. Side and rear setbacks are 4 feet minimum. Height limit is 16 ft for detached ADUs, with up to 18 or 25 ft allowed per state law exceptions near transit or on larger lots. Replacement parking is not required when a garage is converted. No owner-occupancy requirement (except JADUs). No impact fees on ADUs under 750 sq ft. Permit review must be ministerial within 60 days.
Local ordinance provisions that conflict with state ADU law are unenforceable under HCD review. Permit denial for state-compliant designs can be appealed.
Sacramento County, CA
Unincorporated Sacramento County Zoning Code restricts RV, boat, and trailer storage in residential zones. Generally allowed in side or rear yards with scree...
Sacramento County, CA
Unincorporated Sacramento County does not generally prohibit overnight street parking in residential areas. The CVC 22651(k) 72-hour rule applies. Some comme...
Sacramento County, CA
California Civil Code 841 (Good Neighbor Fence Act) presumes equal cost-sharing for boundary fences. 30-day written notice is required before building or rep...
Sacramento County, CA
Fences 7 feet and under in unincorporated Sacramento County do not require a building permit, but a zoning clearance is required for front-yard fences over 3...
Sacramento County, CA
Sacramento County allows backyard chickens in most residential zones: up to 6 hens on lots under 10,000 sq ft, no roosters in RD zones. Coops must be set bac...
Sacramento County, CA
Sacramento County Code 9.60 prohibits feeding wild mammals including deer, raccoons, coyotes, and wild turkeys. Bird feeders are allowed if they do not attra...
See how Sacramento County's adu rules rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.