ADU rules in Shasta County, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
In unincorporated Shasta County, ADUs are regulated by Zoning Code Section 17.88.132. One ADU is allowed per legal lot in any district permitting a one-family residence (plus the Mixed-Use district). State ADU law (Gov. Code 66310 et seq.) also guarantees ministerial, near-by-right approval of a state-exempt ADU.
Shasta County Code Section 17.88.132 (Title 17, Zoning) governs ADUs in unincorporated areas. An ADU may be established in any zone district that permits a one-family residence by right, plus the Mixed-Use (MU) district. There may be no more than one ADU per legal lot, and an ADU is not permitted on a lot that already has a guest house or family-care residence. The code caps ADU living space at 1,200 square feet or 50% of the primary residence, whichever is less (but at least 640 square feet). A detached ADU may reach the same height limit as a one-family residence in the zone. Setbacks follow the underlying zone district, except no added setback is required when an existing conforming garage or accessory building is converted, and a 5-foot side/rear setback applies to an ADU built above a garage. Required parking is one space for a studio/one-bedroom and two for two-plus bedrooms (tandem allowed), unless exempt. Important: the codified county section still cites the former Gov. Code 65852.2. Effective January 1, 2025, California recodified ADU law to Gov. Code 66310-66342 (SB 477). State law mandates ministerial approval and protects an 800-sq-ft, 16-foot, 4-foot-setback ADU; where county standards conflict, state minimums control. Confirm current rules with Shasta County Resource Management (Planning).
Building an ADU without the required ministerial zoning/building permits, exceeding the size or height limits, renting it as a short-term (under-30-day) rental, or selling it separately from the main home are code violations enforced by Shasta County Resource Management and may require permits, modification, or removal.
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