Shasta County, CA Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)
ADU rules in Shasta County, CA, also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances, cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Key Facts
- County ADU code
- Shasta County Code 17.88.132
- Number allowed
- One ADU per legal lot
- County size cap
- 1,200 sq ft or 50% of main home (min 640 sq ft)
- Above-garage setback
- 5 ft side and rear
- Parking
- 1 space studio/1BR; 2 for 2+ bedrooms
- Controlling state law
- Gov. Code 66310-66342 (ministerial; 800 sq ft / 16 ft / 4 ft)
Summary
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.
(c)(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), a local agency shall not establish by ordinance any of the following: (A) A minimum square footage requirement for either an attached or detached accessory dwelling unit that prohibits an efficiency unit. (B) A maximum square footage requirement for either an attached or detached accessory dwelling unit that is less than either of the following: (i) 850 square feet. (ii) 1,000 square feet for an accessory dwelling unit that provides more than one bedroom. (C) Any other minimum or maximum size for an accessory dwelling unit, size based upon a percentage of the proposed or existing primary dwelling, or limits on lot coverage, floor area ratio, open space, and minimum lot size, for either attached or detached dwellings that does not permit at least an 800 square foot accessory dwelling unit that is at least 16 feet in height with four-foot side and rear yard setbacks to be constructed in compliance with all other local development standards. (d) Notwithstanding any other law, a local agency, whether or not it has adopted an ordinance governing accessory dwelling units in accordance with subdivision (a), shall not impose parking standards for an accessory dwelling unit in any of the following instances: (1) The accessory dwelling unit is located within one-half mile walking distance of public transit. (2) The accessory dwelling unit is located within an architecturally and historically significant historic district. (3) The accessory dwelling unit is part of the proposed or existing primary residence or an accessory structure. (4) When on-street parking permits are required but not offered to the occupant of the accessory dwelling unit. (5) When there is a car share vehicle located within one block of the accessory dwelling unit.
Full Breakdown
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. 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).
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I build an ADU in unincorporated Shasta County?
Does the county or the state set the ADU rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shasta County
How Shasta County compares: Easiest Cities to Build an ADU·California rules heatmap·Compare Shasta County to another location·View the California accessory structures overview
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