ADU rules in Rancho Cordova, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Rancho Cordova regulates ADUs and JADUs under Rancho Cordova Municipal Code §23.901.060 (Residential Uses, Title 23 Zoning). Attached ADUs are capped at 850 sq ft for a studio or one-bedroom unit and 1,200 sq ft for units with more than one bedroom, and JADUs at 500 sq ft within the existing single-family structure.
Under RCMC §23.901.060, ADUs are permitted by right in any zoning district that allows single-family or multifamily dwellings. Attached ADUs may not exceed 50% of the primary dwelling's floor area, with caps of 850 sq ft for studio/one-bedroom and 1,200 sq ft for two-or-more bedrooms. New construction detached ADUs must observe a 4-foot setback from rear and interior side property lines, and may be up to 16 feet tall on a lot with an existing or proposed single-family home. Approval is a ministerial action — Rancho Cordova must issue the building permit within 60 calendar days of a complete application. Conversions of legally established structures are exempt from the 4-foot setback requirement. Impact fees do not apply to ADUs under 750 sq ft. Parking is not required where the property is within a half-mile of transit. ADU rentals must be for terms of 30 days or longer.
Unpermitted ADUs violate RCMC §23.901.060 and are enforced by Rancho Cordova Neighborhood Services with administrative citations and required compliance. Renting an ADU for stays under 30 days violates California Government Code §65852.2 and Rancho Cordova's JADU deed restriction.
Rancho Cordova, CA
Vehicle noise in Rancho Cordova is regulated by California Vehicle Code Sections 27150 through 27160, which require functional mufflers and prohibit modified...
Rancho Cordova, CA
Amplified music audible beyond 50 feet from the source in residential areas violates Rancho Cordova Municipal Code Chapter 9.44. Special events require a per...
Rancho Cordova, CA
Rancho Cordova lies directly adjacent to Mather Airport, a former Air Force Base now operated by Sacramento County as a cargo and general aviation facility. ...
Rancho Cordova, CA
Under California Civil Code Section 841, the Good Neighbor Fence Act of 2013, boundary fences between adjoining residential properties are presumed to benefi...
Rancho Cordova, CA
Feeding wildlife such as coyotes, raccoons, deer, and feral cats is discouraged and may be prohibited as a public nuisance in Rancho Cordova. California Fish...
Rancho Cordova, CA
Rancho Cordova limits the number of dogs and cats per household, typically 4 dogs and 4 cats per residential parcel, under rules administered by Sacramento C...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Sacramento County.
See how other cities in Sacramento County handle adu rules.
See how Rancho Cordova'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.