ADU rules in Rocklin, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Rocklin Municipal Code Chapter 17.67 (effective March 20, 2020) authorizes Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs (JADUs) in conformity with Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2 and §65852.22. ADUs are allowed in all residential zones (and certain office/commercial zones with conditions) on lots with an existing or proposed residential use. Detached ADUs are capped at 1,200 sq ft, attached ADUs at 60% of the primary dwelling (with statutory floors of 850 sq ft for studio/1-BR and 1,000 sq ft for 2+ BR), and JADUs at 500 sq ft within an existing or proposed single-family dwelling. Required setbacks are 4 ft side/rear for new detached ADUs, with no additional setback for conversions of existing structures. Detached ADUs may be 16 ft tall (18 ft near transit/multifamily). ADUs are exempt from density calculations and from lot-coverage rules at 800 sq ft or less, and may not be sold separately from the primary residence.
Chapter 17.67 incorporates the state ADU statute (Gov. Code §65852.2) and JADU statute (§65852.22) and applies the underlying zoning district's standards only where not inconsistent with Chapter 17.67. Allowed configurations on a single-family lot: one ADU plus one JADU. On lots with existing multifamily, up to eight detached ADUs are allowed (not exceeding the number of existing units); proposed multifamily projects may add up to two detached ADUs. Architectural features such as eaves may project up to 3 ft into setbacks. The state's ministerial 60-day review timeline under Gov. Code §65852.2(b) applies, and Rocklin's Permit-Ready ADU Program (responding to AB 1332) targets a 30-day approval for complete applications using pre-approved plans. ADUs may not be sold separately from the primary residence except as allowed by Gov. Code §65852.26. Definitions are at RMC §17.04.015.
Building or occupying an ADU/JADU without a building permit, exceeding the size/height/setback standards of Chapter 17.67, or selling/conveying an ADU separately from the primary residence violates RMC Chapter 17.67 and triggers building-code enforcement, stop-work orders, and zoning code enforcement under RMC Title 17. Code Enforcement intake: rocklin.ca.us/code-enforcement.
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