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Roseville, CA Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

ADU rules in Roseville, CA, also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances, cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.

Key Facts

Permitted zones: CMU, R1, RS, R2, R3, RMU by right
Unit size cap: 850 sq ft (studio/1BR); 1,000 sq ft (2+BR)
Setback (new construction): 4 feet side and rear
Height cap: 16-25 feet depending on type/location
Units per lot: 1 generally, more with exceptions
Permit needed: Building permit only, no CUP

ADU Eligibility Quick-Check

An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a smaller, independent living unit on the same lot as a single-family home: converted garages, detached cottages, basement or attic conversions, and attached additions all qualify. Most states have streamlined ADU permitting since 2020, but local rules still control size, height, and setback.

Is your lot zoned single-family or multi-family residential?
Does your lot have at least 1,200 sq ft of buildable space?
Is your existing home owner-occupied (in most states this is not required, but some require it for ADU permits)?
Will the ADU stay under your state's size cap (commonly 850-1,200 sq ft for detached)?
Can you provide one off-street parking space (waived in many states within 0.5 mi of transit)?

If you answered 'yes' to most of these, you likely qualify in California under recent ADU streamlining laws. The Roseville, CA rules below cover local size, height, and setback requirements.

Summary

Roseville allows an accessory dwelling unit on lots zoned CMU, R1, RS, R2, R3, and RMU under Municipal Code § 19.60.050, plus qualifying commercially zoned lots with an approved conditional use permit. A newly built unit caps at 850 square feet for a studio or one bedroom, or 1,000 square feet for two or more bedrooms.

A. Mixed Use and Residential Zones. Accessory dwelling units are principally permitted in the commercial mixed use (CMU), single-family residential (R1), small lot residential (RS), two-family residential (R2), multi-family housing (R3), and residential mixed use (RMU) zoning districts, provided the lot contains an existing or proposed single-family, two-family or multi-family dwelling unit ... and the accessory dwelling unit complies with the standards identified in this chapter. ... An accessory dwelling unit shall not be more than 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom or more than 1,000 square feet for an accessory dwelling unit that provides more than one bedroom.

View official code

Full Breakdown

60, adopted under Government Code §§ 66310 through 66312, governs both accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and junior ADUs citywide. 050(A) principally permits ADUs in the commercial mixed use (CMU), single-family residential (R1), small lot residential (RS), two-family residential (R2), multi-family housing (R3), and residential mixed use (RMU) districts wherever the lot already has, or proposes, a qualifying dwelling. 050(B) extends the use to neighborhood, community, general, and highway commercial zones, but only where the underlying residential dwelling carries an approved conditional use permit; otherwise the ADU itself needs an Administrative Permit.

070(E) at no more than 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit and 1,000 square feet for a unit with more than one bedroom, with a floor below the state's minimum efficiency-unit size. 070(C), while conversions within an existing structure's footprint need none. 070(M). 070(O) create specific exceptions allowing an ADU plus a junior ADU on single-family lots and multiple ADUs on multi-family lots. 040 requires a standard building permit for every ADU, with no discretionary zoning review in a qualifying residential or mixed-use zone.

Violations & Fines

Building an ADU without the required building permit, exceeding the unit size or setback standards, or adding more units than the lot allows is a Title 19 and building code violation. Chapter 1.20's general penalty makes an unspecified Municipal Code violation a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,000 fine, up to six months in jail, or both, unless charged as an infraction with escalating fines of $100, $200, and $500 for repeated violations of the same provision within 12 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I build an ADU in Roseville?

In most residential and mixed-use zones by right. Section 19.60.050(A) permits accessory dwelling units in the "commercial mixed use (CMU), single-family residential (R1), small lot residential (RS), two-family residential (R2), multi-family housing (R3), and residential mixed use (RMU)" districts as long as the lot already has, or proposes, a qualifying dwelling. Commercially zoned lots need an approved conditional use permit for the primary dwelling first.

How big can a Roseville ADU be?

Sections 19.60.060(C) and 19.60.070(E) cap a new accessory dwelling unit at "850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom or more than 1,000 square feet for an accessory dwelling unit that provides more than one bedroom," and it can never be smaller than the state's minimum efficiency-unit size.

Do I need a permit for an ADU in Roseville?

Yes, a standard building permit. Section 19.60.040 states "a building permit shall be required prior to construction or creation of an accessory dwelling unit," but no conditional use permit or discretionary zoning review is required in a qualifying residential or mixed-use zone.

Sources & Official References

[1]City of Roseville Municipal Code, Chapter 19.60 (Accessory Dwelling Units)

Other rules in Roseville

Parking Rules: Overnight ParkingSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Height LimitsSome Restrictions Shed & Carport RulesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: RV & Boat ParkingSome Restrictions Tiny HomesSome Restrictions ADU Rental RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions Garage ConversionsSome Restrictions ADU Impact FeesSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions

All Roseville rules

How Roseville compares: Easiest Cities to Build an ADU·California rules heatmap·Compare Roseville to another location·View the California accessory structures overview

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