ADU rules in Yolo County, CA — also called accessory dwelling unit regulations or granny flat ordinances — cover setbacks, owner-occupancy, parking, and permit requirements.
Yolo County permits ADUs ministerially under Cal. Gov. Code Sec. 65852.2 and Sec. 65852.22 through Zoning Code Sec. 8-2.506 (Specific Use Requirements). Detached ADUs are capped at 1,200 sq ft; attached ADUs at 50% of the primary dwelling. Detached ADUs may be up to 16 ft tall; attached ADUs up to 25 ft. Minimum setbacks are 4 ft from rear and side lot lines, and parking is one space per bedroom (waived within 1/2 mile of transit). California HCD reviewed Yolo County's ADU ordinance most recently in December 2025.
Yolo County implements California's state ADU framework - Gov. Code Sec. 65852.2 (ADUs) and Sec. 65852.22 (JADUs) - through Sec. 8-2.506 (Specific Use Requirements or Performance Standards) of the Zoning Code. ADUs are a permitted use by right in residential zones; an ADU that meets the minimum standards is not subject to discretionary review. Size: an attached ADU may not exceed 50% of the existing living area of the primary residence, and a detached ADU may not exceed 1,200 sq ft (state floor is 800 sq ft minimum allowable, with a minimum size of 150 sq ft). Height: up to 16 ft for a detached ADU on a single-family lot, or up to 25 ft for an attached ADU. Conversions of existing space (garage, basement) are exempt from height limits. Setbacks: minimum 4 ft from rear and interior side property lines for new construction; conversions are exempt from setback minimums beyond what currently exists. Parking: one off-street space per bedroom, waived entirely if the ADU is within 1/2 mile walking distance of a public transit stop or in a historic district. The California HCD issued a Technical Assistance letter to Yolo County in December 2025 noting that some sections of the ordinance need to be updated to align with state law amendments adopted since the 2022 ordinance. Until those amendments are adopted, state law preempts any inconsistent local provision.
Building or occupying an ADU without permits, exceeding size or height limits, or violating setback requirements triggers stop-work orders and may require demolition or modification before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued. Unpermitted ADUs cannot be legally rented and may not be financed by a conventional mortgage lender. The state ADU amnesty program (Health & Safety Code Sec. 17980.12) can sometimes be used to legalize older unpermitted units.
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