Sacramento County Zoning Code (Title 3) sets residential setbacks by zone. Typical RD-5 standards: 20 ft front, 5 ft side, 15 ft rear. Agricultural and rural residential zones require greater setbacks. ADUs benefit from state-mandated 4 ft side/rear setbacks under Gov Code 65852.2 regardless of underlying zone.
Sacramento County Zoning Code Title 3 establishes building setbacks that vary by zoning district. Typical single-family residential (RD-5, RD-7) standards include a 20-foot front setback, 5-foot side setbacks, and 15-foot rear setback; exact figures depend on the zone and any applicable Community Plan. Agricultural (AG), Agricultural-Residential (AR), and Rural Residential (RR) zones require significantly larger setbacks (often 40-50 feet front, 20-30 feet side/rear) commensurate with larger lot sizes. Corner lots have a street-side setback in addition to the front. Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) are governed by CA Gov. Code 65852.2 which establishes maximum allowable setbacks of 4 feet side and rear regardless of underlying zoning, and cities/counties cannot require greater setbacks for state-conforming ADUs. Setback exceptions exist for architectural features (eaves, chimneys) up to specified projections. Variances require Planning Commission review.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
Fair Oaks, CA
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Sacramento County.
See how other cities in Sacramento County handle setback rules.
See how Fair Oaks's setback rules rules stack up against other locations.
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