Accessory Structures in Lincoln, CA (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Lincoln, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Lincoln regulates Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) under Lincoln Municipal Code Chapter 18.37, which must conform to California Gov. Code §65852.2 (state ADU law). One ADU plus one Junior ADU is permitted by right on single-family lots.
ADU Standards — Lincoln Municipal Code Chapter 18.37
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
Lincoln issues ADU permits ministerially (no discretionary review) through the Building Division. Applications must be approved or denied within 60 days of a complete submission per Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(b), or 30 days when using an AB 1332 pre-approved plan.
ADU Permitting — Ministerial 60-Day Approval
Few RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Per Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(f), Lincoln cannot charge impact fees on ADUs under 750 square feet. ADUs 750 sq ft or larger pay impact fees charged proportionally to the square footage of the primary dwelling. Building permit fees still apply.
ADU Impact Fees — Waived Under 750 Sq Ft, Proportional Above
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Lincoln cannot impose an owner-occupancy requirement on ADUs permitted between January 1, 2020 and January 1, 2025 per Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(6). Owners may rent out both the primary dwelling and the ADU during this window.
ADU Owner Occupancy — Not Required for 2020-2025 Permits
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Lincoln ADUs (LMC Chapter 18.37) cannot be rented for terms shorter than 30 days. This statewide prohibition on ADU short-term rentals is mandated by Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(6).
ADU Rental Restrictions — 30-Day Minimum, Short-Term Rentals Prohibited
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Detached accessory buildings such as garden sheds are regulated under Lincoln Municipal Code Title 18 (Zoning) and the California Building Code adopted by reference in Title 15. A building permit is generally required for non-exempt structures, and zoning setbacks apply.
Lincoln Shed and Detached Accessory Building Rules
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Converting an existing attached or detached garage into livable space in Lincoln is regulated as either a habitable space remodel or, more commonly, as a conversion ADU under Lincoln Municipal Code Chapter 18.37 and California Government Code §65852.2.
Lincoln Garage Conversion and ADU Conversion Rules
Few RestrictionsCarport Rules
Carports in Lincoln are regulated as accessory structures under Lincoln Municipal Code Title 18 (Zoning) and require building permits under Title 15, which adopts the California Building Code. Solar carports receive additional state protections.
Lincoln Carport Construction and Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Permanent tiny homes in Lincoln are regulated as accessory dwelling units under Lincoln Municipal Code Chapter 18.37 and California Government Code §65852.2, with state law preempting most local restrictions. Lincoln offers pre-approved 661 sq ft and 746 sq ft ADU plans.
Lincoln Tiny Home and ADU Rules
Few RestrictionsLooking for Placer County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Lincoln city rules.
Accessory Structures in Placer County →