Accessory Structures in Rancho Cordova, CA (2026)
3 verified accessory structures rules for Rancho Cordova, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Rancho Cordova allows one attached or detached ADU plus one junior ADU by right on any single-family or multifamily lot, reviewed only as a ministerial building permit. Detached units cap out at 850 or 1,000 square feet, sit on four-foot side and rear setbacks, and the city must issue or deny the permit within 60 calendar days.
Rancho Cordova ADU Size and Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsRancho Cordova Municipal Code (RCMC) § 23.901.060 (Accessory Dwelling Units)
C. Where Permitted. Accessory dwelling units are permitted by right in any zoning district which permits single-family or multifamily homes. ... 1. Ministerial Action. Approval or denial of an accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit is a ministerial action and subject to compliance with the standards in this section. ... 3. Issuance of Permit. The city shall issue a building p...
ADU Impact Fees
Rancho Cordova exempts accessory dwelling units under 750 square feet from its Measure A transportation development impact fee entirely. Larger ADUs pay a fee scaled to the floor-area ratio between the ADU and the primary home, not the full new-construction rate.
Rancho Cordova ADU Transportation Impact Fees
Some RestrictionsRancho Cordova Municipal Code (RCMC) § 16.85.080(A) (Exemptions); § 16.85.135(A) (Adjustment of Fees, Calculation of Fee for ADUs)
§ 16.85.080. Exemptions. ... The following shall be exempted from payment of the fees established by this chapter: A. Accessory dwelling units less than 750 square feet. § ... 16.85.135. ... Adjustment of fees. A. Calculation of Fee for ADUs. ADUs greater than 750 square feet shall be subject to a fee hereunder that is equal to the ratio of the floor area of the ADU compared to the primary unit...
Shed & Carport Rules
A backyard shed under 120 square feet and under 8 feet tall skips the building permit review but must still sit at least 3 feet from the side and rear property lines with 6 feet of separation from any other structure. Bigger or taller sheds trigger a zoning certification plan check, top out at 16 feet, and cannot be built at all on lots zoned R-10, RD-15 through RD-30, MDR, HDR or RMH.
Rancho Cordova Shed Size and Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsRancho Cordova Municipal Code (RCMC) § 23.734.030(A); § 23.734.040(B); § 23.734.060(J)
Enclosed and/or solid-roofed accessory structures that are smaller than 120 square feet in size with no portion of the structure equal to or greater than eight feet in height. Structures shall not be located in a required front yard. Accessory structures shall be set back a minimum of three feet from side and rear property lines with a minimum six-foot separation between structures. ... Accesso...
Looking for Sacramento County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Rancho Cordova city rules.
Accessory Structures in Sacramento County →