Accessory Structures in Sacramento, CA (2026)
5 verified accessory structures rules for Sacramento, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Sacramento City Code §17.228.105 governs ADUs per CA Gov Code §65852.2. Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft allowed with 4 ft side/rear setbacks. Attached ADUs up to 25 ft height. ADUs under 750 sq ft exempt from impact fees. JADUs up to 500 sq ft within primary structure. ADUs built after Jan 1, 2020 cannot be used as STRs.
Sacramento ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Rules
Few RestrictionsShed Rules
Sacramento sheds under 120 sq ft don't need a building permit (Sac. City Code §15.20). Max 18 ft overall height, 10 ft wall height, min 4 ft from main house, and zero electrical/plumbing for the permit exemption. Setback rules still apply.
Sacramento Shed Rules & Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Garage conversions in Sacramento are regulated as ADUs or accessory structures under Sacramento City Code §17.228.105 and CA Gov Code §65852.22 (JADU rules). Conversion permits required. AB 2097 means off-street parking cannot be required if within ½ mile of transit.
Sacramento Garage Conversion Rules
Few RestrictionsCarport Rules
Sacramento regulates carports under City Code Chapter 17.624 (Residential Accessory Structure and Use Regulations). Attached carports are governed by section 17.624.040 and must meet minimum interior dimensions of 10 feet wide by 20 feet deep, while detached carports follow the setback and height limits in section 17.624.050.
Sacramento Carport Rules
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
The City of Sacramento does not have a stand-alone movable tiny house (THOW) ordinance like neighboring West Sacramento's Ordinance 24-9. Tiny homes are only allowed as permanent dwellings when built on a permanent foundation and permitted as an Accessory Dwelling Unit under City Code Chapter 17.228, Article XIV (ADU regulations) and the 2022 California Building Code adopted in SCC Title 15.
Sacramento Tiny Home Rules
Heavy RestrictionsLooking for Sacramento County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Sacramento city rules.
Accessory Structures in Sacramento County →