Setback Rules: Carmichael vs Citrus Heights
How do setback rules rules compare between Carmichael, CA and Citrus Heights, CA?
Carmichael and Citrus Heights have similar restriction levels.
Carmichael, CA
Sacramento County
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.
View full Carmichael rules →Citrus Heights, CA
Sacramento County
Citrus Heights residential setbacks (RD-4 and RD-5 zones) typically require 20 ft front, 5 ft side, and 20 ft rear yards for single-family homes. ADUs may use reduced 4-ft side/rear setbacks per Gov Code §65852.2.
View full Citrus Heights rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carmichael | Citrus Heights |
|---|---|---|
| Code | Zoning Title 3 | - |
| Typical SFR | 20 ft front / 5 ft side / 15 ft rear | - |
| Rural | 40-50 ft front typical | - |
| ADU | 4 ft side/rear (state) | - |
| Variance | Planning Commission | - |
| Front Yard | - | 20 ft typical |
| Side Yard | - | 5 ft interior |
| Rear Yard | - | 20 ft typical |
| ADU Side/Rear | - | 4 ft (Gov Code §65852.2) |
| Eave Projection | - | 2 ft into setback |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Carmichael FAQ
What are setbacks for my lot?
Check your zoning designation on the Sacramento County online parcel viewer and reference Title 3. Most suburban single-family lots use 20/5/15 ft setbacks.
Do ADU setbacks follow my zone?
No. State law (Gov Code 65852.2) caps ADU side and rear setbacks at 4 feet regardless of your zoning.
Citrus Heights FAQ
Can the city require more than 4-ft setbacks for my ADU?
No. Gov Code §65852.2 preempts local codes and caps ADU side/rear setbacks at 4 feet.
How do I verify setbacks for my property?
Contact Citrus Heights Planning Division with your parcel APN; they can confirm zone and specific setback requirements.
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