ADU Rules: Citrus Heights vs Herald
How do adu rules rules compare between Citrus Heights, CA and Herald, CA?
Citrus Heights and Herald have similar restriction levels.
Citrus Heights, CA
Sacramento County
Citrus Heights allows ADUs and JADUs on all residential lots under California Government Code 65852.2, with up to 1200 square feet and ministerial approval.
View full Citrus Heights rules →Herald, CA
Sacramento County
Herald is an unincorporated CDP in Sacramento County governed by Sacramento County Zoning Code §5.4.5 (Accessory Dwelling Units), not a city ordinance. The County allows one ADU plus one JADU on single-family lots. Most Herald parcels are in agricultural-residential (AR) zones where ADUs are permitted ministerially.
View full Herald rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Citrus Heights | Herald |
|---|---|---|
| State Law | Gov Code sec. 65852.2 | - |
| Max Detached | Up to 1200 sq ft | 1,200 sq ft |
| Setbacks | 4 feet side and rear | - |
| Permit Time | 60 day ministerial | - |
| JADU | Up to 500 sq ft | - |
| Governing Code | - | Sac County Zoning Code §5.4.5 |
| Height (detached) | - | 16 ft (limited transit area) |
| Setback (side/rear) | - | 4 ft (new construction) |
| Septic/Well | - | Sac EMD review required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Citrus Heights FAQ
Can Citrus Heights deny my ADU?
Only for specific health and safety reasons. Ministerial approval is mandated by state law for conforming ADUs.
Do I need to add parking for my ADU?
Not if the property is within half a mile of public transit, per state law.
Herald FAQ
Who regulates ADUs in Herald?
Herald is unincorporated, so Sacramento County Planning regulates ADUs under Sacramento County Zoning Code §5.4.5, not a separate city ordinance.
Do I need septic and well approvals for a Herald ADU?
Yes for rural parcels not on municipal sewer/water. Sacramento County Environmental Management Department reviews septic-system capacity and well water before issuing the ADU building permit.
Can I rent my Herald ADU as a short-term rental?
No. State ADU law and a recorded deed restriction prohibit short-term rental of ADUs built on or after January 1, 2020 in unincorporated Sacramento County.
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