ADU Rules: Courtland vs Elk Grove
How do adu rules rules compare between Courtland, CA and Elk Grove, CA?
Courtland and Elk Grove have similar restriction levels.
Courtland, CA
Sacramento County
Courtland is an unincorporated Sacramento River Delta community 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, with detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft. Delta levee and floodplain rules add review through the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency.
View full Courtland rules →Elk Grove, CA
Sacramento County
Elk Grove permits ADUs and JADUs on all residential lots per California Government Code §65852.2. EGMC Chapter 23.70 adopts the state standards: up to 1,200 sq ft detached ADUs, 4-foot rear/side setbacks, no owner-occupancy requirement, and streamlined ministerial permits within 60 days.
View full Elk Grove rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Courtland | Elk Grove |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Code | Sac County Zoning Code §5.4.5 | - |
| Max Detached | 1,200 sq ft | - |
| Floodplain | Chapter 16.04 (lowest-floor elev.) | - |
| Setback (side/rear) | 4 ft (new construction) | - |
| Levee Setback | May apply (Cal. Water Code) | - |
| State law | - | Gov Code §65852.2 |
| Max size | - | Up to 1,200 sq ft |
| Setbacks | - | 4 ft side/rear |
| Parking | - | None within 0.5 mi transit |
| Processing | - | 60-day ministerial |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Courtland FAQ
Who regulates ADUs in Courtland?
Courtland is unincorporated, so Sacramento County Planning regulates ADUs under Sacramento County Zoning Code §5.4.5, not a separate city ordinance.
Do floodplain rules apply to Courtland ADUs?
Yes for parcels in FEMA Zones A or AE — the lowest floor must be elevated at or above the base flood elevation under Sacramento County Floodplain Management Ordinance Chapter 16.04, and flood-resistant materials are required below that elevation.
Are there levee setbacks for ADUs near Delta levees?
Yes for parcels adjacent to State Plan of Flood Control project levees — the Central Valley Flood Protection Board requires encroachment permits and setbacks under California Water Code §8700 et seq.
Elk Grove FAQ
Do I need to live in my house to build an ADU?
No owner-occupancy is required for a standard ADU built 2020-2024. A JADU does require owner occupancy.
Can I sell my ADU separately from my main house?
Under AB 1033, Elk Grove may allow ADU condo-ization on a case-by-case basis through the planning department.
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