ADU Rules: Courtland vs Folsom
How do adu rules rules compare between Courtland, CA and Folsom, CA?
Courtland and Folsom 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 →Folsom, CA
Sacramento County
Folsom must allow ADUs on all residential lots under CA Gov Code §65852.2. Ministerial approval within 60 days for ADUs up to 800 sq ft with 4-foot setbacks, no owner-occupancy requirement, and no parking within 1/2 mile of transit. Folsom has adopted an ADU ordinance with local standards that cannot fall below state minimums.
View full Folsom rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Courtland | Folsom |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Size | - | Up to 800 sq ft ministerial |
| Setbacks | - | 4 ft rear/side |
| Parking | - | None w/in 1/2 mi transit |
| Timeline | - | 60-day approval |
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.
Folsom FAQ
Can Folsom deny my ADU permit?
Only for objective code violations (safety, setbacks from state minimums, utilities). The city cannot deny based on neighborhood character, discretionary design review, or owner-occupancy preference under state law.
Can I rent my Folsom ADU on Airbnb?
ADUs cannot be rented for terms under 30 days under state law (Gov Code §65852.2(a)(6)). Long-term rental is permitted; short-term vacation rental is not.
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