ADU Rules: Courtland vs Herald
How do adu rules rules compare between Courtland, CA and Herald, CA?
Courtland and Herald 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 →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 | Courtland | Herald |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Code | Sac County Zoning Code §5.4.5 | Sac County Zoning Code §5.4.5 |
| Max Detached | 1,200 sq ft | 1,200 sq ft |
| Floodplain | Chapter 16.04 (lowest-floor elev.) | - |
| Setback (side/rear) | 4 ft (new construction) | 4 ft (new construction) |
| Levee Setback | May apply (Cal. Water Code) | - |
| Height (detached) | - | 16 ft (limited transit area) |
| Septic/Well | - | Sac EMD review required |
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.
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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