ADU Rules: Courtland vs Rancho Cordova
How do adu rules rules compare between Courtland, CA and Rancho Cordova, CA?
Courtland and Rancho Cordova 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 →Rancho Cordova, CA
Sacramento County
Rancho Cordova regulates ADUs and JADUs under Rancho Cordova Municipal Code §23.901.060 (Residential Uses, Title 23 Zoning). Attached ADUs are capped at 850 sq ft for a studio or one-bedroom unit and 1,200 sq ft for units with more than one bedroom, and JADUs at 500 sq ft within the existing single-family structure.
View full Rancho Cordova rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Courtland | Rancho Cordova |
|---|---|---|
| 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) | - |
| Code Section | - | RCMC 23.901.060 |
| Max Attached (studio/1 BR) | - | 850 sq ft |
| Max Attached (2+ BR) | - | 1,200 sq ft |
| Side/Rear Setback | - | 4 ft (new construction) |
| Permit Timeline | - | 60 days 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.
Rancho Cordova FAQ
How big can my Rancho Cordova ADU be?
Per RCMC 23.901.060, attached ADUs are capped at 850 sq ft for a studio or one-bedroom unit and 1,200 sq ft for two-or-more bedrooms, not to exceed 50% of the primary dwelling. JADUs are capped at 500 sq ft.
How long does Rancho Cordova take to issue an ADU permit?
Under RCMC 23.901.060, Rancho Cordova must issue a building permit within 60 calendar days of a complete ADU application, consistent with California Government Code §65852.2.
Do I need to pay impact fees for a Rancho Cordova ADU?
ADUs with less than 750 sq ft of living area are exempt from impact fees under RCMC 23.901.060, mirroring state law. Larger ADUs may be subject to proportional impact fees.
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