ADU Rules: Elk Grove vs Herald
How do adu rules rules compare between Elk Grove, CA and Herald, CA?
Elk Grove and Herald have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | Elk Grove | Herald |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Governing Code | - | Sac County Zoning Code §5.4.5 |
| Max Detached | - | 1,200 sq ft |
| 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.
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.
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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