ADU Rules: Fair Oaks vs Rancho Cordova
How do adu rules rules compare between Fair Oaks, CA and Rancho Cordova, CA?
Fair Oaks and Rancho Cordova have similar restriction levels.
Fair Oaks, CA
Sacramento County
Sacramento County permits ADUs and JADUs on all residential lots per Government Code 65852.2. Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft, 4 ft setbacks, and streamlined 60-day ministerial review are standard.
View full Fair Oaks 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 | Fair Oaks | Rancho Cordova |
|---|---|---|
| Max Size | 1,200 sq ft detached | - |
| Setbacks | 4 ft side and rear | - |
| Review | 60 days ministerial | - |
| Parking | Often not required | - |
| Fees | Waived under 750 sq ft | - |
| 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.
Fair Oaks FAQ
Can I build both an ADU and a JADU?
Yes. State law allows one detached ADU plus one JADU inside the primary dwelling on a single-family lot.
Do I need to live on-site?
Owner-occupancy is required for JADUs but not for standard ADUs under current state law.
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.
Compare other topics
See how Fair Oaks and Rancho Cordova compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool