ADU Rules: Folsom vs Herald
How do adu rules rules compare between Folsom, CA and Herald, CA?
Folsom and Herald have similar restriction levels.
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 →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 | Folsom | Herald |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| 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.
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.
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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