ADU Rules: Folsom vs Rancho Cordova
How do adu rules rules compare between Folsom, CA and Rancho Cordova, CA?
Folsom and Rancho Cordova 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 →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 | Folsom | Rancho Cordova |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| 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.
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.
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 Folsom 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