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