ADU Rules: Herald vs Sacramento
How do adu rules rules compare between Herald, CA and Sacramento, CA?
Herald and Sacramento 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 →Sacramento, CA
Sacramento County
Sacramento City Code §17.228.105 governs ADUs per CA Gov Code §65852.2. Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft allowed with 4 ft side/rear setbacks. Attached ADUs up to 25 ft height. ADUs under 750 sq ft exempt from impact fees. JADUs up to 500 sq ft within primary structure. ADUs built after Jan 1, 2020 cannot be used as STRs.
View full Sacramento rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Herald | Sacramento |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - | Sacramento City Code §17.228.105 |
| State Law | - | CA Gov Code §65852.2 |
| Max Size (detached) | - | 1,200 sq ft |
| Setbacks | - | 4 ft side/rear |
| Impact Fees | - | Exempt under 750 sq ft |
| STR Use | - | Post-Jan 2020 ADUs excluded from STR |
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.
Sacramento FAQ
Can I build an ADU on my property in Sacramento?
Sacramento City Code §17.228.105 governs ADUs per CA Gov Code §65852.2. Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft allowed with 4 ft side/rear setbacks. Attached ADUs up to 25 ft height. ADUs under 750 sq ft exempt from impact fees. JADUs up to 500 sq ft within primary structure. ADUs built after Jan 1,...
What are the size limits for an accessory dwelling unit in Sacramento?
Code: Sacramento City Code §17.228.105. State Law: CA Gov Code §65852.2. Max Size (detached): 1,200 sq ft. Setbacks: 4 ft side/rear.
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