ADU Rules: Isleton vs Rancho Cordova
How do adu rules rules compare between Isleton, CA and Rancho Cordova, CA?
Rancho Cordova has fewer restrictions than Isleton.
Isleton, CA
Sacramento County
California state ADU law (Gov Code 65852.2) overrides most local rules. Isleton must allow up to 800 sq ft detached ADUs with 4-foot setbacks. Delta flood zone adds FEMA elevation requirements.
View full Isleton 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 | Isleton | Rancho Cordova |
|---|---|---|
| Detached ADU | Up to 800 sq ft by right | - |
| Setbacks | 4 feet side and rear | - |
| Processing | 60 days maximum | - |
| Flood | FEMA BFE plus 1 foot | - |
| State Law | Gov Code 65852.2 | - |
| 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.
Isleton FAQ
Can Isleton deny my ADU permit?
Not for meeting state minimums. The city must permit an ADU that meets the state law standards within 60 days.
How does flooding affect ADU construction?
Isleton is in FEMA Zone AE. Living space must be elevated to base flood elevation plus 1 foot, or the structure must be flood-resistant.
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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