ADU Permits: Lincoln vs Rocklin
How do adu permits rules compare between Lincoln, CA and Rocklin, CA?
Lincoln has fewer restrictions than Rocklin.
Lincoln, CA
Placer County
Lincoln issues ADU permits ministerially (no discretionary review) through the Building Division. Applications must be approved or denied within 60 days of a complete submission per Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(b), or 30 days when using an AB 1332 pre-approved plan.
View full Lincoln rules →Rocklin, CA
Placer County
ADUs and JADUs in Rocklin are approved ministerially (no discretionary review or public hearing) under RMC Chapter 17.67, consistent with Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(b)'s 60-day review mandate. Applicants submit a building-permit application to the Rocklin Building Division (building@rocklin.ca.us) with a dimensioned site plan, floor plans, and Title 24 solar drawings; zoning questions go to the Planning Division (planner@rocklin.ca.us / (916) 625-5160). Rocklin's Permit-Ready ADU Program, adopted in response to AB 1332 (Gov. Code §65852.27), publishes pre-approved ADU plan sets reviewed by the Building Department; complete applications using these plans are targeted for approval within 30 days. An ADU may not be occupied until a Certificate of Occupancy (or Temporary CO) is issued by the Building Division. Address numbers for ADUs are assigned at building-permit issuance.
View full Rocklin rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lincoln | Rocklin |
|---|---|---|
| Permit required | Yes (building permit) | - |
| Review type | Ministerial (no discretionary review) | Ministerial — no hearing, no discretion |
| Standard approval time | 60 days (state max) | - |
| Pre-approved plan time | 30 days | - |
| Contact | permittech@lincolnca.gov / (916) 434-2470 | - |
| Building Division | Lincoln Community Development | - |
| State review deadline | - | 60 days from complete application (Gov. Code §65852.2(b)(1)) |
| Permit-Ready target | - | 30-day approval for complete applications using pre-approved plans |
| Building intake | - | building@rocklin.ca.us / Rocklin Permit Center |
| Planning intake | - | planner@rocklin.ca.us / (916) 625-5160 |
| Address assignment | - | Issued with the building permit; JADUs do not get a separate address |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lincoln FAQ
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Lincoln?
The City must approve or deny a complete ADU application within 60 days under Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(b)(1). AB 1332 pre-approved plans are decided within 30 days.
Can my ADU application be denied for design reasons?
No. Lincoln must approve any ADU meeting Chapter 18.37 and state-floor standards. The City cannot impose discretionary design review on ADUs per Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(b).
Who do I contact for an ADU permit in Lincoln?
Email permittech@lincolnca.gov or call the Building Division at (916) 434-2470.
Rocklin FAQ
Do I need a planning hearing for my ADU?
No. RMC Chapter 17.67 and Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2(b)(1) require ministerial approval — no public hearing, no CEQA review. The City must act within 60 days of a complete application.
What are Permit-Ready ADUs?
Pre-approved ADU plan sets published by the City (rocklin.ca.us/permit-ready-adus) under AB 1332 / Gov. Code §65852.27. Using one lets a complete application clear in about 30 days instead of running a full custom plan-check.
Who do I contact to apply?
Building permits and fee estimates: building@rocklin.ca.us. Zoning and ADU eligibility questions: planner@rocklin.ca.us or the Planning Division at (916) 625-5160.
Do I need fire sprinklers in my ADU?
Per Gov. Code §65852.2(a)(1)(D)(xv), the City may not require sprinklers in an ADU if they are not required in the primary dwelling. Rocklin follows that rule under RMC Chapter 17.67 and the California Residential Code.
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