ADU Rules: Lincoln vs Rocklin
How do adu rules rules compare between Lincoln, CA and Rocklin, CA?
Lincoln and Rocklin have similar restriction levels.
Lincoln, CA
Placer County
Lincoln regulates Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) under Lincoln Municipal Code Chapter 18.37, which must conform to California Gov. Code §65852.2 (state ADU law). One ADU plus one Junior ADU is permitted by right on single-family lots.
View full Lincoln rules →Rocklin, CA
Placer County
Rocklin Municipal Code Chapter 17.67 (effective March 20, 2020) authorizes Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior ADUs (JADUs) in conformity with Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2 and §65852.22. ADUs are allowed in all residential zones (and certain office/commercial zones with conditions) on lots with an existing or proposed residential use. Detached ADUs are capped at 1,200 sq ft, attached ADUs at 60% of the primary dwelling (with statutory floors of 850 sq ft for studio/1-BR and 1,000 sq ft for 2+ BR), and JADUs at 500 sq ft within an existing or proposed single-family dwelling. Required setbacks are 4 ft side/rear for new detached ADUs, with no additional setback for conversions of existing structures. Detached ADUs may be 16 ft tall (18 ft near transit/multifamily). ADUs are exempt from density calculations and from lot-coverage rules at 800 sq ft or less, and may not be sold separately from the primary residence.
View full Rocklin rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lincoln | Rocklin |
|---|---|---|
| Code section | LMC Chapter 18.37 | - |
| Max ADU size (state floor) | 850-1,000 sq ft | - |
| Max JADU size | 500 sq ft | - |
| Side/rear setback | 4 feet | 4 ft for new detached ADUs; 0 ft for conversions |
| Max height (detached) | 16 feet | - |
| Approval type | Ministerial (by right) | - |
| Pre-approved plans | Yes (AB 1332) | - |
| Code chapter | - | RMC Chapter 17.67 (effective March 20, 2020) |
| State enabling law | - | Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2 (ADU); §65852.22 (JADU) |
| Detached ADU max size | - | 1,200 sq ft |
| Attached ADU floors | - | Up to 850 sq ft (studio/1-BR) or 1,000 sq ft (2+ BR) guaranteed by state law |
| JADU max size | - | 500 sq ft, conversion only within single-family dwelling |
| Height | - | 16 ft detached (18 ft near transit corridors or multifamily) |
| Density / lot coverage | - | Exempt from density; lot coverage exempt at 800 sq ft or less |
| Separate sale | - | Prohibited except as allowed by Gov. Code §65852.26 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lincoln FAQ
How many ADUs can I build on my Lincoln single-family lot?
Under state law applied through LMC Chapter 18.37, you may build one ADU plus one JADU on a single-family lot. Multifamily lots have separate allowances.
Does Lincoln have stricter ADU rules than state law?
No. Local rules must conform to Cal. Gov. Code §65852.2 floors. Lincoln cannot impose minimum lot size, restrictive setbacks beyond 4 feet, or owner-occupancy on ADUs permitted between Jan 1, 2020 and Jan 1, 2025.
What is an AB 1332 pre-approved plan?
Lincoln offers city-vetted ADU plans (1BR 661 sq ft, 2BR 746 sq ft) that receive expedited 30-day approval per AB 1332. Contact permittech@lincolnca.gov.
Rocklin FAQ
Where in Rocklin's code are ADUs regulated?
Rocklin Municipal Code Chapter 17.67 ('Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units'), with the definition at RMC §17.04.015. The chapter was amended in line with state law and became effective March 20, 2020.
Where can I build an ADU in Rocklin?
ADUs are permitted in all residential zones, and (with additional requirements) in certain office/commercial zones, on any lot that has an existing or proposed residential use, per RMC Chapter 17.67.
How big can my ADU be?
Detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft; attached ADUs up to 60% of the primary dwelling capped at 1,200 sq ft, with state-mandated floors of 850 sq ft (studio/1-BR) or 1,000 sq ft (2+ BR); JADUs up to 500 sq ft.
Can I sell my ADU separately from my house?
No. Per RMC Chapter 17.67, an ADU 'may not be sold or otherwise conveyed separate from the primary residence' except in the limited circumstances allowed by Cal. Gov. Code §65852.26 (qualified nonprofit/affordable housing sales).
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