ADU Rules: Rocklin vs Roseville
How do adu rules rules compare between Rocklin, CA and Roseville, CA?
Rocklin and Roseville have similar restriction levels.
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 →Roseville, CA
Placer County
Roseville permits ADUs on residential lots per state mandate. The city processes ADU applications within 60 days per state law. West Roseville's newer subdivisions see growing ADU interest. Standard state setbacks and size limits apply.
View full Roseville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Rocklin | Roseville |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Side/rear setback | 4 ft for new detached ADUs; 0 ft for conversions | - |
| 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 | - |
| Max Size | - | Up to 1,200 sq ft |
| Setbacks | - | 4 ft rear/side minimum |
| Processing | - | 60 days per state law |
| JADU | - | Up to 500 sq ft allowed |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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).
Roseville FAQ
Can I build an ADU?
Yes. California law requires all cities to allow ADUs on residential lots. Roseville must process permits within 60 days.
Do I need to live on the property?
No owner-occupancy requirement for ADUs under current California law.
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