Accessory Structures in Sacramento County, CA (2026)

5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 14 cities in Sacramento County, California.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Sacramento County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply — see the city list below.

ADU Rules

In unincorporated Sacramento County, Zoning Code Section 5.4.5.B allows one ADU and one JADU on a single-family lot. A detached ADU may reach 1,200 sq ft; an attached ADU is capped at 50 percent of the home or 800 sq ft, whichever is greater. Detached units are limited to 16 ft tall with 4-foot side and rear setbacks.

Sacramento County Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules

Few Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Shed Rules

In unincorporated Sacramento County, Zoning Code Section 5.4.5.A limits residential accessory structures such as sheds to 16 feet tall with a 3-foot side and rear setback and 20-foot front setback. Minor sheds 120 sq ft or smaller and under 9 feet may sit on the property line. Total accessory area is tied to home size and lot size.

Sacramento County Shed and Detached Accessory Structure Rules

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Garage Conversions

In unincorporated Sacramento County, converting an existing garage into an ADU or JADU is allowed under Zoning Code Section 5.4.5.B. A converted ADU may equal the existing structure's area plus 150 sq ft for entry; when a garage is converted to an ADU, no replacement parking is required and existing setbacks may remain.

Sacramento County Garage Conversion Rules

Few Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Carport Rules

In unincorporated Sacramento County, a detached residential carport is treated as an accessory structure under Zoning Code Section 5.4.5.A: maximum 16 feet tall, 3-foot interior side and rear setbacks, and a 20-foot front setback. The county does not mandate covered parking for existing single-family homes, so a carport is optional.

Sacramento County Carport Rules

Some Restrictions

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Tiny Homes

Unincorporated Sacramento County has no separate 'tiny home' ordinance. A tiny house on a permanent foundation is regulated as an ADU under Zoning Code Section 5.4.5.B (min 150 sq ft, up to 1,200 sq ft detached, 16 ft tall). A non-cooking detached structure may instead be a guest house limited to 500 sq ft.