Accessory Structures in Sacramento County, CA (2026)

Sacramento County Zoning Code § 3.9.3.D

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are residential units intended for ongoing habitation, independent of the primary residential dwelling. Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs) are residential units intended for ongoing habitation, located completely within the primary dwelling and sharing some cooking, common area, and/or sanitary facilities with the primary dwelling. JADUs may not be used for...

Sacramento County Code § 16.91.100 (see also § 16.91.040 fee schedule)

The following Development Projects shall not be subject to the SCTMFP fee: A. Accessory Dwelling Units less than 750 square feet. ... Fee is based on the ratio of the floor area of the ADU compared to the primary unit, times the fee that would be charged on the primary unit, if the primary unit was being newly built.

Sacramento County Zoning Code § 5.4.5.B, Table 5.11, "Owner-occupancy JADU" row

The property owner must occupy either the primary dwelling or JADU. Owner occupancy is not required if the owner is a governmental agency, land trust, or housing organization. Recordation of Deed Restriction- JADU A Deed Restriction shall be recorded that prohibits sale of the JADU separate from the sale of the single-family residence and restricts the size and attributes of the JADU to confo...

Sacramento County Zoning Code § 3.9.3.D

An ADU shall not be used for short-term rental/lodging purposes (30 days or less) unless it was legally permitted as an ADU prior to January 1, 2020. JADUs shall not be used for short-term renal/lodging purposes (30 days or less) in any circumstance. 3.9.3.E. Family Contractor’s Business Section titled “3.9.3.E. Family Contractor’s Business” The purpose of this Section is to provide for the ...

Sacramento County Code § 16.02.090 (Residential Code § R105.2, item 11)

11. Animal Shelters used for housing livestock and residential pets shall be exempt from building permit requirements provided Zoning Code requirements are met, and the structure complies with the following guidelines: A. Residential Pet Structures. 1. The structure is not an Agricultural Building as defined in Section 202 of the Building Code. 2. The structure shall not be used for huma...

Sacramento County Zoning Code § 5.4.5.B, Table 5.11

Conversion of Covered Parking. When a garage, carport, or covered parking structure is demolished or converted in conjunction with the construction of an accessory dwelling unit, replacement parking shall not be required and may be located in any configuration on the same lot as the accessory dwelling unit.