Accessory Structures in Solano County, CA (2026)
5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Solano County, California.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Unincorporated Solano County allows ADUs and JADUs by right on residential lots in rural residential (R-R) and residential-traditional community (R-TC) districts. The County's ADU ordinance (Ch. 28) follows California state ADU law, with four-foot side and rear setbacks and limited parking demands.
Solano County Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Rules
Some RestrictionsSolano County Code Chapter 28 (Zoning Regulations), Ordinance 2020-1817
An accessory dwelling unit shall not be established on a lot unless the lot is within an R-R or R-TC zoning district. Minimum setbacks to all property lines shall be at least 10 feet, with additional setback requirements determined by the Solano County Planning Division. An accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit may be rented separate from the primary dwelling but may not be ...
ADU Owner Occupancy
Solano County requires the property owner to live in either the primary home or the junior accessory dwelling unit before a JADU can be built, per Section 28.72.10(B)(2)(q)(1), unless the owner is a government agency, land trust, or housing organization; standalone ADUs carry no such occupancy condition.
Solano County JADU Owner-Occupancy Rule
Some RestrictionsSolano County Code § 28.72.10(B)(2)(q)(1)-(2)
q. Additional Requirements for Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (1) Either the primary dwelling or the junior accessory dwelling unit shall be occupied by the property owner, unless the owner is a governmental agency, land trust, or housing organization. (2) Prior to construction of the junior accessory dwelling unit, the property owner shall record a deed restriction, which shall run...
ADU Rental Restrictions
When a Solano County lot carries both an accessory dwelling unit and a junior accessory dwelling unit, Section 28.72.10(B)(2)(p)(4) bars renting either unit for less than 30 days, closing off short-term or vacation-rental use of that combined pair even though a standalone ADU faces no such floor.
Solano County ADU-JADU 30-Day Rental Rule
Some RestrictionsSolano County Code § 28.72.10(B)(2)(p)
p. Accessory Dwelling Unit and Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit on Same Lot. An accessory dwelling unit and a junior accessory dwelling unit are not allowed on the same lot unless all of the following requirements are met: (1) The accessory dwelling unit is detached from the primary dwelling and complies with all applicable development standards. (2) The accessory dwelling unit does no...
Shed & Carport Rules
In unincorporated Solano County, a one-story detached storage or tool shed of 120 square feet or less with no utilities is exempt from a building permit. Sheds must still meet zoning setbacks - generally at least 10 feet from property lines and 10 feet from the main dwelling.
Solano County Shed Rules
Some RestrictionsSolano County Building & Safety Services Permit Exemption (per California Building Code Section 105.2 as adopted)
One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and other similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet, and the structure has no utilities (electrical, mechanical, plumbing).
Garage Conversions
Unincorporated Solano County allows garage conversions to ADUs or JADUs under Chapter 28 consistent with California ADU law. Conversions of existing legal space require no additional setbacks, but each primary dwelling must still be served by a two-car enclosed garage.
Solano County Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsSolano County Code Chapter 28 (per Ordinance 2020-1817) and Solano County Building & Safety Services Fee Schedule
No additional setback shall be required for an accessory dwelling unit that is converted from an existing legally established structure or constructed in the same location and to the same dimensions as an existing structure. Conversion of accessory structures requires a building permit, including five inspections.
Accessory Structures by City in Solano County
3 cities in Solano County have their own accessory structures rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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