5 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Solano County, California.
Verified from official government sources
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 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 ...
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 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).
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 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.
Unincorporated Solano County's zoning code addresses carports mainly through residential parking standards. Each primary dwelling must have a two-car enclosed garage; carports may count as covered/uncovered parking in some contexts and must meet accessory-structure setbacks. There is no standalone carport ordinance.
Unincorporated Solano County has no separate 'tiny home' ordinance. A tiny house on a permanent foundation is regulated as an ADU or dwelling under Chapter 28; movable tiny houses on wheels are treated as recreational vehicles and cannot be used as permanent residences outside permitted situations.
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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