ADUByCity
Verified March 14, 2026

ADU Regulations in Sacramento, California

Sacramento County · CA · Pop. 525,000

Max ADU Size

1,200

sq ft detached

Rear Setback

4 ft

Permit Timeline

21–60 days

Build Cost

$130,000 – $380,000

Zoning

Allowed ADU Types

✓Detached ADU
✓Attached ADU
✓JADU (Junior ADU)
✓Garage Conversion
Max per lot: 2 ADUs✓ No owner-occupancy required

Sacramento has one of the most streamlined ADU programs in California, actively encouraging construction to address the region's housing shortage

Source: City of Sacramento — Accessory Dwelling Units · Sacramento City Code Chapter 17.228

Dimensions

Size & Setback Requirements

Detached

1,200

sq ft max

JADU

500

sq ft max

Attached

50% of primary home, max 1,200 sq ft

Setbacks

front

Same as primary dwelling

side

4 ft

rear

4 ft

Max height: 16 ft (detached single-story); 24 ft (two-story detached)

Lot coverage: No additional lot coverage restrictions for ADUs under state law

ADUs converting existing permitted structures may maintain existing nonconforming setbacks

Permitting

Permit Process

Department

Sacramento Community Development Department

Review Timeline

21–60 days; Sacramento offers an expedited ADU review track

Permit Fees

$3,500 – $15,000

Impact Fees

Waived for ADUs 750 sq ft and under; school fees may apply

Required Documents

  • ›Permit application
  • ›Site plan (to scale, showing setbacks and all structures)
  • ›Floor plans
  • ›Elevation drawings
  • ›Title 24 energy compliance forms
  • ›Structural drawings (new detached ADUs)

Sacramento has a pre-approved standard plan program — using an approved plan can cut 30+ days off the permit timeline

Visit Sacramento Community Development Department →

Infrastructure

Utilities & Requirements

Solar

Required

Parking

Not required

Separate Meter

Optional

Fire Sprinklers

See note

Sewer: Connect to Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District; hookup fee applies
Fire Sprinklers: Not required for ADUs unless primary dwelling has sprinklers
Parking: No additional parking required for ADUs

SMUD serves most of Sacramento — electrical upgrade requirements vary by existing panel capacity

Financials

ADU Costs in Sacramento

Typical Build Cost

$130,000 – $380,000

Cost per Sq Ft

$220 – $350

Monthly Rental

$1,400 – $3,200/mo

Property Value Added

Adds $150,000 – $300,000 to property value

Available Grants & Programs

  • ★CalHFA ADU Grant Program (up to $40,000 for eligible homeowners)
  • ★Sacramento Regional Housing Authority assistance programs
  • ★SHRA ADU Loan Program for qualifying income-restricted projects

Sacramento offers some of the most affordable ADU construction costs in major California metros; garage conversions typically $75,000–$140,000

Use the free ADU Cost Calculator →

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Disclaimer: Information is compiled from publicly available municipal codes for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal, zoning, or construction advice. Regulations change frequently. Always verify with your local planning department. Last verified: March 14, 2026. Verify with Sacramento Community Development Department

Explore More

Nearby Cities in Sacramento County

Elk Grove

Max 1,200 sq ft · $120,000 – $260,000

Citrus Heights

Max 1,200 sq ft · $140,000 – $285,000

Sacramento Quick Facts

  • Max size1,200 sq ft
  • Rear setback4 ft
  • Permit timeline21–60 days
  • Build cost$130,000 – $380,000
  • Rental income$1,400 – $3,200/mo
  • Owner occupancyNot required

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Official Source

City of Sacramento — Accessory Dwelling Units

Sacramento City Code Chapter 17.228

Last verified: March 14, 2026

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ADU rules change often.

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