The first step in planning your ADU is to determine if your property is eligible for an ADU. 

Action Items:

• Look up the zoning information on your lot

• Determine if ADUs are allowed on your property

INSTANTLY FIND OUT IF AN ADU IS ALLOWED ON YOUR PROPERTY

Symbium Build is a free tool that can instantly determine if an ADU is allowed on your property, explore different locations and designs for your ADU, and learn how much it could roughly cost.

ZONING & ADUs

What is zoning?

Zoning is how cities regulate the physical development of land and use of property. All properties have a zoning designation that determines the allowed uses, as well as the physical standards for development, such as height and setbacks. 

How many ADUs can I build on my property?

Under state law (Gov’t Code §65852.2) (as restated at City Code Section 17.228.105(G)), a homeowner may construct up to three dwelling units (in addition to the primary dwelling unit). These units may consist of one attached or converted ADU, one detached ADU, and one junior ADU.  Additionally, the owners of multi-unit dwellings may convert up to 25-percent of the portions of the existing multi-unit dwellings that are not used as livable space. 

Property owners have the option of using the above State law provisions or may choose to proceed under the City’s ministerial review process for ADUs codified at City Code Section 17.228.105(A) to (F).  There are benefits to both options and property owners will need to consider both carefully to decide which best meets their needs.

WHAT ARE THE CITY OF SACRAMENTO'S ADU ZONING REQUIREMENTS?

Below are general depictions of the City's ADU zoning requirements for attached and detached ADUs. Please visit Sacramento City Code Section 17.228.105 for a full list of zoning requirements.

Detached ADU Zoning Requirements

A. Size (Floor Area): Maximum of 1,200 square feet in combined total.

B. Setbacks: All ADU’s must comply with the minimum front yard setback of the property’s zone. 3-foot minimum interior side and rear yard setbacks are required if the entire ADU is less than 60 feet from the front property line. No interior side or rear yard setback if the entire ADU is at least 60 feet from the front property line.

C. Separation: Detached ADUs must be at least 4 feet from each other or the primary residence.

Attached ADU Zoning Requirements

A. Size (Floor Area): 50% of primary residence or 850 square feet or 1,000 square feet with 2+ bedrooms, whichever is greater.

B. Setbacks: All ADU’s must comply with the minimum front yard setback of the property’s zone. 3-foot minimum interior side and rear yard setbacks are required if the entire ADU is less than 60 feet from the front property line. No interior side or rear yard setback if the entire ADU is at least 60 feet from the front property line.

Detached and Attached ADU Zoning Requirements

A. Size (Floor Area) - Detached ADU: Maximum of 1,200 square feet in combined total.

B. Size (Floor Area) - Attached ADU: 50% of primary residence or 850 square feet or 1,000 square feet with 2+ bedrooms, whichever is greater.

C. Setbacks: All ADU’s must comply with the minimum front yard setback of the property’s zone. 3-foot minimum interior side and rear yard setbacks are required if the entire ADU is less than 60 feet from the front property line. No interior side or rear yard setback if the entire ADU is at least 60 feet from the front property line.

What are historic districts?

There are 30 historic districts within the City, most of which are located in the urban core. ADUs are allowed within historic districts and must comply with the City's Historic District Plans and Design Guidelines and the Secretary of the Interior's Standards. ADUs on landmark properties will need to be reviewed by the Preservation Director. Find out if your property is a historic landmark or within a historic district on our Land Information Lookup App.

STEP 2: DETERMINE PROJECT GOALS AND YOUR DEVELOPMENT TEAM

It's important to understand what goals you have for your ADU and if you want to hire an architect or contractor to help through the process.