Sacramento ADU Regulations: A Comprehensive Guide 2025

If you are looking to get extra living space and upgrade your property by building a backyard ADU or starting a garage conversion project, you should first arm yourself with comprehensive knowledge of the current Sacramento ADU laws. This article will help you make a mindful decision.

Today, Sacramento is a leading community in California in terms of progressive accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations aimed at utmost accessibility and universality for the residents. The demand for reasonably-priced housing units and effective use of territory has prompted the authorities to implement supporting measures for individual developers, renters and homeowners and revise ADU regulations in their favor, and not without bringing palpable benefits for the entire community. 

Below is a comprehensive table outlining key regulatory conditions for three types of Accessory Dwelling Units in Sacramento.  

What is an ADU

Speaking of Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) laws and policies, you should first, get acquainted with the definition of this type of housing and consider what dwelling units in California fall into the category of ADUs. In a nutshell, an ADU is a secondary, isolated residential unit that shares the same lot with a main dwelling unit.

Having gained huge popularity across the country, a wide variety of forms make ADUs versatile housing options for many Sacramento residents, too. However, while being legal under California law, not all residentially zoned lots can qualify for ADU construction. Accessory dwelling units remain a vital instrument in covering local housing needs in Sacramento and beyond.

Let us consider the most common ADU configurations and tell the difference:

• Detached ADU: These structures often occupy the backyard territory and have no connection with the primary unit; hence, the name. Among the benefits of such ADUs are extended privacy and rental flexibility, favorable conditions for accommodating tenants and large families, and short-period rental operations — in accordance with local rules.
• Attached units: These structures serve to extend the primary unit and share one or several walls with the latter.
• Garage conversion ADUs: As is derived from the name, this type of ADU represents an existing garage structure rebuilt into a space suitable for accommodating residents with comfort. Cost-effectiveness, paired with the absence of necessity to build extra foundations and walls, makes this ADU type a well-weighed option. Detached garages can be transformed into separate dwelling units, as attached garages — into attached ADUs, making garage conversion a versatile option for homeowners. Garage conversions can be compact, some as small as 150 sq. ft., provided they meet all applicable building code requirements.
• Interior conversions (e.g., attics, basements): Having some part of your existing primary dwelling unit repurposed and reconstructed can be a smart move towards creating extra property value and diversifying living and rental options. No major exterior modifications are involved.
• Junior ADUs (JADUs): According to local regulations, JADUs should occupy no more than 500 sq. ft., be part of a single-family unit and share its walls, have a separate entrance, and include a kitchen area. Such structures are ideal for long-term tenancy and accommodation for live-in family members, cutting costs and having a positive impact on housing density in the community.

ADU Benefits

Sacramento property owners and the community, in general, can enjoy the benefits of building Accessory Dwelling Units. Here are the most celebrated advantages:

• Increased property value: Creating ADUs boosts the overall value of housing units and provides additional space for dwellers and extra income opportunities for owners.
• Cost effective housing: Ideal for individuals as well as communities, ADUs provide reasonably priced rental options in existing neighborhoods without expansive building and extensive payments.
• Multigenerational living: A beneficial option for accommodating extended families, with individuality and privacy intact.
• Extended efficiency of community land use: ADUs embrace denser housing development without affecting the overall neighborhood character.
• Sustainability: ADUs, being smaller dwelling units, use less energy and fewer amounts of resources, including construction materials and maintenance approaches.
• Flexibility of use: ADUs can serve as modern home offices, comfortable guest suites, or beneficial long-term dwellings for rentals.

Can I Build an ADU in Sacramento

Most residentially zoned territory lots in Sacramento are eligible for building at least one accessory dwelling unit. Sacramento’s zoning code allows ADUs on R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4 zoned parcels. Homeowners have an opportunity to create a detached ADU, consider attachment to their primary living unit, and undertake a conversion of an already existing structure into an ADU.

Let’s explore what features a lot should have to qualify for ADU building in Sacramento:

• The lot must contain or propose a primary dwelling unit.
• The lot must meet standard development regulations, including lot coverage rules, maximum height, and setback demands.

You can determine ADU eligibility and find out more details by consulting Sacramento’s ADU Resource Center. There, you can consider shelf-ready ADU plans, community zoning maps, and take advantage of property review tools.

Feel free to reach out to A+ Construction, a leading ADU contractor in Sacramento. We’ll meet you at your site, provide a free assessment and help you find the ideal solution for your property. Our certified ADU specialists are there for you to answer any questions you may have about regulations and requirements.

Keep in mind that properties in historic districts or special overlays may require additional review and consultation.

Sacramento ADU laws and regulations in 2025

Sacramento has adopted progressive ADU regulations to make the development process more streamlined and cater to the homeowner audience’s needs. For one, thanks to state bill AB 1332, in cities with 200,000 residents, a pre-approved ADU program is available. AB 2533 prohibits cities from requiring correction of ADUs that were built without a permit before Jan 1, 2020 if the structure meets certain health and safety standards. But it doesn’t guarantee permit approval without inspection, limiting cities from forcing demolition if safety standards are met.

Under state law (Gov Code §65852.2), up to two detached ADUs per multifamily lot (not per unit) are allowed. Interior conversions are based on the number of existing units, but detached ADUs are capped at 2 per lot.

Under California Building Code, solar panels are required for newly constructed detached ADUs, unless exempt (e.g., due to shading or infeasibility). This does not apply to conversions or JADUs.

In 2025, Sacramento has worked with California’s HCD to promote awareness of ADUs through updated design guidelines.

Below is a breakdown of the key requirements that affect Sacramento homeowners and ADU developers in 2025. Please note that some site-specific questions may involve additional city planning consultation.

1. Unit Types Allowed in Sacramento

Sacramento laws allow local homeowners to consider various ADU formats to build:

• Detached ADU: Structures separated from the main dwelling unit.
• Attached ADU: Structures added to the primary unit.
• Garage conversions: A garage transformed into a living space.
• Interior conversions: Already existing areas transformed for dwelling purposes.
• Junior ADUs (JADUs): These can span structures measuring up to 500 sq. ft., being part of the existing residential unit, with a separate entrance and a kitchen in place.

2. Maximum Unit Size

Let’s take a look at the biggest accessory dwelling unit sizes that are allowed in Sacramento, as distinguished by type.

Keep in mind that current size limits may vary depending on zoning regulations, physical location, and lot measurements. What’s more, local development standards may be in place for specific types of dwellings, such as flag lots or corner properties.

3. ADU Height Limits

ADU height limits differ depending on the type of dwelling unit and vary based on individual factors, like location and currently active zoning policies.

1. Detached ADUs: In Sacramento, one is allowed to build this ADU type as tall as 16 feet by default. A height of 18 feet is allowed for structures located within 0.5 miles of public transit. ADUs located on multi-family lots may also fall into this category.
2. Attached ADUs: In the case of this ADU option, one should take into account the primary structure’s zoning height limits, which are often around 25–35 feet in Sacramento.
3. Two-story ADUs: Authorities may allow building this dwelling type after discretionary review. They may also be permitted in some specific zoning districts.

4. Setback Requirements

Let us take a glance at setback requirements for ADUs in Sacramento:

Irregularly shaped properties or small-sized lots may receive setback waivers based on particular grounds: case in point, if an ADU is under 800 sq. ft.

5. Parking Requirements

Convenient parking is essential for the overall comfort of the homeowner. However, one should embrace the community interests and comply with the local policies. There are times when having an additional parking lot is mandatory — as it is for ADUs in Sacramento.

However, additional parking is not mandatory when:

• Your ADU is within at least 0.5 miles of public transportation
• The ADU is part of a garage or internal conversion
• The lot is in a district of historic heritage with limited street access

If parking is mandatory, it may assume the shape of tandem parking or be part of an existing driveway. However, replacement parking is not compulsory for an existing garage conversion.

6. Building Permits and Fees

Permits are a must-have for all ADU projects in Sacramento. Electrical, plumbing and structural works also require permission. The authorities must either approve or deny complete applications within 60 days.

As to the fees, here are some details:

• One may have impact fees waived for units measuring under 750 sq. ft.
• Plan check, permit, and utility connection fees still apply and vary depending on the scope of work involved.

Regular permit-related costs for a standard 600 sq. ft. ADU range from $3,000 to $9,000, depending on the project’s complexity.

7. Design Requirements

As to design variability, Sacramento’s objective design standards are still for every homeowner to heed. These may limit your individuality but ensure your ADU’s compatibility with other homes in your neighborhood.

Here are the factors to consider:

• Exterior materials (should match or complement the primary residence)
• Roof pitch and eaves
• Entryway visibility and location
• Window alignment and privacy considerations
• Architectural details

These standards still allow for architectural flexibility in ADU construction to a certain extent, but the core is in harmonious uniformity.

Our experienced A+ Construction ADU Builders designers will create a custom ADU design that will perfectly complement your main dwelling unit, ensuring aesthetic and increasing the overall value of your property.

8. Utilities and Infrastructure

While utility connection costs may be different due to individual details of an ADU project, the average homeowner is looking at somewhere between $5,000–$15,000 for upgrades.

• Of course, ADUs may share water, sewer, and electrical utilities with the main unit, however it is possible to have them installed separately.
• The capacity of existing systems must undergo a careful assessment by a licensed contractor or engineer. This might help to cut costs and avoid additional expenditures in the long run.
• Depending on location and site conditions, such details as backflow preventers, upgraded sewer laterals, or new connections can be mandatory to avert the surge.

9. Owner Occupancy Rules

As of 2025:

• Owner occupancy is not required for either ADUs or JADUs due to permanent changes from AB 976
• Both units may be legally rented out separately on long-term grounds (30 days or beyond)

This rule makes ADU investment more accessible and beneficial to landlords and owners of non-owner-occupied properties.

10. Property Taxes

A partial reassessment of the new construction provided by the Sacramento County Assessor’s Office may follow the ADU addition procedure. This measure does not apply to the entire property.

If you are about to have a 600 sq. ft. ADU built on your lot, valued as high as $150,000, you should get ready to spend around $1,500 in annual property taxes. Luckily, the base tax rate doesn’t change for the original structure.

New ADU Laws in 2025

California’s authorities keep ADU growth among the top priorities, issuing beneficial local policies in an effort to support residents and build a harmonious environment while rising to the challenges of modern housing.

Here are some important ADU law updates for 2025:

• AB 1033: Allows cities to permit separate sale of ADUs as condominiums. Sacramento is reviewing a local ordinance to enable this in select zoning areas.
• SB 897: Raises maximum height for detached ADUs near transit corridors to 25 feet in some circumstances, allowing for the construction of multi-story units.
• AB 976: Permanently turns down the owner-occupancy requirement for ADUs permitted after January 1, 2020
• AB 2221: Streamlines interpretation of local development standards and clarifies the definitions of ADUs, increasing utmost transparency in approvals and permits.
• AB 1154: Limiting local discretion aims at simplifying the approval process for small-sized ADUs measuring under 500 sq. ft. It applies to Junior ADUs in particular.

These newly reshaped policies serve to reduce barriers for ADU owners and owners-to-be, help expand the rental housing market, and bring beneficial financial opportunities for property owners in Sacramento.

Sacramento ADU laws: Takeaway

Anyone looking to build a detached ADU, convert a garage, or invest in shelf-ready ADU plans should first embrace current regulations. Sacramento’s updated ADU policies in 2025 reflect a broader commitment to housing diversity, spur and fuel urban development strategies, and aim to provide economic flexibility for residents.

With reduced barriers, a faster permitting process, and expanded development rights, Sacramento property owners have assumed a favorable position to contribute to the city’s housing goals while benefiting from added value and increased rental income.

Avoid the stress of navigating regulations and permit filings — build your ADU with A+ Construction. We’re Sacramento’s leading ADU experts, handling your project from preparing plans and submitting permits to delivering a fully completed ADU.