ADU Permit Process in Sacramento Explained 2026

If you're a Sacramento homeowner thinking about adding an ADU and the permit process is the thing holding you back, you're not alone. That worry about confusing rules, long waits, city-specific requirements, or unexpected fees is one of the most common roadblocks I hear about when families want extra space for aging parents, adult kids, or rental income that helps with resale value down the line.

The good news is that in 2026, the ADU approval process in Sacramento is more straightforward than it's ever been — thanks to state laws capping review times and local efforts to simplify things. Whether you're in the City of Sacramento, unincorporated Sacramento County, or nearby cities like Elk Grove or Roseville, the process follows a predictable path if you know what to expect.

Let's walk through it step by step, based on the current rules from Sacramento County Planning and the City of Sacramento Development Services — so you can see exactly how to get your ADU permitted without unnecessary stress or delays.

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility & Zoning Before Submitting

Before you spend time on plans, make sure your property qualifies — this is the step that saves the most headaches.

Most single-family lots in the Sacramento area qualify under the 2026 rules:

• No minimum lot size in many cases (state law overrides local restrictions).

• Standard setbacks: 4 feet side/rear for detached units.

• Height limits: 16–25 feet, depending on zone and type.

Quick ways to check:

• Sacramento County — Use the Online Zoning Map or Residential Development Navigation Assistant.

• City of Sacramento — The ADU Resource Center has an address lookup tool that tells you eligibility in seconds.

If your lot is in a primary area like Folsom, Citrus Heights, or Rancho Cordova — or a secondary one like Woodland, Lincoln, or Antioch — the state rules apply with minor local variations.

Families who skip this step sometimes submit plans only to find out later they're not eligible — a big waste of time and money.

For a full eligibility check, our post on can I build an ADU on my property has the tools and details. Get ADU Cost Estimate

Ready to see if your property qualifies and what permitting might cost? Call us & we'll give you a clear picture based on your address.

Step 2: Choose Plans — Pre-Approved vs Custom

This is where many people save weeks (or months) on the approval process.

• Pre-Approved Plans — Both Sacramento County and the City offer "shelf-ready" designs (required by state law since 2025). These are free or low-cost blueprints already vetted for code compliance — studios, one-bedrooms, two-bedrooms, even garage conversions.

  • The county has 10+ options (460 sq ft to 1,184 sq ft).

  • The city has similar programs through its ADU Resource Center.

• Custom Plans — If you need something specific (like accessibility features for aging parents or a unique layout), go custom — but expect a longer review.

Pre-approved plans often get permits in 4–6 weeks instead of the full 60-day cap.

For ideas that fit local lots and qualify for pre-approved options, check out our ADU models — many are based on popular shelf-ready designs.

Step 3: Submit Your ADU Permit Application

Submission is online now — no more paper stacks.

• Sacramento County — Use the Citizen Access Portal (Accela). Upload plans, site map, energy calculations, and pay fees.

• City of Sacramento — Similar online system through Development Services.

Required documents (typical):

• Site plan showing setbacks and utilities

• Floor plans and elevations

• Title 24 energy compliance (CALGreen checklist)

• Structural calculations (for new foundations)

Fees in 2026:

• Plan check: $1,000–$3,000

• Building permit: $2,000–$8,000 (scaled by valuation)

• Impact fees: Often waived or reduced for ADUs under 750 sq ft

State law caps total review at 60 days for complete applications — many pre-approved submissions are faster.

Step 4: Review, Revisions & Approval

After submission:

• Staff reviews for zoning, building code, and fire safety.

• You get comments (usually within 30 days).

• Respond to any revisions — a good contractor handles this quickly.

Once approved, you pay the remaining fees and get your permit. From there, construction can start.

Step 5: Inspections During Construction

Inspections happen at key stages (foundation, framing, rough plumbing/electrical, final). Schedule them through the portal — most are same-day or next-day in Sacramento.

Common inspections:

• Footing/foundation

• Under-floor (if applicable)

• Rough framing/plumbing/electrical

• Insulation

• Final (occupancy)

Pass these, and you get your certificate of occupancy — the green light to use the ADU.

Common Delays & How to Avoid Them

The biggest delays come from incomplete submissions or custom plans that need multiple revisions. Avoid them by:

• Using pre-approved plans

• Having all documents ready upfront

• Working with someone who knows local reviewers

One family in Natomas I know submitted custom plans without energy calculations — it added 6 weeks. Using pre-approved would have cut that in half. Start My ADU Plan

Ready to move forward without the permit stress? Call us, and we'll handle the details and get your application right the first time. Get ADU Cost Estimate

What would the whole project (including permits) cost? Call us — we'll give you a clear, personalized estimate.

For more on costs, see our breakdown of how much to build an ADU.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does the ADU permit process take in Sacramento?

Complete applications are capped at 60 days by state law; pre-approved plans often get approval in 4–6 weeks.

2. What are the permit fees for an ADU in Sacramento?

Plan check and building fees range from $3,000 to $14,000; impact fees are often waived or reduced for units under 750 sq ft.

3. Do I need to use pre-approved plans for an ADU?

No, but they're highly recommended — they speed up review and reduce revision risks.

4. What documents are required for ADU permits in Sacramento?

Site plan, floor plans, energy compliance, structural calculations, and application form — full list on county/city portals.

5. Can I submit ADU permits online in Sacramento?

Yes — both County (Citizen Access) and City have online portals for submission and tracking.