Can I Build an ADU on My Property in Sacramento?
- Result Construction
- 20 hours ago
- 5 min read
Hey, so you’re standing in your yard or looking out the window, wondering if you can actually add an ADU to your Sacramento property. Maybe it’s for your parents so they can stay close but have their own space, or for your grown-up kids who need a place without moving to another city, or you’re just thinking about that extra rental income that could help with the mortgage and make your home worth more later. I get it — that question “can I build an ADU on my property” is where almost everyone starts, and it’s smart to ask it early because the answer is usually yes, but there are a few things you need to know so you don’t waste time or get surprised.
From what I’ve seen, helping people around Sacramento — Elk Grove, Roseville, Folsom, Citrus Heights, Rancho Cordova, West Sac, Natomas, Carmichael, Fair Oaks, and even spots like Vacaville, Davis, Woodland, Rocklin, Lincoln, Vallejo, Antioch — most single-family homes can add an ADU in 2026. California has made the rules pretty friendly over the last few years, and Sacramento County and the City follow along with only small local differences.
Let me just lay it out for you like we’re talking over the fence — no fancy terms, just the real stuff you need to check.
Quick Answer: Yes, Most Properties Qualify — Here’s Why
The state law (Government Code § 65852.2) says almost every single-family lot in California can have at least one ADU, and Sacramento follows that closely. There’s no big minimum parcel size anymore — even smaller lots often work. The main things you need are:
A primary single-family home on the lot (already built or planned)
Residential zoning (most R-1, R-2, etc., zones are fine)
Enough space to meet basic setbacks and height rules
That’s it for the big picture. No need for a huge yard or special zoning. I’ve seen tiny lots in Natomas and bigger ones in Roseville, both of which qualify without drama.
Zoning Rules & Parcel Size: What Actually Matters in Sacramento
Zoning is where people get nervous, but it’s not as complicated as it looks. Sacramento County and the City both allow ADUs “by right” on single-family lots — meaning if you meet the basics, they can’t say no.
Typical rules you’ll run into:
Parcel Size — No strict minimum anymore. State law overrides older local rules that required big lots. Even 5,000–6,000 sq ft parcels often work fine.
Setbacks — 4 feet minimum on sides and rear for new detached units. Attached or conversions usually follow your main house’s setbacks (no extra buffer).
Height — 16 feet for most detached backyard units; up to 25 feet for attached ones in many zones.
Lot Coverage — Varies by zone, but state law says local coverage rules can’t block reasonable ADUs.
Parking — No extra parking required for the ADU in most cases (especially near transit).
To see what applies to your exact address, go to the Sacramento County Online Map Viewer or the City’s ADU Resource Center — type in your street, and it shows zoning, setbacks, and eligibility in seconds.
A neighbor in Fair Oaks thought his lot was too small — checked the map and found out he qualified for a 600 sq ft detached unit with no issues. Saved him months of guessing.
For a step-by-step on checking your own property, our guide on can I build an ADU on my property has the exact links and process.
Get ADU Eligibility Check
Not sure if your lot qualifies? Call us — we’ll look up your address and tell you straight whether you can build an ADU and what type works best.
Types of ADUs You Can Build on Your Sacramento Property
Once you know you qualify, the next question is usually “what kind can I build?” Here are the main options that work on most local lots:
Detached ADU (backyard unit) — Standalone cottage-style home in the yard. Up to 1,200 sq ft, full kitchen/bath, private entrance. Great for privacy.
Attached ADU — Connected to your main house (shared wall). Up to 1,200 sq ft or 50% of the main house size. Easier access for the family.
Garage Conversion ADU — Turn your existing garage into a living space. Cheapest and fastest — no new foundation.
JADU (Junior ADU) — Small unit (max 500 sq ft) inside your home. Lowest cost, quickest approval.
All of these are allowed on most single-family lots in Sacramento — no special zoning needed beyond the basics.
For real examples of what these look like on local properties, check out our ADU models — they’ve got layouts sized for typical Sacramento yards.
Start My ADU Project
If your property checks out and you’re ready to start planning, call, we’ll help you pick the right type and get a realistic idea of what’s possible.
What Happens If Your Property Doesn’t Qualify?
It’s rare, but it can happen. Common reasons a lot won’t qualify:
No primary single-family home (vacant land doesn’t work)
Certain historic districts or specific plan overlays (very few in Sacramento)
Multifamily zoning with stricter rules (most single-family is fine)
Even then, there are usually workarounds or exceptions — a good local builder can spot them early. If you’re worried about this, our post on what is an ADU in California explains the basics and has more on exceptions.
Get ADU Eligibility Check
Want to know for sure if your property qualifies? Call us & we’ll check it for you and explain your options in plain English.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I build an ADU on my property in Sacramento?
Yes — most single-family lots qualify in 2026 under state and local rules. No minimum parcel size in many cases.
2. What are the main zoning rules for ADUs in Sacramento?
4-foot side/rear setbacks for detached units, 16–25 foot height limits, no extra parking often required, owner-occupancy not needed for most new ADUs.
3. Does parcel size matter for ADU eligibility?
Not as much as you think — state law overrides strict local minimums. Even smaller lots usually qualify.
4. What setbacks apply to ADUs in Sacramento?
Typically, 4 feet on sides and rear for new detached units; attached or conversions follow the main house’s setbacks.
5. How do I check if my property is eligible for an ADU?
Use the Sacramento County Online Map Viewer or City ADU Resource Center — enter your address for instant zoning and eligibility info.
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