Sacramento offers an excellent balance of affordability and ADU-friendliness. As California's capital, the city has been proactive in adopting state ADU reforms and offers some of the best ROI in the state.
Zoning & Size Requirements
| Allowed Zones | R-1, R-1A, R-1B, R-2, R-2A, R-2B, R-3, R-4, R-5 zones |
| Max Size (Detached) | 1,200 sq ft |
| Max Size (Attached) | 1,200 sq ft or 50% of primary dwelling |
| Max Size (JADU) | 500 sq ft |
| Max Height | 25 ft |
| Max Units | 1 ADU + 1 JADU |
Setback Requirements
| Rear Setback | 4 ft |
| Side Setback | 4 ft |
| Front Setback | Per underlying zone |
| Parking Required | No parking required |
| Owner Occupancy | Not required |
| Min Lot Size | No minimum |
Permit Process & Fees
| Approval Process | Ministerial review |
| Review Timeline | 60 days |
| Permit Fees | $3,000-$10,000 |
| Impact Fees | Waived for units under 750 sq ft |
| Plan Check | Standard review |
| Pre-Approved Plans | Yes — city offers pre-approved ADU plans |
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Construction Costs
| Average Build Cost | $100,000-$250,000 |
| Cost per Sq Ft | $150-$300 |
| Garage Conversion | $60,000-$140,000 |
| Prefab ADU (Installed) | $80,000-$200,000 (installed) |
Finance Your ADU Project
Most ADU projects are funded through HELOCs, construction loans, or cash-out refinancing. Compare rates from top lenders in minutes.
Compare ADU Financing Options →Rental Income Potential
| Avg Rent (1 Bedroom) | $1,300-$1,800/mo |
| Avg Rent (2 Bedroom) | $1,600-$2,200/mo |
| Short-Term Rental | Allowed with permit in certain zones |
| Est. Annual ROI | 8-12% annual return |
Explore Prefab ADU Options
Prefab ADUs can save 20-40% vs. traditional construction and cut build time in half. Compare top prefab manufacturers.
Compare Prefab ADUs →Recent Law Changes
What's Changed Recently
- SB 1211 (Jan 2025): Multifamily expansion
- AB 1033 (2024): Separate sale option
- City launched ADU assistance program (2024)
- Pre-approved plan library expanded (2024)
Tips for Building an ADU in Sacramento
- Sacramento offers the best ROI in California due to low build costs + solid rents
- Pre-approved plans can cut your timeline by months
- Garage conversions are popular and affordable here
- The city's ADU assistance program may offer additional resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Sacramento?
Yes. ADUs are allowed in R-1, R-1A, R-1B, R-2, R-2A, R-2B, R-3, R-4, R-5 zones in Sacramento. The maximum size for a detached ADU is 1,200 sq ft. No owner-occupancy is required.
How much does an ADU cost in Sacramento?
ADU construction in Sacramento typically costs $100,000-$250,000. Garage conversions run $60,000-$140,000, and prefab ADUs cost $80,000-$200,000 (installed).
How much can I rent an ADU for in Sacramento?
Average ADU rents in Sacramento are $1,300-$1,800/mo for a 1-bedroom and $1,600-$2,200/mo for a 2-bedroom unit.
Do I need parking for an ADU in Sacramento?
No parking required. Check with Sacramento planning department for the latest California ADU parking rules, as many states have relaxed requirements in recent years.
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Sacramento?
The permit review timeline in Sacramento is 60 days. Fees range from $3,000-$10,000.
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