What are the requirements to build ADU in Sacramento City?
Constructing an ADU in Sacramento City allows you to expand your living space and enhance property value, including potential resale value. To ensure the project's success, it's vital to understand Sacramento City's local regulations and thoroughly assess the financial aspects of construction. This guide offers comprehensive insights into Sacramento City's ADU regulations and essential financial considerations, assisting you in planning and executing your project effectively.
Number of ADUs on a property
How many ADUs can you build in Sacramento City?
In Sacramento City, you can build 1 ADU per lot with a proposed or existing single-unit dwelling.
How many ADUs does Sacramento City allow for multifamily properties?
Multifamily properties in Sacramento City can have either one ADU or 25% of the existing units, whichever is greater, but no more than 2 detached ADUs in total.
Setbacks for an ADU
What are the setbacks required for an ADU in Sacramento City?
In Sacramento City, ADUs should comply with street side-yard setbacks. Additional requirements are:
a. For ADUs within 60 feet of the front property line, they should meet front-yard setback requirements and have at least 3-foot interior side-yard and rear-yard setbacks.
b. For ADUs beyond 60 feet from the front property line:
- First floor: No setback required.
- Second floor and above: Should have at least 3-foot interior side-yard and rear-yard setbacks.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must be from existing structures?
The minimum distance an ADU should be from existing structures in Sacramento City is 4 feet.
Are setbacks required if converting existing structures into ADU?
No, setbacks are not required if converting existing structures into an ADU in Sacramento City.
Find out FREE if the zoning designation for your property allows you to build an ADU
The size of ADU for properties with a single-family home
How big can an attached ADU be in Sacramento City?
In Sacramento City, an attached ADU can be up to 50% of the existing floor area of the primary dwelling, or 850 square feet for a one-bedroom unit, and 1,000 square feet for a unit with more than one bedroom.
How big can a detached ADU be in Sacramento City?
In Sacramento City, a detached ADU can be up to 1,200 square feet. If there are two detached ADUs on one lot, their combined floor area cannot surpass 1,200 square feet.
Is there a minimum size of an ADU?
No, there is no minimum size requirement for an ADU in Sacramento City.
Can you convert existing space to an ADU?
Yes, you can convert existing space into an ADU in single-family homes in Sacramento City.
The size of ADU for properties with a multi-family home
How big can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Sacramento City?
In Sacramento City, an attached ADU for a multifamily building can be up to 50% of the existing floor area of the primary dwelling, or up to 850 square feet if the ADU has one bedroom or less, and up to 1,000 square feet if it has more than one bedroom.
How big can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Sacramento City?
In Sacramento City, a detached ADU for a multifamily building can be up to 1,200 square feet. If there are two detached ADUs on one lot, the total combined floor area of both ADUs cannot surpass 1,200 square feet.
Can you stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
Currently, Sacramento City does not have specific rules permitting the placement of detached ADUs on top of each other.
Can you attach two ADUs to each other?
No, in Sacramento City, it's not allowed to physically connect two ADUs together. While regulations allow up to two separate ADUs on a property with an existing multifamily building, combining them into a single structure is explicitly prohibited.
Can you convert existing space to an ADU?
Yes, in Sacramento City, you can convert existing space within a multifamily dwelling into an ADU.
The height for ADU
What is the max height for an ADU on a property with a single family house?
The maximum height for an ADU on a property with a single-family house in Sacramento City is 16 feet.
What is the max height for an ADU on a property with a multifamily building?
The maximum height for an ADU on a property with a multifamily building in Sacramento City is also 16 feet.
Can you build a 2-story ADU in Sacramento City?
Yes, you can build a 2-story ADU in Sacramento City.
The parking requirements for ADU
What is the parking requirement for an ADU in Sacramento City?
Sacramento City does not currently specify a parking requirement for ADUs.
Where can a parking space be located?
Sacramento City does not specify specific locations where a parking space should be located for an ADU.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have in Sacramento City?
ADUs can have at least 1 bedroom in Sacramento City. Unlike in some other cities where studio units are allowed, Sacramento requires ADUs to include at least one bedroom.
Does an ADU need a kitchen in Sacramento City?
Yes, in Sacramento City, ADUs should have full kitchens, which contrasts with the efficiency kitchens commonly found in JADUs.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
No, ADUs in Sacramento City do not require a separate water meter tap.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
The minimum ceiling height required for an ADU in Sacramento City is 7 feet, as per the California Building Code.
Get the size of the ADU possible to build on your property after applying all these regulations
Permits for ADU
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Sacramento City?
In Sacramento City, if there's an existing residential use on the lot, the city should review an ADU application within 60 days of receiving it. If the application is submitted together with a new residential development permit, the city may postpone reviewing the ADU permit until after the residential development permit is approved. If the city doesn't review the application within 60 days, it is automatically approved.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Sacramento City?
In Sacramento City, it's best to get involved with a licensed architect or engineer for ADU designs, especially when employing unique construction methods.
Does Sacramento City require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
No, Sacramento City does not require in-person submission of plans for an ADU because they offer Electronic Plan Check services.
Does Sacramento City require coastal development permits?
No, Sacramento City does not require coastal development permits.
Economics of ADU
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Sacramento City?
Constructing an ADU in Sacramento City typically costs around $380 per square foot, covering expenses such as permits, architectural design, and engineering services. For instance, a 900-square-foot ADU would cost approximately $390,000, including both soft and hard costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in Sacramento City?
Assessing the financial feasibility of constructing an ADU in Sacramento City involves comparing construction costs with local real estate market values. For example, a 900-square-foot ADU might be valued at around $700,000. With construction costs at $390,000, this suggests a potential return on investment of about 80%.
Additional factors influencing profitability could include potential rental income or the advantages of housing family members on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in Sacramento City?
Yes, according to state regulations such as AB 1033, selling an ADU in Sacramento City is allowed. This law facilitates potential sales or conversions into condominiums, which may require establishing a Homeowner Association (HOA) for property management and maintenance.
Are ADUs rent controlled in Sacramento City?
ADUs in Sacramento City are not subject to rent control. They are classified as new constructions and are exempt from regulations like AB 1482, which govern rent control for older buildings. This means landlords can adjust rents annually for ADUs as needed.
How to get money to build an ADU in Sacramento City?
To finance the construction of an ADU in Sacramento City, look into options such as the CalHFA's ADU Grant Program, providing grants of up to $40,000. These funds can be used for architectural plans, permits, and site preparation, supporting the creation of ADUs as affordable housing solutions within the city.