What are the requirements to build ADU in Unincorporated Sacramento County
Building an ADU in Unincorporated Sacramento County enables you to expand your living space and potentially host family members, generate passive income, or increase your property's resale value. To ensure the project's success, it's crucial to understand the local regulations of Unincorporated Sacramento County and thoroughly evaluate the financial aspects of construction. This guide provides detailed insights into Unincorporated Sacramento County's ADU regulations and critical financial considerations, helping you plan and execute your project effectively.
Number of ADUs on a property
How many ADUs can you build in Unincorporated Sacramento County?
In Unincorporated Sacramento County, you can build 1 ADU per single-family dwelling or halfplex unit, whether it is attached or detached.
How many ADUs does Unincorporated Sacramento County allow for multifamily properties?
Multifamily properties in Unincorporated Sacramento County such as duplexes can have up to two new-construction detached ADUs. Additionally, up to 25% of the total unit count can be converted into ADUs from existing non-living spaces.
Setbacks for an ADU
What are the setbacks required for an ADU in Unincorporated Sacramento County?
Setbacks for an ADU in Unincorporated Sacramento County include a 20-foot front yard requirement, a 12.5-foot side street yard (for corner lots), and a 4-foot setback for both side and rear yards.
What is the minimum distance the ADU must be from existing structures?
The County does not specify a minimum distance that ADUs should maintain from existing structures. However, many cities require ADUs to be at least 6 feet away from existing buildings.
Are setbacks required if converting existing structures into ADU?
Setbacks are necessary if adding ingress/egress to convert existing structures into ADUs, following the setbacks required for new construction ADUs. Existing structures can remain at their originally allowed setbacks.
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 Unincorporated Sacramento County?
An attached ADU in Unincorporated Sacramento County can be up to 50% of the habitable square footage of the primary dwelling, or 800 square feet, whichever is larger.
How big can a detached ADU be in Unincorporated Sacramento County?
A detached ADU in Unincorporated Sacramento County can be up to 1,200 square feet in size.
Is there a minimum size of an ADU?
Yes, there is a minimum size requirement for an ADU in Unincorporated Sacramento County, which is 150 square feet.
Can you convert existing space to an ADU?
In Unincorporated Sacramento County, the specific guidelines for converting existing space into an ADU for single-family homes are not explicitly stated.
The size of ADU for properties with a multi-family home
How big can an attached ADU for a multifamily building be in Unincorporated Sacramento County?
In multifamily buildings in Unincorporated Sacramento County, an attached ADU can extend up to 50% of the habitable square footage of the primary dwelling, or 800 square feet, whichever measurement is larger.
How big can a detached ADU for a multifamily building be in Unincorporated Sacramento County?
In multifamily buildings in Unincorporated Sacramento County, a detached ADU can be as large as 1,200 square feet.
Can you stack detached ADUs on top of each other?
Currently, Unincorporated Sacramento County has not addressed the possibility of stacking detached ADUs on top of each other.
Can you attach two ADUs to each other?
No, attaching two ADUs to each other is not allowed in Unincorporated Sacramento County.
Can you convert existing space to an ADU?
Yes, you can convert existing space into an ADU in multifamily buildings in Unincorporated Sacramento County.
The height for ADU
What is the max height for an ADU on a property with a single family house?
In Unincorporated Sacramento County, for a property with a single-family house:
- A detached ADU can be up to 16 feet tall. This height can extend to 18 feet if it's near a major transit stop or matches the primary dwelling's roof pitch. It may reach up to 20 feet in height if set back at least 10 feet from the rear property line and 5 feet from the side property line.
- An attached ADU can reach a maximum height of 25 feet.
What is the max height for an ADU on a property with a multifamily building?
On a property with a multifamily building in Unincorporated Sacramento County, the maximum height for an ADU is 18 feet.
Can you build a 2-story ADU in Unincorporated Sacramento County?
In Unincorporated Sacramento County, both detached and attached ADUs are limited to a single story. However, detached ADUs can apply for a height increase from 16 feet to 18 feet under specific conditions, such as proximity to major transit or to match the roof style of the main dwelling. Before applying for building permits, applicants should request a Zoning Verification to ensure compliance. If seeking height adjustments to align with the primary dwelling's roof, they should provide documentation showing both current and proposed roof pitches. Any further height increases or deviations may require approval through a Minor Special Development Permit.
The parking requirements for ADU
What is the parking requirement for an ADU in Unincorporated Sacramento County?
In Unincorporated Sacramento County, ADUs are required to provide 1 parking space. However, this requirement can be waived under several circumstances: if the ADU is within half a mile of public transit, located in a historically significant district, part of an existing primary residence or accessory structure, where on-street parking permits are required but not available to ADU occupants, or if there's a car share vehicle within one block of the ADU.
Where can a parking space be located?
Parking space location regulations specific to Unincorporated Sacramento County are not specified. Generally, in many California cities, parking spaces can be located in setbacks or existing driveways, often arranged as tandem parking if necessary. Converting garages or carports into living spaces typically does not require replacement of off-street parking.
Design requirements for ADU
How many bedrooms can an ADU have in Unincorporated Sacramento County?
Unincorporated Sacramento County does not specify a maximum number of bedrooms for an ADU. However, given the maximum allowable size of 1,200 square feet, it can accommodate at least one bedroom.
Does an ADU need a kitchen in Unincorporated Sacramento County?
Yes, in Unincorporated Sacramento County, an ADU may have either a full or efficiency kitchen.
Does an ADU require independent utility meters?
Unincorporated Sacramento County does not explicitly state whether ADUs should have separate utility meters. For accurate details, it's best to check with the relevant local authority.
What is the minimum ceiling height?
The minimum ceiling height required for an ADU in Unincorporated Sacramento County is 7 feet, according to 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 Unincorporated Sacramento County?
In Unincorporated Sacramento County, if there's already residential use on the lot, the county should process an ADU application within 60 days of receiving it. If submitted alongside a new residential development permit, the ADU review might be postponed until after the residential permit is approved. Failure to review the ADU application within 60 days results in automatic approval.
When do you need a licensed professional to design an ADU in Unincorporated Sacramento County?
It is advisable to appoint a licensed architect or engineer for ADU designs in Unincorporated Sacramento County, particularly when utilizing specialized construction techniques.
Does Unincorporated Sacramento County require in-person submission of plans for an ADU?
No, Unincorporated Sacramento County does not require physical submission of ADU plans. Instead, applicants are encouraged to submit their building permit applications electronically via the county's online portal at https://actonline.saccounty.gov/CitizenAccess/. You'll need to register or log in to your account to upload the application form, scaled plans, and any additional documents in PDF format.
Does Unincorporated Sacramento County require coastal development permits?
Unincorporated Sacramento County does not require coastal development permits.
Economics of ADU
How much does it cost to build an ADU in Unincorporated Sacramento County?
Constructing an ADU in Unincorporated Sacramento County typically costs about $380 per square foot, which includes expenses such as permits, architectural design, and engineering services. For example, a 900-square-foot ADU would cost approximately $390,000, covering both soft and hard costs.
Is it profitable to build an ADU in Unincorporated Sacramento County?
Evaluating the financial feasibility of constructing an ADU in Unincorporated Sacramento County involves comparing construction costs with local real estate market values. For instance, a 900-square-foot ADU might be valued at around $580,000. With construction costs at $390,000, this suggests a potential return on investment of about 50%.
Additional factors influencing profitability could include potential rental income or the benefits of housing family members on the same property.
Can you sell an ADU in Unincorporated Sacramento County?
Yes, under state regulations like AB 1033, selling an ADU in Unincorporated Sacramento County is allowed. This law enables potential sales or conversions into condominiums, which may necessitate the establishment of a Homeowner Association (HOA) for property management and upkeep.
Are ADUs rent controlled in Unincorporated Sacramento County?
ADUs in Unincorporated Sacramento County are not subject to rent control. They are considered new constructions and are exempt from regulations such as AB 1482, which applies to older buildings. This exemption allows landlords to adjust rents annually for ADUs as necessary.
How to get money to build an ADU in Unincorporated Sacramento County?
Consider applying for grants such as CalHFA's ADU Grant Program to finance the construction of an ADU in Unincorporated Sacramento County. These grants provide up to $40,000 and can cover expenses like architectural plans, permits, and site preparation. They aim to support ADU development as a way to enhance affordable housing options in the area.