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ADUs In Sacramento
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The City of Sacramento offers Shelf Ready Plans for detached ADUs in three sizes: a studio of 367 habitable square feet, a one-bedroom of 559, and a two-bedroom of 747. The city says the plans are all-electric and cannot be modified, though mirroring is allowed.
The Local Program
The City of Sacramento runs a preapproved ADU program under Government Code section 65852.27. The program is open to anyone submitting a detached ADU plan for preapproval, and the city says preapproved plans still need site-specific design and permitting approval, including planning and zoning approval. Separately, the city's Shelf Ready Plans for detached ADUs come as a studio (367 habitable square feet), a one-bedroom (559), and a two-bedroom (747). The city says they meet 2022 Residential Building Code requirements, are all-electric, and cannot be modified, though mirroring is allowed.
What Costs Look Like In The Region
The Terner Center's Terner Center statewide ADU owner survey did not list a median for the Sacramento area in the figures we reviewed, so we are not quoting one. Ask builders for written estimates. That survey was published in 2021, so current prices may be higher. See ADU Cost In California for the full table and the caveats.
What To Check At Your Address
- Sacramento County is a separate jurisdiction from the city. Find out which one governs your address.
- Ask the city whether a Shelf Ready Plan fits your lot, since the plans cannot be modified.
- Ask the city which electrical service upgrades a fully electric unit may need on your lot.
State Rules That Apply Here
- The review deadlines in Permits And Timeline: 15 business days for a completeness notice and 60 days to approve or deny a complete application.
- No impact fees for an ADU of 750 square feet or less (Government Code section 66311.5).
- No owner occupancy requirement for an ADU (Government Code section 66315).
Before You Hire Anyone
Call or visit the planning counter, and bring your address and a sketch of what you have in mind. Then read Questions To Ask An ADU Builder.
Common Questions
What Shelf Ready ADU plans does Sacramento offer?
A studio (367 habitable square feet), a one-bedroom (559), and a two-bedroom (747), all for detached ADUs. The city says they meet 2022 Residential Building Code requirements.
Is Sacramento County the same as the City of Sacramento?
No. They are separate jurisdictions, so find out which one governs your address.
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