Sacramento, situated in Sacramento County, California, is populated by around 467,5 thousand residents and has a mass of land equal to around 98 square miles. The building of Accessory Dwelling Units is very well-developed around the area due to the planning and zoning and residents-friendly laws. In our article, we will walk you through all essential information concerning ADU regulations in Sacramento, give you the reasons for and benefits of constructing the units, and provide you with a step-by-step guide on ensuring the success and legitimacy of the ADU building in Sacramento.

What is an ADU?

After the boom in housing after WW2, when the limits had to be set on population density and measurement of one-family households,  zoning of residential areas took place and entailed certain changes. Due to the more precise planning and zoning, now, almost anywhere across the country, you can have an additional building constructed within your current living area. However, you should keep up with some major rules and requirements. 

The ADU, aka ‘mother-in-law unit,’ can incorporate a cooking space, a living room, and it can be adjacent to the main building or a garage. Conveniently, it borrows the electricity and water supply from the main unit. By state, requirements for ADUs can differ; let’s delve into the details of Sacramento ADU building regulations.

Requirements Concerning ADU in Sacramento

Here are the major things to consider while building an ADU in Sacramento, CA. Ensure all the requirements are met by you and the construction team unless you want to have difficulties in the future, let alone being subject to legal action. To be safe and get the best out of your ADU building plan, read on:

• As to the number of ADUs legally acceptable in Sacramento, only a single unit is permitted on a single lot.

• Regarding types of ADUs, you can pick any once every structure on your lot is provided with a driveway that fits the PWD (Public Works Department) requirements.

• As to the size of the lot, those sized above 5,200 sq.ft. are considered qualified.

• The ADU’s size must be 5 200— 8 500 sq.ft. 

• Those lots of 8 501 — 10 000 sq.ft. сan house units of 600 sq.ft.

• Lots larger than 10 000 sq.ft. can incorporate a unit of 600 sq.ft.

• As to the attached units, their size must not be greater than half of the living territory: 1 200 sq.ft. at maximum.

• Setbacks aren’t required for an ADU or a converted building. A minimum rear setback should be equal to 5 ft. A minimum side setback is as big as that of the main building.

• As to the shape and materials, the designs of the ADU and the primary dwelling must be compatible. It is also important that an ADU shouldn’t stand out radically among the structures around.

• Car owners can bank on having one parking lot for each bedroom.

• You should equip the Unit with a fire extinguisher and ensure you have one in your living area’s main structure. 

• A maximum of 14 feet above the line of the plate is required for ADU’s height. The ADU’s must not be higher than the main building.

• As to deals concerning ADUs, you cannot give it for sale separately from your property’s main building. However, you can rent them out.

• You should ensure the ADU has connections to the municipal sewers and other facilities.

No Less Crucial Factors of ADU Building

Besides the requirements mentioned above, there are those concerning the money matters and details concerning current structures:

• As to the fees demanded, update your knowledge about them here: https://www.cityofsacramento.org/Community-Development/Building/Fee-Estimates.

• If you live in a historically valuable area, your plan and design of the ADU must be given to review, as is revealed in chapter 17.808 of the state law.

• No passageway is required for the ADU building.

• If a legally-built ADU is incorporated in the property’s main structure, you can convert your existing buildings. If the primary structures are part of historical heritage, the rule doesn’t apply. 

• Your ADU should have individual exterior access and sufficiently meet the terms of safety.

Benefits of ADU Construction

So, what are the advantages of having an ADU built? Is it worthwhile to invest money in another building on your territory? Is it financially justified? Let’s consider the benefits Sacramento residents can name as the major ones:

• First of all, you can count on obtaining an extra income source: you can give the unit for rent, and the budget, tilted by the building costs, will be reinforced. Having an ADU and renting it will enable you to deal with your own money matters more successfully and without extra movements.

• Second of all, the ADU can be totally beneficial as a guest house. You can have a large family or have a lot of friends who often come to visit you. While having an ADU, in this case, will not mean you’re getting more affluent, it is still an excellent opportunity to have some quality time together with your pals or relatives, gathering nearly under the same roof.

• If you have elderly parents and wish to always be near if anything happens, having an ADU will be of great use. 

Steps to Successfully Build ADUs

As you have weighed up all the pros and cons of having yourself an ADU, there are some essential milestones you should pass on your way to the realization of your ADU building plot. Follow these simple steps to ensure your ADU building process is legit and meets all the requirements of the state:

1. First off, review the design of your ADU. It shouldn’t disagree with that of the main structure, as well as with the buildings in the area.

2. Contact the Sacramento Residential Permits authorities: enquire if you are able to build an ADU, learn about your setbacks requirements, the ADU size, and anything related to the process. It will help you avoid conflicts and interruptions in the future.

3. Find the Best Contractor in the area to perform the ADU construction. You can read the reviews of their clients, look through the galleries of completed works, contact them on the phone, or virtually find out each detail and set to the job immediately.

4. Read the article once again to ensure you will not miss out on any crucial part of the ADU construction process.

What Makes the Best ADU Building Contractor?

To ensure the successful ending of your ADU construction operation, you should hire professionals only. Ask for certificates, completed jobs, read testimonials, and you will ensure the best result. Let’s consider the essential responsibilities a great ADU building contractor should take on behalf of a client:

• The company should provide a professional designer to consult all details with you.

• The company guarantees that your plan agrees with the local laws.

• The best contractor offers only the best materials suitable for your unique plan.

• The professional team will first create a 3D model of your ADU.

• The plans will be provided for you by the contractor.

• You will have all the documents and permits ready to launch your ADU building project.