GetYourPermit

ADU permit process in Sacramento, California

Last verified August 28, 2026

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The City of Sacramento Community Development Department reviews ADU permits through its Planning and Building Divisions; qualifying ADUs are reviewed ministerially (no discretionary hearing). Homeowners can get an optional pre-review zoning check, then submit construction documents online through the Citizen Portal or with help from the ADU Resource Center. As required by state law, the city must act on a complete ADU application within 60 days.

Typical timeline

Optional zoning pre-review 1-3 weeks; building plan review about 1.5-2 months (6-8 weeks); using Shelf Ready/Permit Ready plans can shorten review. State law requires action within 60 days of a complete application.

Where to apply

Department
City of Sacramento Community Development Department, Building & Planning Divisions
Permit portal
Citizen Portal (Accela Citizen Access)
Office
300 Richards Blvd., 3rd Floor, Sacramento, CA 95811
Contact
916-264-5011

Step by step

  1. 1

    Check eligibility and zoning

    Use the ADU Resource Center's eligibility checker to confirm an ADU is allowed on your property and to understand which regulatory framework (local ordinance vs. state standards) applies.

  2. 2

    Plan and design

    Choose between a custom design or one of the city's free Shelf Ready ADU Plans, which are pre-reviewed and meet current code, or a Permit Ready plan set.

  3. 3

    Optional zoning pre-review

    Submit the ADU Optional Zoning Review Application (CDD-0009) for an early check on setbacks, height, and lot coverage before full plan check; typically takes 1-3 weeks.

  4. 4

    Submit permit application

    Submit construction documents for building plan review, generally through the city's online permit system, along with a tree permit application if tree removal is needed.

  5. 5

    Plan check and corrections

    Building plan review takes about 1.5-2 months; if the project requires multiple review cycles, each cycle runs roughly 20, 15, and 5 business days.

  6. 6

    Pay fees and receive permit

    Pay the applicable building permit fees and any other required fees; an address will be assigned to each attached and detached ADU.

  7. 7

    Construct and schedule inspections

    Build per approved plans and schedule required inspections through the permit portal at each construction milestone.

  8. 8

    Final inspection and occupancy

    Pass final inspection to legally occupy or rent the ADU.

What you need to submit

  • Building permit application
  • Site plan
  • Floor plans
  • Exterior elevations
  • Property photos
  • Title 24 energy compliance documents
  • ADU Optional Zoning Review Application (CDD-0009) (optional pre-review)
  • Solar/PV plans for 2-bedroom Shelf Ready plan option

Sacramento ADU rules at a glance

JADU
JADU capped at 500 sq ft, must be located within the walls of the primary dwelling or an existing garage.
Height
Local ordinance follows underlying zone height limit (e.g., 35 ft in R-1). State standard ADUs: 18 ft, plus 2 additional ft to accommodate a roof pitch.
Max size
Local ordinance: detached ADU up to 1,200 sq ft combined; attached ADU up to 50% of primary residence or 850 sq ft (1,000 sq ft with 2+ bedrooms), whichever is greater. State standards default: detached up to 800 sq ft, attached conversion expansion up to 150 sq ft. JADU up to 500 sq ft.
Setbacks
3 ft minimum interior side/rear setback if the ADU is entirely within 60 ft of the front property line (local ordinance); state standard ADUs require 4 ft minimum side and rear setbacks. Front setback follows underlying zone.

Pre-approved ADU plans

Sacramento publishes pre-approved plan sets, which can shorten plan check.

View pre-approved plans

Practical tips

  • Use the free Shelf Ready ADU Plans to skip most of the design phase - modifications to these plans are not allowed.
  • Submit the optional zoning pre-review (CDD-0009) before full construction documents to catch setback/height issues early.
  • Two-bedroom Shelf Ready plans require separate solar/PV plans prepared by a design professional or contractor.
  • Email planning@cityofsacramento.org for zoning questions or ezpermit@cityofsacramento.org for building/permit questions.

Sources for this guide

Additional city reference pages