Development Standards for ADUs

Local Zoning Regulations 

The City allows the following local standards for an ADU/JADU project on properties with an existing single-family unit or on a vacant lot with a proposed single-family unit. 

Maximum Size (Floor Area): The maximum size of an ADU:

  • Detached: Detached ADUs cannot exceed a total of 1,200 square feet. If the unit is greater than 800 square feet, lot coverage must be maintained.
  • Attached: Attached ADUs may be up to 60% of the size of the primary dwelling, with a maximum size of 1,200 square feet. Regardless of the size of the primary home, an attached ADU with no more than 1 bedroom may be up to 850 square feet.  An attached ADU with 2 or more bedrooms may be up to 1,000 square feet.  

Lot Coverage: Lot coverage is the amount of your property that may be covered with structures. ADUs 800 square feet or less are exempt from lot coverage requirements and ADUs larger than 800 square feet must meet the lot coverage requirements. Allowed lot coverage ranges from 30% coverage to 50%, depending on the property’s zoning.  To find out the zoning of your property, submit a zoning request on-line.

Setbacks (Distance from property line): Structures are required to be located a certain distance (in feet) from the property line. The required setback for an ADU is as follows:

  • Conversion of existing space: No additional setback is required if you are converting a legally built structure into an ADU.  
  • Newly constructed detached unit:  A minimum of 4-foot side yard and rear yard setback.  Note:  In some cases a setback may need to be larger than the minimum required due to easements for utilities, drainage, access, etc.
  • Attached ADU:  A minimum of five foot side yard setback and a 20 foot rear yard setback.  In some cases, the rear yard setback for attached units may be reduced to 10 ft.  If your project requires a reduced rear yard setback, contact the Planning Division at (916) 727-4740 to see if your property qualifies.
  • If the ADU is proposed in the front of primary residence or along a street side of a property, the setbacks shall meet the requirements of the property’s zoning.

Maximum Height: 18 feet for a detached unit and 30 feet for an attached unit.

Parking: No additional parking is required for an ADU.

Density: ADUs are exempt from density calculations.

For complete ADU zoning regulations, see Section 106.42.015

State Allowances

California has recently updated its rules for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and Junior Accessory Dwelling Units (JADUs). The City is currently updating its Zoning Code to reflect these changes. In many cases, the new state laws may offer additional flexibility or reduced development standards.

While the City completes these updates, property owners may choose to apply under either:

• California State ADU Regulations, or
• The City’s Current Local ADU Standards shown on this webpage.

For more details, please review the memorandum submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) regarding the City’s planned updates.

If you have questions about which standards may work best for your project, City staff are happy to assist you.

Renting Your ADU

You can rent out your ADU, but state law and the City’s zoning code do not allow it to be used as a short-term rental (like Airbnb or VRBO). This means your ADU must be rented for at least 30 days at a time. When you apply for your permit, you’ll be asked to sign an ADU Rental Restriction Acknowledgment Form to confirm you understand and agree to this rule.

It's also important to note all owners of rental units are required to register the rental with the Rental Housing Inspection Program.  To learn more about the Rental Housing Program, view the webpage Rental Housing Inspection Program | Citrus Heights, CA - Official Website