Sacramento, CA · Updated 2026
Sacramento ADU Permits: Fees, Timeline & Process
Pre-approved plans, 60-day review cap, and impact fee waivers under 750 sq ft.
Quick Answer
Sacramento ADUs: $120K–$300K
Permits: $3K–$14K · Updated April 2026
Sacramento ADU Permitting: Overview
Sacramento's ADU permitting process is among the most streamlined in California. Both the City of Sacramento and Sacramento County offer online portals for permit submission, pre-approved ADU plan libraries, and fast review times. Most complete applications are processed in 4–8 weeks, with pre-approved plans sometimes clearing in as little as a few business days.
California's statewide ADU laws provide strong protections for Sacramento homeowners: no minimum lot size, impact fee waivers for units under 750 sq ft, 60-day approval deadlines, and mandatory pre-approved plan programs. The city's ADU Resource Center offers free eligibility checks, plan libraries, and permitting guidance.
Permit Fees Breakdown
Total permitting costs in Sacramento typically range from $3,000–$14,000 depending on ADU type, size, and site conditions.
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plan Check | $1,000–$3,000 | Based on project valuation |
| Building Permit | $2,000–$6,000 | Scaled by valuation and scope |
| Impact Fees (< 750 sf) | Waived | California state law exemption |
| Impact Fees (750+ sf) | $4,000–$15,000 | Proportional to unit size |
| School Fees | $2–$4/sq ft | May apply at any ADU size |
| Utility Connections | $2,000–$8,000 | Water, sewer (conversions often exempt) |
| Inspection Fees | Included | Part of building permit |
Fees are estimates based on typical ADU projects. Contact Sacramento permitting for exact quotes. See our full permit fees guide for comparison across cities.
Zoning & Requirements
- ADUs allowed on most single-family and multifamily lots
- No minimum lot size (state law overrides local restrictions)
- Detached ADU max: 1,200 sq ft; Attached max: 50% of primary up to 1,200 sq ft
- JADU max: 500 sq ft (within existing structure)
- Height: 16 feet standard; up to 18 feet near transit or above a garage
- Setbacks: 4 feet rear/side for detached ADUs
- No parking required near transit
- Conversion ADUs: no additional setbacks beyond existing footprint
Step-by-Step Permit Process
Check eligibility
Use the City of Sacramento ADU Resource Center address lookup tool or Sacramento County's Online Zoning Map to confirm your lot qualifies.
Choose plans
Select from Sacramento's pre-approved plan library (free, 10+ options from 460–1,184 sq ft) or commission custom plans. Pre-approved plans get faster review.
Submit online
City: Development Services online portal. County: Citizen Access Portal (Accela). Upload site plan, floor plans, Title 24 calcs, structural calculations.
Plan review (4–8 weeks)
State law caps review at 60 days for complete applications. Pre-approved plans often clear in 30 days or less.
Respond to comments
Address any plan check corrections quickly. A good contractor handles this within days.
Pay fees & receive permit
Pay remaining building permit fees, impact fees (if applicable), and utility charges. Permit is issued.
Construction & inspections
Schedule through the online portal: footing/foundation, framing, rough plumbing/electrical, insulation, and final. Most are same-day or next-day.
Certificate of Occupancy
Pass final inspection to receive your CO.
Key Regulations & Laws
60-Day Shot Clock
California law requires approval or denial within 60 days for complete applications. Pre-approved plans may qualify for 30-day approval.
SB 543 (2025)
Cities must confirm application completeness within 15 business days and cannot introduce new requirements on resubmission.
AB 1332 Pre-Approved Plans
Sacramento offers 10+ pre-approved ADU designs from 460–1,184 sq ft. These are free and have already cleared plan check.
Impact Fee Waiver
ADUs under 750 sq ft are exempt from all development impact fees (school fees may still apply).
AB 1033 (ADU Sales)
Sacramento may adopt this option allowing ADUs to be sold separately through condominium mapping.
HOA Preemption
Under Civil Code Section 4751, HOAs cannot effectively prohibit ADUs on otherwise eligible lots. They can enforce reasonable design standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do ADU permits cost in Sacramento?
Plan check and building permits range from $3,000–$14,000. Impact fees are waived for units under 750 sq ft. Utility connection fees add $2,000–$8,000. Garage conversions are often exempt from new utility connection charges.
How long does ADU permitting take in Sacramento?
Complete applications are capped at 60 days by state law. Pre-approved plans often get approval in 4–6 weeks, sometimes faster. Sacramento's online portal allows real-time tracking.
Does Sacramento have pre-approved ADU plans?
Yes. Both the City and County offer libraries of pre-approved plans (10+ options). These are free, already code-compliant, and significantly speed up review. Sizes range from 460 to 1,184 sq ft.
Do I have to pay impact fees for my ADU?
Not if it's under 750 sq ft — California law waives development impact fees for smaller ADUs. Units 750+ sq ft pay proportional fees. School fees may apply at any size.
Your Next Steps
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