Sacramento ADU FAQ

Turnkey (design, permits and construction), most run $250 to $360 per square foot — about $180,000 for 600 sq ft and $300,000 for 1,000 sq ft. Detached builds commonly land $165,000 to $500,000 depending on size, finishes and site conditions. Garage conversions and JADUs cost less.

California allows detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft and guarantees at least 800 sq ft regardless of local zoning, with 4-foot side and rear setbacks. A Junior ADU (JADU) is up to 500 sq ft within the existing home. We confirm your lot's exact envelope.

The state caps review at 60 days once your application is complete, with a 15-business-day completeness check first. A City of Sacramento pre-approved plan is fastest — plan check in days and permitting around 30 days. Custom designs take longer.

Just 4 feet from the rear and side property lines. A garage or structure conversion that keeps its existing footprint needs no new setback, even near the property line.

Usually not in the Sacramento area — no new parking is required within a half-mile of transit or for garage/interior conversions. Otherwise at most one space. Many lots qualify for the exemption.

For a standard ADU, generally no — statewide law removed owner-occupancy in most cases. A Junior ADU (JADU) is the exception and requires you to occupy the JADU or the main house.

Yes. Sacramento ADUs commonly rent for about $1,500 to $2,200 a month depending on size, location and finish, so many owners offset a big share of the cost over time while adding property value.

We're design-build — feasibility, design, engineering, permits and city submittals, construction and final inspection, all from one accountable team. You don't have to juggle separate designers, engineers and contractors.

The greater Sacramento area — Sacramento, Elk Grove, Roseville, Folsom, Rancho Cordova, Citrus Heights, Carmichael, Davis, Rocklin and surrounding communities.