Sacramento ADU Builder

Build A Secondary
Home on Your Property

200+ Happy Customers

sacramento ADU Builder

Build A Secondary
Home on Your Property

200+ Happy Customers

We Build ADUs in Sacramento CA

Looking for a reliable ADU builder in Sacramento? IMKAT specializes in designing and constructing premium Accessory Dwelling Units to suit your lifestyle and budget. From granny flats to rental-ready ADUs, we provide end-to-end solutions, including permits and construction. Start your project today and turn your backyard into an asset!

Cost Estimator

Turnkey Custom ADU Calculator

Calculator Background Calculator Background
Monthly Payment i
$786
Total Price i
$131,000
new tree
new tree image
Choose Your ADU Size:

300

SF

Enter your address to check price at your location

Bringing Family Together

One ADU At A Time

Bringing Family Together

One ADU at A Time

Why Build an ADU in Sacramento CA?

Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in Sacramento, CA, is a smart investment for homeowners looking to expand their property’s potential. Whether you’re seeking passive income, additional living space for family, or a way to increase your home’s value, ADUs offer a range of benefits tailored to modern living. Sacramento’s thriving economy, growing population, and ADU-friendly regulations make it one of the best places in California to build an ADU.

Sacramento ADU Regulations: What You Need to Know

Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in Sacramento, CA, is easier than ever thanks to streamlined state and local regulations. ADUs are a fantastic way to add rental income, create additional living space, or increase your property value. However, it’s essential to understand the local rules and requirements before starting your project. Here’s a simplified guide to Sacramento’s ADU regulations to help you get started.

Where Are ADUs Allowed in Sacramento?

  • ADUs are permitted in all residential zoning districts in Sacramento, including single-family and multi-family lots.
  • State law ensures that most properties in residential areas can add at least one ADU, along with a Junior ADU (JADU), where applicable.

ADU Size Limits

Sacramento allows generous ADU size limits based on your property and main home:

  • Detached ADUs: Up to 1,200 sq. ft., regardless of the size of the main home.
  • Attached ADUs: Up to 50% of the main home’s square footage, with a maximum of 1,200 sq. ft.
  • Junior ADUs (JADUs): Up to 500 sq. ft., and they must be converted from existing space within the main home (like a bedroom or attached garage).


Note:
For ADUs smaller than 800 sq. ft., local zoning standards like floor area ratio (FAR) or lot coverage restrictions do not apply, making it easier to build compact units.

Setbacks and Placement

  • Side and Rear Setbacks: At least 4 feet from property lines.
  • Front Yard: Placement in the front yard is allowed in some cases but requires approval.
  • Existing Structures: Converting a legally built garage or other structure into an ADU often has reduced setback requirements, as long as the structure meets current building codes.

Parking Requirements

  • No Additional Parking Required: In Sacramento, ADUs generally don’t require additional parking if they meet any of the following:
    • The property is located within ½ mile of public transit (e.g., bus stops or light rail).
    • The ADU is part of a garage conversion or existing structure.
    • The ADU is located in a historic district.


If parking is required for your project, it must be located on the property (e.g., driveway or designated parking area).

Fire and Safety Requirements

  • Fire Sprinklers: ADUs only need fire sprinklers if the main home has them.
  • Fire Safety Standards: ADUs in Sacramento must meet fire department standards for driveway access and defensible space in case of wildfires.
  • Utility Shut-Offs: ADUs must have their own utility shut-offs for gas, water, and electricity, independent from the main home.

Converting Existing Structures

Sacramento makes it easy to convert existing structures, such as garages or sheds, into ADUs:

  • Garage Conversions: Existing, legally built structures can be converted into ADUs without additional setback requirements.
  • Detached Structures: If you replace a detached garage or shed with an ADU, the new unit can match the size and footprint of the original structure.

Utility Connections

  • Water and Sewer: ADUs can connect to the main home’s utilities but may require capacity upgrades for water, sewer, and electricity.
  • Septic Systems: If your property uses a septic system, a soil evaluation may be required to ensure the system can handle the additional capacity.
  • Separate Meters: ADUs don’t need a separate utility meter, but one can be installed if requested.

Permitting and Fees

Building an ADU in Sacramento requires a streamlined permitting process:

  • Permitting Timeline: Sacramento must approve your ADU permit application within 60 days for projects that meet all requirements.
  • Fees: Impact fees are waived for ADUs smaller than 750 sq. ft.. For larger ADUs, fees are proportional to the size of the unit.
  • Demolition Permits: If converting or replacing an existing structure, demolition permits can be processed alongside your ADU permit.

Owner Occupancy Rules

  • No Owner-Occupancy Requirement: Sacramento does not require homeowners to live on the property to build an ADU, except for JADUs.
  • JADU Requirement: For JADUs, the homeowner must live in either the main home or the JADU.

Reviews

What our clients say

#1 Rated ADU Builder in Sacramento 

Why Build an ADU?

See why 1,000s of home owners are building ADUs

Earn up to $2,500/ month of Rental Income

The Perfect Retirement Plan

Get 3 Months of Assisted Living on Us

Thousands of retirees are choosing
an ADU over expensive retirement
homes in California

Thousands of retirees
are choosing an ADU over
expensive retirement homes
in California

Increase Property
Value up to 25% - 35%

Increase Living Space

Expand living space up to
1,200 SQFT

The Perfect Retirement Plan

Thousands of retirees are choosing
an ADU over expensive retirement
homes in California

Thousands of retirees
are choosing an ADU over
expensive retirement homes
in California

No Cookie Cutter ADUs Here - Each One is Uniquely Yours

You can customize or create your own floor plans for a truly personalized ADU!

Why Us?

Why Build with Imkat Homes?

Find out why Imkat Homes is the Number 1 Rated ADU Builder in California

Californias #1 ADU Builder

General Contractors

Other ADU Contractors

Specializing in ADUs

ADU Built in Just 8 Months

Financing

3 Months of Free Assisted Living for Retirees

Over 200+ ADUs Built

Finance Your ADU for $1,500 a month

Learn how easy it is to finance your ADU

General Contractors

Other ADU Contractors

Specialize in ADUs

Free Assisted Living

Financing

200+ ADUs Built

Have a Question?

FAQ

An ADU is a self-contained living unit that is either attached or detached from a primary residential dwelling. It is also commonly known as a granny flat, in-law suite, backyard cottage, or secondary dwelling unit.

Most counties in the surrounding Sacramento area allow you to build up to 1200 square feet per lot. As long as it fits on your property. 

You can build up to two units per property or as long as both units do not exceed 1200 square feet. Such as two 600 SQFT units.
 
Depending on the size it typically takes 3-5 months for your permits plans and Design and 3-4 months for construction. 

Yes, ADUs can be rented out for additional income. However, local regulations may place restrictions on renting out ADUs, such as requiring a permit or limiting the number of occupants.

Unlock Your Property’s Potential – Get a Free ADU Consultation!

Start Your ADU Journey

Get A Quick Estimate

What is your name?
How big of an ADU are you looking to build?
What is your budget?
Do you have plans drawn up?
When do you want to get started on your ADU?
Tell us more about your project:
How did you hear about us?
Where should we send a quote?

Get A Quick Estimate