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City of Sacramento–Approved Plans

Build Your ADU Faster with Pre-Approved Sacramento Plans

Skip lengthy design and permitting timelines with Sacramento’s Shelf-Ready ADU Plans. These city-approved designs meet all 2022 Residential Building Code requirements, helping you move from approval to construction in as little as 45 days with IMKAT.

Why Shelf-Ready ADU Plans

What Are Shelf-Ready ADU Plans?

Shelf-Ready ADU Plans are pre-approved by the City of Sacramento for detached accessory dwelling units. These professionally designed plans meet local building codes, are all-electric, and streamline the permitting process—saving homeowners time and cost.

City-Approved Designs

Fully compliant with the 2022 Residential Building Code

Faster Permitting

Reduce approval timelines and avoid design delays

All-Electric ADUs

Built to meet modern energy standards

Proven Layouts

Designed for functionality, comfort, and efficiency

Available Locations

Explore Pre-Approved ADU Plans by City

Select your city to view available pre-approved ADU floor plans designed to meet local building requirements.

Sacramento ADU Plans

Browse Sacramento’s city-approved ADU floor plans. Compare layouts, explore designs, and download detailed PDFs to start your project with confidence.

San Jose ADU Plans

Explore pre-approved ADU floor plans tailored to San Jose regulations, with layouts designed for efficiency and compliance.

How It Works

From Pre-Approved Plans to Construction

Our streamlined process helps you move from selecting a plan to starting construction with clarity and confidence—without unnecessary delays.

Choose Your Plan

Choose Your Plan

Select a Sacramento-approved ADU design that aligns with your property, budget, and goals.

Site Evaluation

Site Evaluation

Our team reviews your property to confirm feasibility, placement, and compliance with local requirements.

Permit Submission

Permit Submission

We prepare and submit your plans along with required site details, helping accelerate approvals and minimize revisions.

Start Construction

Start Construction

Once approved, construction begins—often in as little as 45 days.

Permit Submission

Permit Submission

We prepare and submit your plans along with required site details, helping accelerate approvals and minimize revisions.

Start Construction

Start Construction

Once approved, construction begins—often in as little as 45 days.

Things to Know

What to Know Before You Build

Pre-approved ADU plans are designed to simplify and speed up the process. To ensure a smooth experience, there are a few important guidelines to keep in mind.

Fixed Plan Designs

These plans are pre-approved and cannot be modified, helping avoid delays and keep approvals fast

Site Plan Still Required

A site plan must be submitted to show ADU placement and ensure compliance with your lot

Mirroring Is Allowed

Layouts may be flipped to better fit your property configuration

Detached ADUs Only

These plans are specifically designed for detached accessory dwelling units

All-Electric Design

Each plan is built to meet modern energy standards and Sacramento requirements

Guided by IMKAT

Our team supports you through permitting, approvals, and construction from start to finish

Growing Coverage

Available in Sacramento Expanding to More Cities

Our pre-approved ADU program is currently available for Sacramento homeowners, with additional city-specific plans for San Jose and other California markets coming soon. Each city has its own approved designs and requirements—and IMKAT will guide you through the process every step of the way.

Frequently Asked
Questions About ADUs

Everything you need to know about building, pricing, and designing your backyard ADU with IMKAT. Whether you’re just starting or ready to build these answers cover it all.

Didn’t find your answer?

What are the benefits of building an ADU?

ADUs offer several advantages:

  • Affordable Housing: They provide an affordable housing option without the need for purchasing additional land or major new infrastructure.

  • Additional Income: Homeowners can generate rental income by leasing the ADU.

  • Family Flexibility: ADUs allow extended families to live close together while maintaining privacy.

  • Efficient Use of Space: They make use of underutilized spaces, enhancing property value and utility.

ADUs can share utilities with the main home or have separate meters. Some cities require separate sewer and water connections. Our ADU consultants will assess your electrical panel to determine if it can support your ADU or if an upgrade is needed.

Our costs range from $125,000 to $300,000+, depending on size, location, and materials. Garage conversions are typically the cheapest, while detached ADUs are the most expensive.

View some of our models and consult with our ADU specialists for pricing. 

Our pricing does not include utilities and permits as they vary by property.

Permits are required for construction, zoning, and utilities. The permit process takes 3-5 months and varies by city. California law requires cities to approve or deny ADU applications within 60 days.

 

Yes! ADUs can be rented long-term (30+ days). Short-term rentals (Airbnb) may be restricted based on city rules.

  • Detached ADUs: Up to 1,200 sq. ft.
  • Attached ADUs: Up to 50% of the primary home’s size (or 800 sq. ft., whichever is larger).
  • JADUs: Max 500 sq. ft.
  • Detached ADUs: Up to 1,200 sq. ft.
  • Attached ADUs: Up to 50% of the primary home’s size (or 800 sq. ft., whichever is larger).
  • JADUs: Max 500 sq. ft.

Be aware that ADU size limits may vary by county and are subject to local zoning regulations. For exact requirements, consult your county officials or speak with one of our representatives for more information.

Generally, no—ADUs are part of the main property. However, California’s SB 9 law allows lot splits in certain cases, which may enable separate ADU ownership.

For more details, check with your local planning department or contractor.

In California, adding an ADU increases property taxes only on the new unit, not the main home. The tax hike is typically 1–1.5% of the ADU’s assessed value. For a $200K ADU, expect an annual increase of $2K–$3K. Prop 13 caps future annual increases at 2%. Consult your county assessor for exact details.

Yes! We partner with RenoFi to offer financing options for your ADU project.

Learn More Here

Detached ADU

Best for rental income or a private guest house — completely separate from your main home.

Attached ADU

Ideal for expanding your living area or creating an in-law suite with direct access.

Garage Conversion

Perfect for turning unused space into a studio, office, or small apartment at lower cost.

Less than 300 sq ft

Ideal for compact studios or garage conversions.

300–500 sq ft

Great for one-bedroom units or small offices.

500–1,000 sq ft

Perfect for two-bedroom ADUs or guest houses.

1,000–1200 sq ft

Best for larger additions or multi-room family spaces.

More than 1200 sq ft

For custom large-scale extensions or dual-unit builds.

I don’t know yet

No worries, our team will help you estimate the right size during consultation.

$150K and Under

Basic garage conversion or compact studio-sized ADU.

$150K–$199K

Ideal for small 1-bedroom ADUs with essential finishes.

$200K–$249K

Perfect for mid-sized 1–2 bedroom units with modern interiors.

$250K–$300K

Great for larger detached ADUs or premium build quality.

$350K+

Best for custom floor plans, luxury finishes, or multi-room units.

Yes, I already have plans

Great! Upload them later so we can review your layout and prepare an estimate faster.

No, I’d like help with plans

No problem our design team can guide you from concept to permit-ready blueprints.

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