Building an ADU in Sacramento
Short answer: the City of Sacramento offers free, permit-ready Shelf Ready plans for a studio and a one-bedroom ADU, plus a list of preapproved plans under state law AB 1332. If those layouts don't fit your lot or needs, Type Five designs a custom ADU, handles Sacramento permitting, and builds it on site.
Sacramento's ADU programs
- Shelf Ready plans: free detached ADU plan sets from the city, a 367-square-foot studio and a 559-square-foot one-bedroom. They meet the 2022 Residential Building Code and are all-electric. You submit a site plan showing placement; modifications are not allowed, though plans can be mirrored.
- Preapproved plans (AB 1332, Gov. Code 65852.27): designers can submit detached ADU plans for city preapproval. Even preapproved plans still need site-specific design, planning, and zoning approval before a building permit is issued.
- Submittal: applications go through the city's electronic plan check and online permit portal.
- State timelines apply: the city must approve or deny a complete ADU application within 60 days when there is an existing home on the lot (Gov. Code 66317), and cannot require owner occupancy for an ADU (Gov. Code 66315).
Sources: City of Sacramento ADU Resource Center (https://adu.cityofsacramento.org/), Shelf Ready ADU Plans (https://adu.cityofsacramento.org/Shelf-ready-plans), Preapproved ADUs (AB 1332) (https://www.cityofsacramento.gov/community-development/building/building-programs/preapproved-adu-program-ab1332), and the HCD ADU Handbook (https://www.hcd.ca.gov/sites/default/files/docs/policy-and-research/adu-handbook-update.pdf).
Shelf Ready or custom?
Free plans save design fees, but they are fixed: you can't add a bedroom, shift windows toward a view, or adapt the footprint to an irregular lot. You still need a builder, site work, utility connections, and inspections.
A design-build ADU from Type Five is designed for your specific lot and household, priced with design and construction together, and built on site with wood framing. We handle permitting with the city and coordinate the build through move-in.
Planning an ADU in Sacramento?
Tell us about your lot and goals and we'll help you compare a Shelf Ready plan with a custom design.
Sacramento ADU FAQs
Common questions from Sacramento homeowners.
Can I modify Sacramento's free Shelf Ready plans?
No. The city allows mirroring but not modifications. If you need a different layout or size, you'll need a custom design.
Do I have to live on the property?
Not for an ADU. State law prohibits owner-occupancy requirements for ADUs. A junior ADU that shares a bathroom with the main house does require owner occupancy.
How long does an ADU take with Type Five?
Most projects take about 10 to 12 months from first design meeting to move-in: roughly one month of design, two to four months of permitting once we submit, and about six months of construction.
What financing options are common?
Common options include cash-out refinance, HELOC, home-equity loan, construction loan, or personal or family financing. We can connect you with lenders experienced in ADU projects.