Backyard homes (ADUs) in the California areas we cover
LotUpside is a one-stop ADU company for homes in the City of Sacramento, the City of San Jose, unincorporated Sacramento County, the City of Los Angeles, the City of Citrus Heights, the City of Elk Grove, the City of Folsom, the City of Rancho Cordova, the City of San Diego and the City of El Monte: a free lot check against the local rules, then licensed partner designers and builders design and build while we coordinate the project. Pick your area for its rules, fees and estimated costs.
ADU rules by area
City of Sacramento
- Largest detached ADU (City path)
- 1,200 sq ft
- Side and rear setbacks (City path)
- 3 ft (none for a one-story ADU more than 60 ft from the front line)
- No impact fees up to
- 750 sq ft by state law (the City's fee sheet uses 749)
Unincorporated Sacramento County
- Largest detached ADU
- 1,200 sq ft
- Side and rear setback
- 4 ft
- No impact fees up to
- 750 sq ft
City of Citrus Heights
- Detached ADU, state-law path
- Up to 800 sq ft
- Side and rear setbacks
- 4 ft interior side and rear
- Impact fees
- None up to 750 sq ft
City of Elk Grove
- Largest detached ADU (City standards)
- 1,200 sq ft
- Side and rear setbacks
- 4 ft
- No impact fees
- 750 sq ft or less
City of Folsom
- Largest detached ADU (City rules)
- 850 sq ft (1,000 sq ft with 2+ bedrooms)
- Side and rear setbacks
- 4 ft
- Impact fees
- None up to 750 sq ft
City of Rancho Cordova
- Largest detached ADU, studio or 1 bedroom (City cap)
- 850 sq ft
- Side and rear setbacks
- 4 ft
- No impact fees for an ADU of
- 750 sq ft or less
City of San Jose
- Largest detached ADU (City standards)
- 1,000 sq ft; 1,200 sq ft on a lot over 9,000 sq ft
- Side and rear setbacks
- 4 ft (City standards allow 0 ft for a first story if fire and building codes are met)
- Impact-fee exemption
- ADUs of 750 sq ft or less
City of Los Angeles
- Largest detached ADU (City rules)
- 1,200 sq ft
- Side and rear setback, new detached ADU
- 4 ft
- City impact fees
- None at 750 sq ft or less
City of El Monte
- Largest detached ADU with 2+ bedrooms (850 sq ft for a studio or 1 bedroom)
- 1,000 sq ft
- Side and rear setback for a new detached ADU (none for a conversion)
- 4 ft
- No City impact fees (parks, traffic, water, sewer) on the ADU
- Under 750 sq ft
City of San Diego
- Largest detached ADU
- 1,200 sq ft
- Side and rear setbacks (ADU up to 16 ft tall)
- 0 ft outside High and Very High fire zones, 4 ft inside
- Development Impact Fees
- Waived on the first two ADUs, at any size up to the 1,200 sq ft cap
Coverage
Where we check today
Every area has its own ADU rules, so we add them one at a time and only give a verdict where we have loaded them. Today that is the City of Sacramento, the City of San Jose, unincorporated Sacramento County, the City of Los Angeles, the City of Citrus Heights, the City of Elk Grove, the City of Folsom, the City of Rancho Cordova, the City of San Diego and the City of El Monte.
Full check
Zoning, setbacks, plan fit, utilities and hazards, with a verdict.
Not yet
Everywhere else for now. A partial check, no verdict.
Common questions
What's free, and what's in the $49 full report?
The free check gives the verdict from a 12-check property screening, your best move with the value it adds, the monthly rent and the cash you put in. The full report adds every option ranked, cost vs value ranges, concept floor layouts and site plan drafts, and every check with its sources. It is a one-time payment per property.
Is this a permit, or a plan I can build from?
Neither. It is a screening from public records, not professional advice, and not a survey, soils report, appraisal, loan offer or permit; every number is an estimate. A licensed designer confirms the final plan, and your city or county gives final approval.