Turning a garage into an ADU in Citrus Heights

Short answer

Citrus Heights Municipal Code requires no new setback when an existing accessory structure is converted to an ADU, and it requires no replacement parking for a converted garage. State law also allows a limited entry and exit expansion on the qualifying single-family path.

Last verified 2026-10-18. Rules change; the City of Citrus Heights Planning Division has the final word (916-727-4740).

Check your lot · free

What the Citrus Heights rules allow on your lot: setbacks, the biggest unit that fits, fees.

Free. No credit card required. 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 for now; other areas get a partial check.

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The rules

ParkingLocal rule
None added, and no replacement for a converted garageCitrus Heights Municipal Code 106.42.015(E)(7)
Entry and exit expansion for an existing-space ADUState law
On a single-family lot, an existing accessory structure may expand by up to 150 sq ft beyond its dimensions, only to accommodate entry and exitGov. Code 66323(a)(1)(A)
Detached-garage demolition permitState law
If a detached garage is replaced with an ADU, its demolition permit is reviewed with the ADU application and issued at the same timeGov. Code 66314(e)
Setback for an existing-space conversionState law
No new setback for an existing structure, or one rebuilt in the same place and dimensions, converted to an ADUGov. Code 66314(d)(7)
City setback for an existing conversionLocal rule
No new setback for converting existing living area or an accessory structure to an ADUCitrus Heights Municipal Code 106.42.015(E)(1)(a)

What to know in Citrus Heights

The City's conversion and parking rules

Citrus Heights Municipal Code 106.42.015(E)(1)(a) exempts a conversion of an existing accessory structure from a new setback. Subsection (E)(7) requires no added off-street parking for an ADU or junior ADU and no replacement parking when a garage is converted. These rules do not establish that a specific garage meets building requirements.

Citrus Heights Municipal Code 106.42.015(E)(1)(a) and (E)(7)

The 2026 ordinance effective date remains open

The City's Zoning Code Update 2026 page still lists the amendments' effective date as 'TBD'. Confirm the current local text with the Planning Division before relying on a garage conversion plan.

City of Citrus Heights, Zoning Code Update 2026

Estimated cost and rent

Garage conversions and junior ADUs aren't in this table for Citrus Heights: the check can't verify them there yet, so a report lists them as not verified.

What we couldn't confirm

  • Whether this garage meets building requirements and any parcel-specific City overlay has not been confirmed.
  • The effective date of the City's 2026 ADU ordinance has not been verified.

Ask the City of Citrus Heights Planning Division before you rely on these.

Check your lot free

Our free check reads your lot against the Citrus Heights rules above from public records: a screening, not a permit or professional advice.

Free. No credit card required. 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 for now; other areas get a partial check.

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Floor plans to start from

Measured ADU layouts you can edit and download as CAD files, then check against the Citrus Heights rules above.

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Citrus Heights garage conversion questions

Does a Citrus Heights garage conversion need a new setback?

No new setback is required for converting an existing accessory structure to an ADU, under Citrus Heights Municipal Code 106.42.015(E)(1)(a). Gov. Code 66314(d)(7) has the same existing-structure rule.

Must I replace parking lost to the converted garage?

No. Citrus Heights Municipal Code 106.42.015(E)(7) says no replacement parking is required, and Gov. Code 66314(d)(11) also bars replacement parking for a garage converted to an ADU.

May the garage expand to make an ADU entrance?

On the qualifying single-family existing-space path, Gov. Code 66323(a)(1)(A) allows an accessory structure to expand by no more than 150 sq ft beyond its prior dimensions, limited to entry and exit.

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.

More about ADUs in Citrus Heights

Garage conversion in other areas

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