Turning a garage into an ADU in Sacramento

Short answer

Sacramento does not require replacement parking when a garage becomes an ADU. State law requires no new setback for an existing structure converted to an ADU, and state law requires a permit decision within 60 days of a complete application.

Last verified 2026-10-18. Rules change; the City of Sacramento building desk has the final word.

Check your lot · free

What the Sacramento 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

Parking for the ADULocal rule
None required, and none to replace a converted garageCity of Sacramento Parking Revisions (2040 General Plan); City Code 17.608.020
ADUs per single-family lotLocal rule
2 on the City path (ADUs or junior ADUs); 2 ADUs + 1 junior ADU on the state pathSacramento City Code 17.228.105(B)(1)(a) and (C)(1)
Permit decision deadlineLocal rule
60 days from a complete applicationSacramento City Code 17.228.105(B)(4)(b)
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)
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)

What to know in Sacramento

Estimated cost and rent

TypeEst. all-in costEst. rent
Garage conversion$196-$319 per sq ft of garage (about $78,000-$127,000 for a 400 sq ft garage)$1,300-$1,750/mo

Estimates for a first conversation, not bids or appraisals. Source: LotUpside price book sac-2026-10.

What we couldn't confirm

  • Whether the existing garage meets building and fire requirements for conversion has not been confirmed for this lot.

Ask the City of Sacramento building desk before you rely on these.

Check your lot free

Our free check reads your lot against the Sacramento 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 Sacramento rules above.

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Sacramento garage conversion questions

Must I replace parking lost to a Sacramento garage conversion?

No. Sacramento City Code 17.608.020, cited on the City's Parking Revisions page, says parking removed for an ADU or junior ADU need not be replaced. Gov. Code 66314(d)(11) also covers a garage converted to an ADU.

Can a converted garage and a detached ADU share a Sacramento lot?

The City ADU Resource Center's Step 1 describes a state-standards path with a converted ADU, a junior ADU and a new detached ADU. Sacramento City Code 17.228.105(A) says the City and state paths cannot be mixed.

Does the old garage need a new side or rear setback?

Gov. Code 66314(d)(7) says no new setback is required for an existing accessory structure converted to an ADU, or one rebuilt in the same place and dimensions. A particular garage still needs permit review by the City.

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 Sacramento

Garage conversion in other areas

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