Updates to Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations
Since the previous update to Placer County’s ADU Ordinance in 2020, the State of California has made numerous updates to State law that renders the County’s ADU ordinance null and void. The County is proposing a zoning text amendment to ensure consistency with State law.
Due to the frequently evolving State ADU law, this zoning text amendment largely refers to the applicable California Government Code sections rather than providing substantial detail within County code. This approach is intentional to allow County code to continue to comply with future text changes to State ADU law.
Major updates to the ADU ordinance include:
- Increasing the number of ADUs allowed on single family (maximum of four) and multifamily parcels (maximum of eight plus converted ADU potential)
- Reducing occupancy restrictions
- Reducing parking requirements
- Streamlining local approval by requiring objective standards and approval timelines
- Reducing impact fees imposed on new ADUs
Additionally, State law establishes two primary approval pathways for ADUs:
1. State-Exempt Units (Building Permit Only)
Applies to ADUs under 800 square feet and conversions. These units are approved through a building permit and may be combined on a single lot. Types include:
- Single family converted ADUs and JADUs
- Single family detached ADUs
- Multifamily converted ADUs
- Multifamily detached ADUs
2. Non-State-Exempt Units (Ministerial Review)
Applies to ADUs over 800 square feet or attached ADUs (e.g., additions). These are processed ministerially and subject to additional objective development standards (e.g., open space requirements). Types include:
- New attached ADUs (e.g., additions)
- ADUs between 800 and 1,200 square feet (e.g., multi-bedroom units)
For more information on the State law Updates, visit the Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook.
Draft Amendment and Upcoming Meetings
Virtual Community Meeting
Staff will explain the changes included in the proposed ADU Zoning Text Amendment during a virtual community meeting on June 10, 2026 at 6 p.m., which will include a presentation and a question and answer session. The presentation portion will be recorded and uploaded to the webpage afterwards.
Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors Hearings
The amendment is scheduled for the June 25, 2026 Planning Commission hearing and the August 25, 2026 Board of Supervisors hearing.
Draft Amendment
The proposed ADU zoning text amendment uses bold and underlined text to reflect proposed new language and strikethrough text to indicate language proposed for removal. The final draft reflecting any changes between the virtual community meeting and the Planning Commission hearing on June 26th will be made available prior to the Planning Commission hearing and will be available online in the Planning Commission agenda packet.