Why people in Placer County are building ADUs
You want space for parents, a rental that helps with the mortgage, or a real home office that isn’t your car. ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) are the “small home, big win” option—faster and cheaper than a custom house, and California actually made the rules friendlier for you (we know… shocking).
The rules
- Setbacks: detached ADUs are usually allowed about 4 ft from side/rear lines (we confirm on-site).
- Size: many lots can support up to ~1,200 sq ft (lot coverage still matters).
- Parking: often not required for conversions or near transit.
- Solar: new detached ADUs generally need solar PV under current energy rules.
- 60-day review: cities/counties must act on a complete ADU application in about 60 days (we make sure it’s complete).
School impact fees (read this!)
- ≤ 750 sq ft → No school fees. We still get an exemption letter from your district.
- > 750 sq ft → Fees may apply; you pay the school district (not the city), and bring back a Certificate of Compliance.
- No certificate = no permit. Also, your 60-day clock doesn’t start until fees/exemption are on file.
Design-Build: one team from first sketch to last nail
You could hire a separate designer and contractor and referee their emails… or hire one design-build team (hi 👋). That means one plan, one budget, one schedule — fewer “but the plans said…” moments.
Our step-by-step process
- Feasibility & Site Walk — Setbacks, utilities, slope, trees, truck access, any HOA notes.
- Concept & Budget — Floor plans that live well and pass plan check.
- Engineering & Title 24 — Structure + energy model (this is where solar is sized).
- Permitting — We submit, track, and fix any corrections fast to keep that 60-day timeline working.
- Construction — Foundation → framing → MEP → finishes. Clean site, respectful crew, happy neighbors.
- Finals & Keys — Inspector sign-off, labeled shutoffs, tidy punch list. Your porch coffee is officially permitted.
Budget & timing (honest ranges)
- Garage conversion: ~$110k–$170k
- Detached studio/1-bed: ~$180k–$350k+
- Larger 2-bed: $350k+ depending on site and finishes
- Timeline: 9–12 months (design/permits 2–5 mo, build 4–6 mo, finals 1–3 wks)
FAQs — Placer County
Do HOAs matter?
State law limits how much HOAs can block ADUs, but a clean, friendly submittal helps. We prep it.
Can I rent it short-term?
Depends on local rules. Long-term rental is widely allowed; we’ll point you to current guidance.
Can I skip solar?
For new detached ADUs, usually no. Additions/conversions can be different—we’ll check your case.
Let’s start with a quick lot check
Send your address + 2–3 yard photos. We’ll give you a free feasibility look.
Questions now? Contact us
Prefer official info?
California’s HCD ADU help portal: https://calhcd.service-now.com/csp?id=csm_sc_cat_item_public&sys_id=19d0846297794910edea398c1253af2a
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