Who issues ADU permits in Yolo County?

It depends on your city. West Sacramento permits through the City of West Sacramento Community Development Department; Davis permits through the City of Davis Community Development & Sustainability; Woodland permits through the City of Woodland Community Development Department. We prepare the package and manage every inspection for whichever office governs your lot.

What are the ADU setback and size rules in Yolo County?

Yolo County follows California's statewide ADU standards: a 4 ft side and rear setback (cities can't require more), detached units up to 1,200 sq ft, a 16 ft height limit (taller near major transit), and no replacement parking for garage conversions. Units under 750 sq ft are exempt from impact fees.

Do Yolo County ADUs have an owner-occupancy requirement?

Standard ADUs permitted on or after January 1, 2020 have no owner-occupancy requirement — you can rent both the main house and the ADU. Junior ADUs are the exception and still require the owner to live in the main house or the JADU.

Yolo County · Rules & Permits

Yolo County ADU Rules, Setbacks & Permits

Updated June 12, 2026 · Upside ADU

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Quick answer

Yolo County ADUs follow California's statewide rules: a 4 ft side/rear setback, detached units up to 1,200 sq ft, a 16 ft height limit, no added parking, and a 60-day permit clock. Yolo County ADUs (West Sacramento, Davis, Woodland) are permitted through each city's own Community Development department — a separate process from the City of Sacramento across the river. Davis is among the more ADU-friendly jurisdictions but has its own quirks.

Who permits your ADU in Yolo County?

Yolo County spans several jurisdictions, and the office that reviews your ADU depends on your address. We handle the submittal and inspections for whichever one applies.

Yolo County ADU permitting authority by city

City	Permitting authority	ADU pages
West Sacramento	City of West Sacramento Community Development Department	builder · cost
Davis	City of Davis Community Development & Sustainability	builder · cost
Woodland	City of Woodland Community Development Department	builder · cost

What are the ADU size, setback, and height limits?

These are set by California state law and apply across Yolo County — a city cannot make them more restrictive:

Detached ADU: up to 1,200 sq ft
Side & rear setback: 4 ft minimum (state floor)
Height: 16 ft, or up to 25 ft within ½ mile of major transit
Parking: none required for a garage conversion
Impact fees: waived for units under 750 sq ft
Owner-occupancy: none for standard ADUs permitted after Jan 1, 2020 (JADUs excepted)

What's different about building in Yolo County?

Davis applies above-minimum energy/sustainability standards and keeps an owner-occupancy requirement on JADUs; its UC-driven rental market is the strongest in the county. Woodland and West Sacramento have older grids with detached garages well suited to conversion.

Ready to see if your Yolo County lot qualifies?

We confirm the current rules for your specific parcel — setbacks, height, and permit office — during a free feasibility check, no commitment required.

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Orientation only, not a permit determination — Yolo County jurisdictions update ordinances as state law changes. We confirm the current rules for your specific lot during a free feasibility check.

Sources & references

Accessory Dwelling Units — official guidance — California Dept. of Housing & Community Development (HCD)
California ADU law (SB 1211, AB 1033) — California Legislative Information

Yolo County ADU rules — FAQs

: It depends on your city. West Sacramento permits through the City of West Sacramento Community Development Department; Davis permits through the City of Davis Community Development & Sustainability; Woodland permits through the City of Woodland Community Development Department. We prepare the package and manage every inspection for whichever office governs your lot.
: Yolo County follows California's statewide ADU standards: a 4 ft side and rear setback (cities can't require more), detached units up to 1,200 sq ft, a 16 ft height limit (taller near major transit), and no replacement parking for garage conversions. Units under 750 sq ft are exempt from impact fees.
: California law requires a decision on a complete application within 60 days. Pre-approved plan sets can shorten plan check to roughly 30 days. Davis applies above-minimum energy/sustainability standards and keeps an owner-occupancy requirement on JADUs; its UC-driven rental market is the strongest in the county. Woodland and West Sacramento have older grids with detached garages well suited to conversion.
: Standard ADUs permitted on or after January 1, 2020 have no owner-occupancy requirement — you can rent both the main house and the ADU. Junior ADUs are the exception and still require the owner to live in the main house or the JADU.

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