Davis, CA · Yolo County
Detached ADU in Davis
Upside ADU builds detached adus in Davis, Yolo County, for a $1,000 deposit with transparent fixed pricing and inspection-tied payments. A typical Davis detached adu runs $131,250–$453,600 all-in, and we permit it through the City of Davis Community Development & Sustainability end to end.
Davis rules that affect a detached adu
Davis's mix of lots leaves room for a standalone backyard unit with its own entrance, kitchen, and bath — the highest-value, most-rentable ADU type. The City of Davis Community Development & Sustainability reviews detached builds on the standard 60-day clock.
Local permitting: Davis permits through its Community Development & Sustainability department in Yolo County and is among the more ADU-friendly jurisdictions, with streamlined review. Note that JADUs here carry an owner-occupancy requirement, and energy/sustainability standards run above the state minimum.
That's the detached adu-specific picture. For the full Yolo County rulebook — every setback, height, and owner-occupancy detail — see our Sacramento-region ADU rules guide, and learn how the build type works statewide on our detached adu page.
Why Davis homeowners pick Upside
- $1,000 deposit — the CA legal max
- Inspection-tied milestone payments
- We know the City of Davis Community Development & Sustainability process
- Transparent, all-in Davis pricing
- Property-manager referral when you rent
Davis detached adu cost snapshot
A fully independent dwelling in your backyard with its own entrance, kitchen, and bath. Detached ADUs add the most property value and command the highest rents of any ADU type. In the Yolo County market that prices out to about $263–$378 per square foot, or $131,250–$453,600 for a finished, permitted unit. A typical Davis detached adu rents for $1,700–$2,800 a month.
| Size | Typical use | Davis all-in cost (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| 500 sq ft | Studio / 1-bed, max cash-on-cash | $131,250–$189,000 |
| 850 sq ft | 1–2 bed, most popular | $223,125–$321,300 |
| 1200 sq ft | 2–3 bed / multigen, max value | $315,000–$453,600 |
Dial in your own number with the ADU cost calculator.
Estimate your ADU
Ballpark 2026 turnkey cost, financing, and rental return for your area.
Estimated turnkey cost
$263–$378 / sq ft · incl. design, permits & construction
Estimates only — 2026 regional ranges, not a bid. Your real price depends on site conditions, finishes, and your lot. We confirm with a free feasibility check.
Detached ADU projects in Davis
Davis ADUs often pencil out for student leasing, which favors by-the-room layouts and the city's above-code energy standards. Central Davis lots are tight; Wildhorse and Mace Ranch are roomier for a full detached build. Every detached adu is fixed-price, funded on inspection-passed milestones, and backed by our written guarantee.
Browse finished builds and specs in our ADU project gallery.
Detached ADU in Davis — FAQs
A detached adu in Davis typically runs $131,250–$453,600 turnkey in 2026, based on $263–$378 per square foot for the Yolo County market. We confirm your exact number with a free feasibility check.
Davis detached adu permits are handled by the City of Davis Community Development & Sustainability (Yolo County). Davis permits through its Community Development & Sustainability department in Yolo County and is among the more ADU-friendly jurisdictions, with streamlined review. Note that JADUs here carry an owner-occupancy requirement, and energy/sustainability standards run above the state minimum. We prepare and submit the full package and manage inspections.
A detached adu in Davis rents for about $1,700–$2,800 a month in 2026 depending on size and finish. UC Davis demand keeps occupancy high and rents resilient year-round; by-the-room student leasing can push effective yield well above a standard single-tenant ADU.
A detached ADU in the Sacramento region typically runs $165,000–$500,000 in 2026, or roughly $250–$360 per square foot turnkey (design, permits, and construction included). A 750 sq ft 2-bed/1-bath lands around $230,000–$300,000 at mid-range finishes.
State law allows detached ADUs up to 1,200 sq ft. Units under 750 sq ft are exempt from impact fees, which is why many Sacramento homeowners build right at that threshold for the best cost-per-rental-dollar.
Plan on about 6–9 months end to end: 2–6 weeks design, 4–10 weeks permitting (as fast as 30 days with pre-approved plans), and 12–16 weeks construction.
Detached ADU near Davis
ADU services in Davis
Upside models for Detached ADU
More for Davis
Not sure which type fits your lot? See all ADU services in Davis or compare every build type on our ADU services hub.
Build your detached adu in Davis
Get a transparent Davis quote and a free feasibility check for your lot.