Main Menu Close Menu

mail Contact

Search Close

Translate

Department

Community Development

Department

Community Response

Department

Convention and Cultural Services

Department

Finance

Department

Fire Department

Department

Human Resources

Department

Information Technology

Department

Mayor and Council

Department

Office of Public Safety Accountability

Department

Office of the City Attorney

Department

Office of the City Auditor

Department

Office of the City Clerk

Department

Office of the City Manager

Department

Office of the City Treasurer

Department

Police Department

Department

Public Works

Department

Utilities

Department

Youth, Parks, & Community Enrichment

Category

hiking Activities

Arts & Culture

Camps

Classes & Group Activities

Community Centers

Events & Entertainment

Sports

Swimming

Category

pets Animals & Pets

Animals & Pets

Category

domain_add Building & Planning

Construction

Inspections

Planning

Property Lines & Surveying

Zoning

Category

store Business

Business

Cannabis

Economic Development

Innovation

Suppliers & Vendors

Category

account_tree City Administration

Accountability & Oversight

Boards & Commissions

City Attorney

City Manager

City Structure & Policies

Customer Service

Elections

Mayor & City Council

Transparency

Category

category City Assets & Data

City Buildings & Property

City Vehicles

Records

Transparency

Category

explore City Regions

Council Districts

Neighborhoods

Property Lines & Surveying

Zoning

Category

diversity_4 Community Support

Accessibility

Community Centers

Community Engagement

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Homelessness

Housing

Older Adults

Volunteering

Youth

Category

theater_comedy Culture & History

Arts & Culture

Events & Entertainment

Sacramento History

Category

business_center Employment

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Employees & Retirees

Employment

Volunteering

Workforce Development

Category

directions Infrastructure

Bridges

Drinking Water

Information Technology

Infrastructure Finance

Stormwater & Flooding

Streets & Roads

Trails

Wastewater & Sewer

Category

gavel Law, Code & Compliance

Code Enforcement

Inspections

Law & Code

Permits

Category

payments Money

Accounting

City Budget

Claims, Rebates & Discounts

Debt Management

Economic Development

Grants

Infrastructure Finance

Investment & Cash Management

Payments & Fees

Taxes

Category

park Outdoors & Sustainability

Bicycles

Boating

Camps

Climate & Sustainability

Parks

Scooters

Sports

Swimming

Trails

Trees

Weather

Category

local_police Safety

Alternative Response

Crime

Emergency Management

Emergency Response

Fire

Inspections

Police Department

Prevention & Personal Safety

Stormwater & Flooding

Weather

Category

directions_car Transportation

Bicycles

Boating

Driving

Electric Vehicles

Parking

Public Transportation

Scooters

Traffic

Walking

Category

delete_sweep Utility Services

Drinking Water

Recycling

Trash

Wastewater & Sewer

Back to categories Back to Departments

Search for content

SITE NAVIGATION

Accessory Dwelling Units

Accessory Dwelling Unit Objective Design Standards Project

Accessory Dwelling Units

Accessory Dwelling Unit Objective Design Standards Project

Objective design standards for Accessory Dwelling Units involving Historic Properties

The City of Sacramento is developing a set of objective design standards to ensure that Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) within historic districts or on landmark properties complement the historic features and characteristics of their surroundings. This initiative aims to balance the need for increased housing density with the preservation of Sacramento's rich architectural heritage. By establishing clear, objective guidelines, the project seeks to streamline the construction process, protect historic integrity, and foster a sustainable, inclusive urban environment. Community input and expert reviews will shape these standards, ensuring they meet both preservation and housing needs.

Review the current draft

Draft ADU objective standards PDF

Why are objective standards needed?

Objective standards are essential to ensure that Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in historic districts or on landmark properties harmonize with the historic character of their surroundings. They provide clear, consistent guidelines that streamline the approval process, reducing uncertainty and delays. These standards help protect Sacramento's architectural heritage while accommodating the city's need for increased housing density. By replacing subjective judgments with objective criteria, the city can better balance growth and preservation, fostering a cohesive and sustainable urban environment that respects its historical context.

Can I design an ADU that doesn't meet these guidelines?

If a project is proposed that does not comply with the limited objective design standards, the city has a subjective application process known as Site Plan and Design Review that an applicant can pursue.

When will the next public meeting be held?

The draft document will be reviewed by the Preservation Commission on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, in New City Hall at 5:30PM.

How can I provide comments?

You can attend a public meeting and provide verbal comments, or you can email comments on the draft or questions about the process to Preservation Director, Sean de Courcy at sdecourcy@cityofsacramento.org.

ON THIS PAGE