Citrus Heights Zoning and ADU Guide for Homeowners and Sellers

Last updated November 13, 2026. Reviewed by the Cash Home Buyers CA team. Information comes from the City of Citrus Heights ADU and JADU FAQ; sources are listed at the end.

Citrus Heights says all properties with an existing or proposed residential dwelling may have an ADU, and that every ADU and junior ADU needs a building permit. Here are the size, setback and rental rules the city lists.

Citrus Heights ADU rules at a glance

How many ADUs can a Citrus Heights property have?

A property with a single-family home may have one standard ADU, attached or detached, plus one junior ADU. Properties with two or more attached units, such as a duplex, may build up to two detached ADUs of 800 sq ft each.

A junior ADU must be no larger than 500 sq ft, be created from space within the primary dwelling, have its own exterior entrance and an efficiency kitchen, and either the main home or the JADU must be owner-occupied. The owner must record a deed restriction that bars selling the JADU separately.

Can I convert a garage, or use a tiny home?

A legal garage can be converted, but it must meet current building and fire codes because it is a change in use. Tiny homes on wheels do not meet the city’s zoning regulations and may not be used as ADUs. A manufactured home may be used if it qualifies under Health and Safety Code Section 18007.

Fees, taxes and utilities

The city says permit fees vary by size and whether the ADU is a conversion, new structure or manufactured unit. Impact fees are waived for units of 749 sq ft or less, and larger units pay a reduced rate; call (916) 727-4760 for a quote.

New construction may trigger a supplemental assessment from the Sacramento County Assessor. Separate utility service is not required, but utilities must be sized for the added load. If the main house has fire sprinklers, the ADU must have them too.

How an ADU affects selling a house in Citrus Heights

A permitted ADU can add value. An unpermitted conversion can make a buyer’s lender or inspector balk, and sellers generally must disclose known unpermitted work. If you cannot show that a permit was finaled, expect questions.

California Disclosure Rules for Unpermitted Units

California Civil Code 1102 and following requires most sellers of one-to-four-unit homes to deliver a Transfer Disclosure Statement. It asks about additions or alterations made without permits and about notices from agencies. A garage conversion or backyard unit built without approval belongs on that form, and it can complicate financing for a buyer using a loan.

What to Verify Before You List

Ask the Building Division at (916) 727-4760 whether a permit was issued and finaled for any converted space or detached unit, and keep the answer in writing. A finaled permit is the clearest proof a buyer’s lender will accept. If tenants live in the unit, review the rental rules before you list, since a tenant’s rights continue through a sale.

A cash buyer can purchase a property with an unpermitted unit as-is, so you do not have to legalize it before closing. If you would rather keep the property and bring the unit into compliance, the city’s building staff are the place to start. A real estate attorney can help with what to disclose.

How to sell a house in Citrus Heights with an ADU or unpermitted unit

1. Confirm the permit. Ask the Building Division at (916) 727-4760 whether it was issued and finaled.
2. Know the rental rules. If tenants live there, see selling a tenant-occupied house in Citrus Heights.
3. Compare options. Legalize it, sell with a credit, or sell as-is for cash.
4. Disclose honestly. A cash offer does not change what you must disclose.

We buy Citrus Heights houses as they are. Read how selling a house as-is in Citrus Heights works, or see our Citrus Heights cash-offer process.

Have a unit and are not sure what to do? Call (424) 435-2326 or request a cash offer. There is no cost and no obligation.

Citrus Heights ADU FAQ

Do I need a permit for an ADU in Citrus Heights?

Yes. The city says all ADUs and junior ADUs require a building permit.

How big can a Citrus Heights ADU be?

All residential properties may build at least 800 sq ft, and in some cases up to 1,200 sq ft. Call Planning at (916) 727-4740 for specifics.

Can I rent my ADU short term?

No. The ADU may be rented but not for less than 31 days.

Can I sell a Citrus Heights house with an unpermitted ADU?

Yes. It can slow a traditional sale, but a cash buyer can purchase the property as it is.

Can I sell a Citrus Heights home with an unpermitted ADU?

Yes, though California’s Transfer Disclosure Statement asks about unpermitted additions and alterations, so it should be disclosed. A cash buyer can purchase as-is.

How do I find out whether my unit was permitted?

Ask the Building Division at (916) 727-4760 whether a permit was issued and finaled, and keep the answer in writing.

Sources

• City of Citrus Heights: ADUs/JADUs FAQ

This guide is general information, not legal advice. ADU rules change often; confirm requirements with the City of Citrus Heights.