TONIGHT ALL THREE CATS ARE RECOVERING WITH THEIR OWNERS. ALL RIGHT, WELL, SACRAMENTO IS MOVING FORWARD WITH A NEW DESIGN STANDARDS FOR ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS, OR ADUS IN HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOODS. THEIR PROPOSED STANDARDS WILL REQUIRE UNITS TO BE BUILT IN BACKYARDS WITH SPECIAL RULES FOR ALLEY FACING LOTS HEIGHT LIMITS BASED ON NEARBY HISTORIC BUILDINGS, AND RULES ON DESIGN FEATURES LIKE MAKING ROOFS AND MATERIALS MATCH THE SURROUNDING HISTORIC CHARACTER. CITY STAFF WILL NOW MEET WITH RESIDENTS OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS TO GET SOME FEEDBACK. THEN IN THE FALL, THEY’LL FINALIZE ZONING MODI
Sacramento advances design standards for accessory dwelling units in historic neighborhoods
Updated: 11:21 PM PDT Mar 24, 2026
The Sacramento City Council is moving forward with new design standards for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in historic neighborhoods, requiring units to be built in backyards with specific design rules.The proposed standards include special rules for alley-facing lots, height limits based on nearby historic buildings, and design features that ensure roofs and materials match the surrounding historic character. City staff will meet with residents over the next few months to gather feedback. Then, in the fall, they will finalize zoning modifications and regulations before presenting a final draft ordinance later this year.See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel
The Sacramento City Council is moving forward with new design standards for accessory dwelling units (ADUs) in historic neighborhoods, requiring units to be built in backyards with specific design rules.
The proposed standards include special rules for alley-facing lots, height limits based on nearby historic buildings, and design features that ensure roofs and materials match the surrounding historic character.
City staff will meet with residents over the next few months to gather feedback.
Then, in the fall, they will finalize zoning modifications and regulations before presenting a final draft ordinance later this year.
See more coverage of top California stories here | Download our app | Subscribe to our morning newsletter | Find us on YouTube here and subscribe to our channel