GroundRules
Sample data · Sacramento County · illustrative only
Intake/Sample resultReport PDE-0241 · generated in 4 min
Requires VerificationSacramento County, CA — sample ruleset

4178 Whitfield Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95821

Detached ADU · Detached 1-bedroom accessory dwelling unit, approximately 800 sq ft, placed in the rear yard for long-term rental.

Verdict
Requires Verification
Confidence
82%
Open items
2 conditions · 1 unknown
Confidence score82/100

Driven by complete parcel & zoning data and a ministerial ruleset; reduced by one unverified utility item.

Decision support, not legal advice. Screening results are not permit approvals. Verify with the jurisdiction before acting. Unknowns are shown, never hidden.

Source transparency

Every rule, with its source

AI explains. Verified rules decide. Unknowns are shown, not hidden.

  • Parcel falls outside incorporated city limits; county ADU ordinance applies.

    Source
    Sacramento County GIS — City Boundaries layer
    Code section
    —
    As-of date
    2026-06-13
    Confidence
    High
Ruleset 2026.06.0 · verified 2026-06-13 · Sacramento County sample jurisdiction
What it takes

Permit path

  1. 1
    Pre-application review (optional)1–2 weeks
    Sacramento County Planning
  2. 2
    Building permit submittal (architectural + Title 24)Submit
    Building Inspection Division
  3. 3
    Plan check review6–10 weeks
    Building Inspection Division
  4. 4
    Permit issuance & fee payment1–2 weeks
    Building Inspection Division
  5. 5
    Construction & inspections12–20 weeks
    County inspectors
  6. 6
    Certificate of Occupancy2–4 weeks
    Building Inspection Division

Timelines are typical ranges; verify current plan-check times with the jurisdiction.

During construction

Inspections likely required

  • Foundation / slab (before pour)
  • Underground plumbing & electrical
  • Framing (before insulation)
  • Rough electrical, plumbing, mechanical
  • Insulation & drywall
  • Final building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical
From official records

Parcel summary

APN
274-0142-019-0000
Jurisdiction
Unincorporated Sacramento County
Lot size
8,540 sq ft (0.196 ac)
Dimensions
62 ft × 138 ft
Zoning
RD-5 — Single-Family Residential, 5 units/acre
Current use
Single-family residence (1,420 sq ft)
Data retrieved
2026-06-13
Applicable standards

Zoning facts

Base zoning district
RD-5 — Single-Family Residential
ADU permitted in zone
Yes (state law + county ordinance)
Max lot coverage
50% · currently 31% used
ADU rear / side setback minimum
4 ft / 4 ft (state floor)
ADU height limit (single-story)
16 ft
Min lot size for ADU
No minimum (state preemption)
Plan around these

Risks & blockers

  • Fire hazard construction requirementsMedium

    VHFHSZ designation likely adds 5–15% to hard construction cost and constrains materials.

  • Sewer connection cost & capacityMedium

    Connection fee and capacity verification could materially affect budget; confirm with the sanitation district.

  • ADU law changes annuallyLow

    California ADU statute is amended frequently. Rules reflected here are current as of the verified date only.

Shown, not hidden

Unknowns

  • Whether a separate water meter is required for the ADU at this address.
  • Exact sewer connection fee for this parcel from the sanitation district.
  • Whether Local Responsibility Area fire requirements differ from the state designation shown.

Cannot determine from available data — verify with the jurisdiction.

Before you commit

Questions to ask the city

  1. 01Is a separate water meter required for a detached ADU at this address?
  2. 02What is the current sewer connection fee and is capacity available for an ADU on this parcel?
  3. 03Is this parcel within a Local Responsibility Area Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone, and are sprinklers required?
  4. 04What is the current plan-check turnaround time for ADU permits?
Before you commit

Questions to ask your contractor

  1. 01Have you permitted detached ADUs in unincorporated Sacramento County in the last 12 months?
  2. 02Does your bid include CBC Chapter 7A ignition-resistant construction if required?
  3. 03Does your bid include Title 24 energy compliance and any required structural engineering?
  4. 04What is your current lead time from signed contract to permit submittal?
Do this next

Next-step checklist

  • Confirm the two CONDITIONAL items (fire zone, sewer) with Sacramento County before investing in plans.
  • Resolve the water-meter UNKNOWN with the local water purveyor.
  • Request a pre-application meeting with Sacramento County Planning.
  • Get three contractor bids that explicitly include fire-zone construction.
  • Order a boundary survey if property lines are not clearly marked (affects setback placement).

See this as a full, branded report.

A client-ready PDF with every citation, methodology, and disclaimer.

View sample report →