Yes. The City of Sacramento offers free, permit-ready Shelf Ready plans for detached ADUs in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom layouts. The city describes them as all-electric, built to the 2022 residential code and under 750 square feet, so they avoid impact fees.
What do you still submit?
- A scaled site plan with property lines, structures, setbacks, easements and streets.
- Solar plans, for the two-bedroom model.
- Optionally, a low-cost zoning review with photos of the site and street.
- The building permit package through the Citizen Portal: application, hold harmless agreement, address request and the plan set.
Are they the right choice?
On a lot that fits the footprint, usually. If you want a different layout, a garage conversion or more than one unit, a custom plan may suit better.
City or county?
Sacramento County runs a separate free plan program for unincorporated areas. Check which one applies to your address.
Sources, as of November 2026: City of Sacramento ADU pages and Shelf Ready ADU Plans Submittal Guide; Sacramento City Express, January 2023. General information, not legal advice.
Updated November 2026