ADU Regulations in Shasta County, California (2026)

Regulations at a glance

Local rules & notes

5-Year Enforcement Delay: Local agencies must delay enforcement against substandard ADUs for five years to allow owners to correct violations, provided they are not health and safety issues. 60-Day Deemed Approval: ADU applications are deemed approved if the local agency has not approved or denied the completed application within 60 days. HOA Interference Prohibited: Homeowners’ associations cannot influence or restrict the approval of ADU applications.

For the official ordinance and latest updates, check your city or county planning department.

Frequently asked questions about ADU regulations in Shasta County

• What is the maximum ADU size in Shasta County, California?

  In Shasta County, the maximum ADU size is typically 1000 square feet, depending on whether the unit is attached or detached. California state law allows up to 1,200 sq ft for detached ADUs and 800 sq ft for attached in many jurisdictions; Shasta County may follow state defaults or have local limits. Verify with Shasta County planning for your specific lot.

• What are the setback requirements for ADUs in Shasta County?

  In Shasta County, typical setback requirements are 4 feet from the side property line and 4 feet from the rear. These may be reduced to 4 feet under California Government Code § 65852.2 where applicable. Check with Shasta County planning for overlay zones or design standards that could affect your site.

• What is the maximum height for an ADU in Shasta County?

  In Shasta County, the maximum height for an ADU is generally 16 feet. State law often allows up to 16 feet for detached ADUs and up to 25 feet when within 4 feet of the property line in some cases. Confirm with Shasta County or county planning for your zone.

• Is ADU approval ministerial in Shasta County?

  In Shasta County, ADU approval is typically Ministerial (by-right) per Gov Code §65852.2. Ministerial (by-right) review means the city must approve qualifying applications without discretionary review, per California Gov Code § 65852.2. Your project must still meet objective standards; Shasta County planning can confirm the exact process.

• Are there parking requirements for ADUs in Shasta County?

  In Shasta County, parking for ADUs is generally false. California law often waives parking for ADUs within a half-mile of transit or in certain historic districts. Check with Shasta County planning for your address.