What size and format should my site plan be for CDD?

CDD accepts plans in standard architectural sheet sizes (24"x36" or 18"x24" for residential). All plans must be drawn to scale with the scale clearly indicated. Plans submitted online must be in PDF format. Over-the-counter permits for simple projects may use smaller sheet sizes.

What are the typical residential setbacks in Sacramento?

In R-1 zones, front setbacks are 20 feet (15 feet to garage), side setbacks 5 feet, and rear setbacks 15 feet. Maximum lot coverage is 50%. R-1A and R-1B zones have reduced setbacks for smaller lots. The Central City area has different standards. Always verify through the Sacramento GIS portal.

How does SB 9 lot splitting work in Sacramento?

SB 9 allows qualifying single-family lots to be split into two lots, each at least 40% of the original area (minimum 1,200 sq ft). Each lot can have up to 2 units. The process is ministerial (no discretionary review) and must be processed within 60 days. The applicant must sign an owner-occupancy affidavit for 3 years. 4-foot rear and side setbacks apply.

Do I need a site plan for an ADU in Sacramento?

Yes, but ADU permits are streamlined per state law. Your site plan must show the ADU location, 4-foot setbacks for detached units, maximum 1,200 sq ft, and height limits. No additional parking is required. CDD must process ADU applications within 60 days. JADUs up to 500 sq ft are allowed within existing homes.

What tree preservation rules affect my site plan?

Sacramento's Tree Preservation Ordinance protects heritage trees (24 inches+ circumference at 54 inches above grade, or 12 inches+ for oaks, buckeyes, and sycamores). Tree removal permits are required from Urban Forestry. Removed trees must be replaced with trees totaling 50% of the removed tree's trunk circumference. Show all trees with species and size on your site plan.

Is my property in a flood zone?

Many Sacramento properties are in FEMA flood zones due to proximity to the Sacramento and American Rivers. Check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center or the city's GIS portal. New residential construction in flood zones must elevate the lowest floor at least 1 foot above Base Flood Elevation. Your site plan must show the flood zone designation and proposed elevations.

What stormwater management is required?

Projects creating 2,500-10,000 sq ft of impervious surface need source control measures. Projects exceeding 10,000 sq ft require full post-construction stormwater treatment using LID measures like bioretention, permeable pavement, or rain gardens. Hydromodification management may be required for projects near sensitive waterways.

How long does plan review take at CDD?

Residential plan review takes 2-4 weeks. ADU applications must be processed within 60 days per state law. SB 9 projects are also processed within 60 days. Commercial projects take 4-8 weeks. Over-the-counter permits for simple projects can be processed same day at 300 Richards Boulevard.

Sacramento Site Plan Requirements & Permit Guide (2025)

By Site Plan Creator Team • March 6, 2026

Guide to creating site plans for building permits in Sacramento, including Community Development Department requirements and SB 9 lot split rules.

Sacramento Site Plan Requirements: Complete Guide for Building Permits

Creating a site plan for a building permit in Sacramento, California requires meeting specific requirements set by the Community Development Department (CDD). As California's capital city, Sacramento has been proactive in implementing the state's housing legislation, including SB 9 lot splits and expanded ADU rules, making it one of the more development-friendly cities in California.

What Is a Site Plan and Why Does Sacramento Require One?

A site plan is a scaled drawing showing your property boundaries, existing structures, proposed construction, setbacks, and site features. CDD requires a site plan for all building permit applications to verify compliance with Title 17 (Planning and Development Code) of the Sacramento City Code. You can look up your property's zoning through the city's GIS portal or the CDD website.

Required Site Plan Elements for CDD

CDD requires the following elements on all site plans:

Property boundaries with accurate dimensions and total lot area
Setbacks from all property lines per Title 17
Location of all existing structures with square footage, height, and use
Proposed construction clearly distinguished from existing structures
Lot coverage calculation showing building footprint as percentage of lot area
Parking spaces per Title 17, Chapter 17.608 (including bicycle parking)
Driveways and access points with dimensions and sight triangles
Tree locations showing all heritage trees (24 inches+ circumference at 54 inches height)
Landscaping plan with water-efficient plant selections per the Model Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance
North arrow and scale
Assessor's Parcel Number (APN)

Sacramento Zoning and Setback Requirements

Sacramento's zoning is organized under Title 17 with the following common residential districts:

R-1 (Standard Single-Family): Front 20 feet (15 feet to garage), side 5 feet, rear 15 feet. Lot coverage max 50%. Minimum lot size 5,000 sq ft.
R-1A (Alternative Single-Family): Front 15 feet, side 3 feet, rear 10 feet. Lot coverage max 55%. Smaller lot sizes permitted.
R-1B (Single-Family Alternative, small lot): Front 10 feet, side 3 feet, rear 10 feet. Lot coverage max 60%.
R-2 (Multi-Family): Front 15 feet, side 5 feet, rear 15 feet.
Corner lots: Street-side setback is 10 feet for most residential zones.

The Central City Specific Plan area (downtown, midtown) has different standards with reduced or zero setbacks for many properties. Always verify your specific zone through the Sacramento GIS portal.

SB 9 Lot Split Requirements

Sacramento has implemented California's SB 9 (California Housing Opportunity and More Efficiency Act) which allows qualifying single-family lots to be split and developed with additional units:

Lot split: Qualifying single-family lots can be divided into two lots, each at least 40% of the original lot area (minimum 1,200 sq ft per lot)
Two units per lot: After a split, each new lot can have up to 2 units (duplex or primary dwelling + ADU)
Ministerial approval: SB 9 projects are approved without discretionary review if they meet objective standards
Owner-occupancy: The applicant must sign an affidavit of intent to occupy one unit as their primary residence for 3 years
4-foot setbacks for rear and side yards for SB 9 units

Your site plan for an SB 9 project must show the proposed lot line, both lots with required frontage and area, and compliance with all objective standards.

Tree Preservation Requirements

Sacramento's Tree Preservation Ordinance (Chapter 12.56 and 12.64 of the Sacramento City Code) protects:

Heritage trees: Trees with a circumference of 24 inches or more measured at 54 inches above grade, or any oak, buckeye, or sycamore with a circumference of 12 inches+
City trees: All trees on public property or in the public right-of-way (managed by Urban Forestry)
Tree removal permits: Required for any heritage tree removal; application reviewed by Urban Forestry
Replacement requirements: Removed heritage trees must be replaced with trees totaling at least 50% of the removed tree's trunk circumference
Your site plan must show all trees on the property with species, circumference, and canopy spread

ADU Requirements in Sacramento

Sacramento has embraced California's ADU legislation with efficient processing:

ADUs allowed in all residential and mixed-use zones
4-foot setbacks for detached ADUs from rear and side property lines
Maximum 1,200 sq ft for detached ADUs
16-foot height limit (or 18 feet with a half-mile of a major transit stop, 25 feet for multi-story ADUs in multi-family zones)
No additional parking required (per state law)
60-day processing guarantee per state law for ministerial ADU applications
JADUs up to 500 sq ft allowed within existing residences

Flood Zone Requirements

Sacramento has significant flood risk due to its location at the confluence of the Sacramento and American Rivers:

Many properties are in FEMA flood zones (AE, AH, AO, X-Shaded)
The Central Valley Flood Protection Plan imposes additional requirements beyond FEMA
New residential construction in flood zones must elevate the lowest floor at least 1 foot above Base Flood Elevation (BFE)
Your site plan must show the flood zone designation, BFE if applicable, and proposed finished floor elevation
FEMA Elevation Certificate may be required after construction

Stormwater Management Requirements

Sacramento's stormwater requirements align with the Sacramento Stormwater Quality Partnership standards:

Small projects (2,500-10,000 sq ft new/replaced impervious surface): Must implement source control and site design measures
Regulated projects (10,000+ sq ft): Full post-construction stormwater quality treatment required
LID measures: Bioretention, permeable pavement, green roofs, and rain gardens are preferred treatment approaches
Hydromodification management: Required for projects discharging to sensitive streams and rivers

How to Submit Your Site Plan

Online Building Permit Portal

Submit through Sacramento's online Building Permit portal at cityofsacramento.org/community-development for electronic plan review. Upload plans in PDF format, pay fees, and track application status online.

Walk-In Service

Walk-in service is available at 300 Richards Boulevard, 3rd Floor for questions, preliminary reviews, and over-the-counter permits.

Permit Fees and Timeline

Plan check fees: Based on project valuation per the CDD fee schedule
Building permit fees: Calculated from construction valuation
Development impact fees: Quimby Act (parks), transportation, and water/sewer fees for new residential units
Timeline: Residential plan review 2-4 weeks. ADU permits within 60 days (state mandate). Commercial 4-8 weeks. SB 9 projects processed ministerially within 60 days.

Creating Your Sacramento Site Plan with Site Plan Creator

Site Plan Creator makes it easy to generate a professional, permit-ready site plan for your Sacramento property. Simply enter your address, and the tool automatically loads your property boundaries, building footprints, and aerial imagery. You can then add setback lines, label structures, draw proposed construction, and export a scaled PDF ready for CDD submission.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size and format should my site plan be for CDD?: CDD accepts plans in standard architectural sheet sizes (24"x36" or 18"x24" for residential). All plans must be drawn to scale with the scale clearly indicated. Plans submitted online must be in PDF format. Over-the-counter permits for simple projects may use smaller sheet sizes.
What are the typical residential setbacks in Sacramento?: In R-1 zones, front setbacks are 20 feet (15 feet to garage), side setbacks 5 feet, and rear setbacks 15 feet. Maximum lot coverage is 50%. R-1A and R-1B zones have reduced setbacks for smaller lots. The Central City area has different standards. Always verify through the Sacramento GIS portal.
How does SB 9 lot splitting work in Sacramento?: SB 9 allows qualifying single-family lots to be split into two lots, each at least 40% of the original area (minimum 1,200 sq ft). Each lot can have up to 2 units. The process is ministerial (no discretionary review) and must be processed within 60 days. The applicant must sign an owner-occupancy affidavit for 3 years. 4-foot rear and side setbacks apply.
Do I need a site plan for an ADU in Sacramento?: Yes, but ADU permits are streamlined per state law. Your site plan must show the ADU location, 4-foot setbacks for detached units, maximum 1,200 sq ft, and height limits. No additional parking is required. CDD must process ADU applications within 60 days. JADUs up to 500 sq ft are allowed within existing homes.
What tree preservation rules affect my site plan?: Sacramento's Tree Preservation Ordinance protects heritage trees (24 inches+ circumference at 54 inches above grade, or 12 inches+ for oaks, buckeyes, and sycamores). Tree removal permits are required from Urban Forestry. Removed trees must be replaced with trees totaling 50% of the removed tree's trunk circumference. Show all trees with species and size on your site plan.
Is my property in a flood zone?: Many Sacramento properties are in FEMA flood zones due to proximity to the Sacramento and American Rivers. Check the FEMA Flood Map Service Center or the city's GIS portal. New residential construction in flood zones must elevate the lowest floor at least 1 foot above Base Flood Elevation. Your site plan must show the flood zone designation and proposed elevations.
What stormwater management is required?: Projects creating 2,500-10,000 sq ft of impervious surface need source control measures. Projects exceeding 10,000 sq ft require full post-construction stormwater treatment using LID measures like bioretention, permeable pavement, or rain gardens. Hydromodification management may be required for projects near sensitive waterways.
How long does plan review take at CDD?: Residential plan review takes 2-4 weeks. ADU applications must be processed within 60 days per state law. SB 9 projects are also processed within 60 days. Commercial projects take 4-8 weeks. Over-the-counter permits for simple projects can be processed same day at 300 Richards Boulevard.

How to Create a Site Plan in Sacramento

Look Up Your Property Information: Use the Sacramento GIS portal to find your zoning, General Plan designation, flood zone status, and any specific plan area. Note your APN and check for heritage trees using aerial imagery.
Determine Project Type and Requirements: Based on your project scope, determine if you need a standard building permit, SB 9 lot split application, ADU permit, or other approvals. Check flood zone, tree, and stormwater requirements.
Create Your Site Plan: Enter your Sacramento address in Site Plan Creator to automatically load property boundaries, building footprints, and aerial imagery. Add setback lines, label structures, and draw proposed construction.
Include All Required Elements: Ensure your site plan includes property boundaries with dimensions, setbacks per Title 17, lot coverage, parking per Chapter 17.608, tree locations with species and circumference, driveways, flood zone information, and north arrow with scale.
Prepare Additional Reports If Needed: Prepare a tree survey for properties with heritage trees. For flood zone properties, include elevation information. For regulated projects, prepare stormwater management plans with LID measures.
Submit Through Online Portal: Upload your site plan and supporting documents through Sacramento's online Building Permit portal. Pay plan check fees and monitor your application status online.
Manage Review and Obtain Permit: Respond to CDD plan reviewer comments through the online system. Once approved, pay remaining fees including development impact fees, obtain your building permit, and schedule inspections.