El Dorado County, California
ADU builder in El Dorado County
El Dorado Hills is an unincorporated El Dorado County community, so its ADU applications go through the county rather than a separate city department. Foothill terrain makes the location of the unit, access and site infrastructure important early decisions.
Permitting an ADU in unincorporated El Dorado County
El Dorado County's Planning and Building Department handles ADU applications for unincorporated properties, including El Dorado Hills. Its official ADU guidance identifies building documentation and site-dependent reviews. Folsom, across the county boundary, is in Sacramento County and follows a city process.
Foothill conditions to check before drawing plans
Sloped ground may require a careful foundation and drainage design. We check construction access and the relationship between the proposed ADU, existing buildings and any septic system before establishing the layout.
The county identifies fire, solar and septic requirements among the items to verify. Properties in fire-hazard, flood, historic or airport-related areas may require additional documents or review. These are parcel-specific checks, not assumptions that every El Dorado Hills property has the same restrictions.
Rules vary by jurisdiction. Call us to confirm what applies to your property.
FAQ
El Dorado County ADU questions
Who issues an ADU permit in El Dorado Hills?
El Dorado County Planning and Building handles permits because El Dorado Hills is unincorporated.
Can an ADU share an existing septic system?
Do not assume it can. Capacity, location and the proposed additional use need review by the relevant county authorities before the design is finalized.
Is nearby Folsom covered by this county office?
No. Folsom is in Sacramento County and uses the City of Folsom permit process.
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Planning an ADU in El Dorado County?
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916.505.2036ADU Design Center2230 26th Street, Sacramento, CA 95818Call to schedule your visit.
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