Techniques for coding video data include coding sample adaptive offset (SAO) offset values as part of performing a video coding process. In particular, the techniques include determining the SAO offset values according to a SAO process. The techniques further include storing a codebook defining a plurality of codes for coding different variations of SAO offset values. The techniques also include coding the SAO offset values in accordance with the codebook so as to specify the SAO offset values as one of the plurality of codes defined by the codebook.