The City of Pleasanton permits ADUs across most residential zones. Pleasanton follows both state and local ADU laws, allowing most single-family homes to build one detached ADU and one Junior ADU (JADU) per lot. Multi-family properties may be eligible for multiple ADUs, depending on site conditions.

Pleasanton aligns with California’s broader ADU legislation but has its own requirements for height, setbacks, and design review.

• Detached ADU: A standalone unit separate from the main home, typically located in the backyard.
• Attached ADU: A unit physically connected to the primary residence, such as an addition to the side or rear of the home.
• Conversion ADU: An ADU created by converting existing non-livable spaces within the primary residence, like a garage, basement, or attic, into a fully functional living unit.
• Junior ADU (JADU): A compact unit, up to 500 sq. ft., developed within the existing structure of the home. It includes an efficiency kitchen and may share a bathroom with the primary residence.

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• Maximum Size:
  
  • Detached: Up to 850 sq. ft. for a studio or one-bedroom; up to 1,000 sq. ft. for two or more bedrooms.
  • Attached: Limited to 50% of the primary dwelling's floor area, not exceeding 1,000 sq. ft.
• Setbacks:
  
  • Minimum 4 ft from side and rear property lines; 6 ft from the primary residence; 10 ft from a street-side property line if the ADU exceeds 800 sq. ft.
    
• Height Limits:
  
  • Detached ADU: Maximum height of 16 ft; up to 18 ft if within half a mile of a major transit stop or high-quality transit corridor.
  • Attached ADU: Typically limited to 25 ft, subject to underlying zoning district regulations.
• Parking Requirements:
  
  • Additional parking is not required if the ADU is:
    
    • Located within half a mile of public transit
    • Converted from an existing structure (e.g., garage, basement)
    • In a historic district or designated area
    • Located within one block of a car-share vehicle
    • In an area requiring on-street parking permits, but not offered to the ADU occupant

To build an ADU in Pleasanton, the following permitting requirements:

• ADU require a separate permit from any work on the primary residence, even if attached.
• If ADU construction occurs alongside a remodel or addition to the primary residence, a separate permit is still required for each.
• Permit requests for the ADU and primary residence are processed at the same time but reviewed individually.
• A separate permit will be issued for the specific address of each residence.
• Combined permit requests for ADU and primary residence work cannot be processed and will be rejected.
• To avoid delays, applicants should ensure their ADU permit request is a standalone application.

Homeowners should also review Pleasanton’s current fee schedule, utility connection requirements, and fire code compliance.

Permit review times in Pleasanton typically range from 4 to 6 weeks, depending on project complexity and city workload. Projects requiring corrections or additional documentation may take longer. Engaging professionals familiar with Pleasanton’s ADU process can help streamline approval.

Most residential zones in Pleasanton, including LDR, MDR, and HDR zones, are eligible for ADUs. There are minimum lot size requirements depending on the zoning district: LDR - 5,000 sq. ft., MDR - 3,200 sq. ft., HDR - 2,000 sq. ft. Some hillside or environmentally sensitive areas may have special restrictions.

For the most current and complete information, refer directly to the City of Pleasanton.