Pleasanton, CA Accessory Structures: ADU Impact Fees (2026)

070(D) sets Pleasanton's rule on ADU-related utility charges: "Accessory dwelling units shall not be considered new residential uses for the purposes of calculating connection fees or capacity charges for sewer and water. Installation of a separate direct connection between an accessory dwelling unit contained within an existing structure and the utility shall not be required. Accessory dwelling units not within an existing structure shall be required to install a new or separate utility connection and be charged a connection fee and/or capacity charge. " In practice, an ADU converted from an existing garage, basement or attached space, the most common Pleasanton conversion type, triggers no new water or sewer connection fee because it uses the primary residence's existing service.

A newly built detached ADU that is not within an existing structure needs its own connection and pays a fee the city calculates from either the unit's square footage or its plumbing fixture count, rather than a flat new-home rate. The same section requires that "adequate roadways, public utilities and services shall be available to serve the accessory dwelling unit" before the city signs off. 080(E) states flatly that "additional water, sewer and power connection fees shall not be required" for a JADU, since a JADU is by definition carved out of the existing primary residence and adds no new plumbing connection point.