Pleasanton, CA Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Pleasanton's ADU rules are in Municipal Code (PMC) Section 18.106 and closely track California's state ADU statute (Gov. Code Section 66310 et seq.), which heavily preempts local discretion. On single-family lots, one ADU (attached or detached) plus one JADU are permitted; multifamily sites may add up to two detached ADUs or conversions of non-habitable space. A new-construction detached ADU may be up to 850 sq ft for a studio or one-bedroom and up to 1,000 sq ft for two-or-more bedrooms, with a maximum height of 16 feet (18 feet plus a roof-pitch allowance near major transit). Required setbacks are 4 feet from side and rear property lines, 6 feet from the primary residence, and 10 feet from a street-side line if the ADU exceeds 800 sq ft. Attached ADUs are limited to 50 percent of the home's floor area but may still reach the stated sizes; second-story attached ADUs may rise to 25 feet. A "Statewide Exemption ADU" is no larger than 800 sq ft, no taller than 16 feet, with 4-foot side and rear setbacks. One off-street parking space is generally required but is waived within one-half mile of transit or for conversions. Owner occupancy is not required for ADUs approved January 2020 to January 2025, but a deed restriction is recorded. There is no Planning review fee; building permit fees apply.