Pleasanton, CA Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

106 is Pleasanton's local ADU ordinance, written to implement state ADU law; the chapter says outright that its further purpose is to comply with state law requirements, and where its own restrictions would exceed what Government Code §§ 66310-66342 allow, the state statewide exemption standards referenced throughout the chapter control instead. 050 caps height at 16 feet, with exceptions for units converted from an existing accessory structure taller than 16 feet, units in a new planned unit development, units near a major transit stop (up to 18 feet plus 2 feet for a matching roof pitch), and units on a lot with an existing multi-family multi-story dwelling (up to 18 feet).

Setbacks are four feet minimum from side and rear property lines, though a detached ADU built in the exact footprint of a legal accessory structure can keep that structure's existing setback with no minimum required. Floor area is capped at 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom unit and 1,000 square feet for two or more bedrooms, except conversions of existing accessory buildings, which can exceed those caps. 045: 25 feet in height, limited to two stories, and sized at 50% of the main dwelling's floor area or 800 square feet, whichever is greater.

070 layers on design-matching requirements (same wall, trim, roof and window details as the primary residence), a six-foot solid fence or ten-foot vegetative screen where the ADU sits within 10 feet of a property line, downward-shielded exterior lighting at doors and walkways, and at least one additional off-street parking space unless the unit qualifies for a parking exemption such as proximity to transit.