Accessory Structures in Dublin, CA (2026)
5 verified accessory structures rules for Dublin, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Dublin implements state ADU law, Government Code Sections 66310 through 66342, through Municipal Code Chapter 8.80, approving ADUs and junior ADUs ministerially with no public hearing. New detached ADUs may reach 1,200 square feet and 16 feet in height (18 feet near transit), with as little as a four-foot side or rear setback, since state law overrides any conflicting local limit.
Dublin, CA Accessory Dwelling Unit Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsDublin Municipal Code §§ 8.80.010, 8.80.030
8.80.010 Purpose. The purpose of this Chapter is to implement Government Code Sections 66310 through 66342 by allowing the creation of accessory dwelling units and junior accessory dwelling units through ministerial review, subject to meeting the requirements of this Chapter. 8.80.030 Permitting Procedures. Any permit application for an accessory dwelling unit or junior accessory dwelling unit...
ADU Owner Occupancy
Dublin's Municipal Code draws a sharp line on owner-occupancy: standard accessory dwelling units carry no such requirement, but junior accessory dwelling units do. Section 8.80.040.M waives owner-occupancy for ADUs entirely, while Section 8.80.050.H requires the property owner to live in either the main house or the JADU, recorded through a deed restriction.
Dublin, CA ADU vs JADU Owner-Occupancy Rule
Light RestrictionsDublin Municipal Code § 8.80.040.M; § 8.80.050.H.1
8.80.040.M Occupancy. Owner-occupancy shall not be required. ... 8.80.050.H Occupancy and Ownership. 1. Owner-occupancy in the residence is required. The owner of the lot may occupy either the principal single-family residence or the junior accessory dwelling unit, unless the owner is another governmental agency, land trust or housing organization.
ADU Rental Restrictions
Dublin bars renting accessory dwelling units and junior ADUs for stays of 30 days or less. Municipal Code Section 8.80.040.O, added by Ordinance 9-25 in November 2025, applies the no-short-term-rental rule to standard ADUs, and Section 8.80.050.I applies the identical floor to JADUs, closing off Airbnb-style use of either unit type.
Dublin, CA ADU Short-Term Rental Ban
Significant RestrictionsDublin Municipal Code § 8.80.040.O; § 8.80.050.I
O. No Short-Term Rental. Accessory dwelling units shall not be rented for terms of 30 days or less. Ord. 9-25 (November 2025). ... I. No Short-Term Rental. Junior accessory dwelling units shall not be rented for terms of 30 days or less. Ord. 9-25 (November 2025).
Shed & Carport Rules
Dublin caps detached accessory structures like sheds and garages at 15 feet in height and limits their combined square footage to 1,000 square feet on lots 5,000 square feet or larger under Dublin Municipal Code Chapter 8.40. A single 120-square-foot rear yard shed is exempt from lot coverage limits, and all accessory structures together may cover no more than 30 percent of the required rear yard.
Dublin Accessory Structure Size and Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsDublin Municipal Code § 8.40.020
3. Height. Detached accessory structures, unless specified otherwise in this Chapter, shall have a maximum height of 15 feet. Detached accessory structures in the Agriculture zoning district shall have a maximum height of 15 feet except for barns which may be 2 stories high if the upper story is designated only for storage of hay and agricultural supplies. ... d. Maximum square footage of...
Garage Conversions
Dublin allows homeowners to convert an enclosed garage in a single-family home into living space through a ministerial building permit under Municipal Code Chapter 8.78, no discretionary hearing required. The permit issues automatically if the garage door isn't altered except for non-street-facing windows and two full-size unenclosed parking spaces remain on the lot after conversion.
Dublin, CA Garage Conversion to Living Space
Some RestrictionsDublin Municipal Code §§ 8.78.010, 8.78.020
8.78.010 Purpose and Intent. The purpose of this Chapter is to provide for the conversion by the owners of the single-family dwellings of enclosed garages to living space. 8.78.020 Procedure. Issuance of a building permit for the conversion of an enclosed garage in a single family dwelling into living space shall be ministerial if the following criteria Are all met: A. There are no modific...
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