Accessory Structures in Pleasanton, CA (2026)
6 verified accessory structures rules for Pleasanton, California, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
A detached accessory dwelling unit in Pleasanton tops out at 16 feet in height and must sit at least four feet from side and rear property lines, with floor area capped at 850 square feet for a studio or one-bedroom and 1,000 square feet for two or more bedrooms.
Pleasanton Detached ADU Height & Setback Rules
Some RestrictionsPleasanton Municipal Code § 18.106.050
A. Detached accessory dwelling units shall not exceed 16 feet in height, except that: (1) an accessory dwelling unit that is the result of the conversion of an existing accessory structure may retain the height of the accessory structure even if the structure is greater than 16 feet; and (2) detached accessory structures greater than 16 feet in height may be proposed as part of a new planned un...
ADU Impact Fees
Pleasanton exempts most accessory dwelling units from new-development utility fees. Section 18.106.070(D) says ADUs are not treated as new residential uses for connection fees or capacity charges, and an ADU built inside an existing structure needs no separate utility connection; only a detached new-construction ADU is charged a fee sized to its actual burden on the system.
Pleasanton ADU Utility Connection Fee Rules
Some RestrictionsPleasanton Municipal Code § 18.106.070(D)
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 i...
ADU Owner Occupancy
Pleasanton does not require an owner to live on-site for a standard accessory dwelling unit, but a junior accessory dwelling unit is different: Section 18.106.080(F) ties JADU rentals to owner occupancy, letting the owner rent out whichever unit, primary house or JADU, the owner does not occupy.
Pleasanton JADU Owner-Occupancy Rule
Some RestrictionsPleasanton Municipal Code § 18.106.080(F)
Only one other residential unit and up to one other accessory dwelling unit shall be permitted on a lot with a junior accessory dwelling unit, as provided in 18.106.030.C.1. If the owner occupies the primary residential unit, the owner may rent the junior accessory dwelling unit to one party. If the owner occupies the junior accessory dwelling unit, the owner may rent the primary residential un...
ADU Rental Restrictions
Pleasanton bars short-term rentals of accessory dwelling units: Municipal Code Section 18.106.030 sets a 30-day minimum rental period for every non-exempt and statewide-exemption ADU, and Section 18.106.080 requires junior ADU stays to run longer than 30 days. Owners must also join the city's rent-monitoring program.
Pleasanton ADU 30-Day Minimum Rental
Some RestrictionsPleasanton Municipal Code § 18.106.030(B)(3)
The rental period for statewide exemption accessory dwelling units and non-exempt accessory dwelling units shall be at least 30 days.
Shed & Carport Rules
A tool storage shed in Pleasanton qualifies as a lighter-regulated Class II accessory structure only if it stands six feet or less in height and covers no more than 80 square feet; anything bigger is treated as a taller Class I structure with stricter placement rules. Sheds under that cap can be built to the rear property line in some districts.
Pleasanton Backyard Shed Size Rules
Some RestrictionsPleasanton Municipal Code § 18.08.545
"Class II accessory structure" means a subordinate structure, the use of which is appropriate, subordinate and customarily incidental to that of the main structure or Class I accessory structure, or the main use of the land, and which is located on the same site with the main structure or use. Class II accessory structures shall include those accessory structures not designed for habitation, an...
Garage Conversions
Converting a Pleasanton garage into an accessory dwelling unit is allowed under Chapter 18.106, and the owner may choose to remove the garage door or leave it in place. Lost parking spaces do not have to be replaced, and a converted detached structure can keep its existing height and setbacks even if they exceed the standard ADU limits.
Pleasanton Garage-to-ADU Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsPleasanton Municipal Code § 18.106.070(B)(4)
If garage space is converted to an accessory dwelling unit, at the option of the property owner, the existing garage door(s) may either be left in place, or removed and infilled such that the wall appears integrated with rest of the home, with the same exterior wall material, building color, and trim as the primary dwelling structure.
Looking for Alameda County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Pleasanton city rules.
Accessory Structures in Alameda County →