ADU Rules: Berkeley vs Livermore
How do adu rules rules compare between Berkeley, CA and Livermore, CA?
Berkeley and Livermore have similar restriction levels.
Berkeley, CA
Alameda County
Berkeley regulates ADUs and JADUs under Berkeley Municipal Code Chapter 23.306. One ADU plus one JADU is allowed per single-family lot citywide (Hillside Overlay allows one ADU OR one JADU). New detached ADUs are limited to 16 feet in height, with a 4-foot minimum side and rear setback, and JADUs are capped at 500 sq ft within the existing dwelling.
View full Berkeley rules →Livermore, CA
Alameda County
Livermore must allow ADUs under CA Gov Code §65852.2. Detached ADUs up to 800 sq ft with 4-ft setbacks, JADUs up to 500 sq ft, 60-day permit review.
View full Livermore rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Berkeley | Livermore |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | BMC 23.306 (Development Standards 23.306.030) | - |
| Units Allowed | 1 ADU + 1 JADU per single-family lot | - |
| Side/Rear Setback | 4 ft (new construction) | - |
| JADU Max Size | 500 sq ft (within dwelling) | - |
| STR Use | Prohibited by deed restriction | - |
| State Law | - | Gov Code §65852.2 |
| Detached Max | - | 800-1,200 sq ft |
| Setbacks | - | 4 ft rear/side |
| Permit Time | - | 60 days |
| JADU | - | Up to 500 sq ft |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Berkeley FAQ
How many ADUs can I build in Berkeley?
Under BMC 23.306, a single-family lot may have one ADU plus one JADU. In the Hillside Overlay, the limit is one ADU or one JADU (not both).
Do I need a public hearing for a Berkeley ADU?
No. State law requires ministerial review without a public hearing based on objective criteria, and BMC 23.306 implements that standard for Berkeley.
Can I rent my Berkeley ADU as a short-term rental?
No. A recorded deed restriction required by BMC 23.306 prohibits short-term rental use (under 14 days) of any ADU or JADU.
Livermore FAQ
Can I rent my Livermore ADU on Airbnb?
State law allows long-term rental (30+ days). Livermore's short-term rental rules may restrict or prohibit ADU use for stays under 30 days — check STR ordinance.
Do I need to add parking for my Livermore ADU?
Not if within ½ mile of transit or in certain historic/designated zones under state law. Otherwise, typically one space per unit or bedroom.
Compare other topics
See how Berkeley and Livermore compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool