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Pleasanton ADU Standards

Prefab ADU in Pleasanton

What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?

An ADU is an independent residential unit on the same lot as a primary home, providing additional living space, rental opportunities, or multi-generational housing. A Prefab ADU is a permanent, factory-built backyard home that meets local zoning and building codes, making it ideal for long-term living.

Tiny homes, often confused with prefab ADUs, are small, mobile units built on wheels. While both can be ADUs, prefab ADUs are stationary and built to last, while tiny homes face more zoning challenges due to their mobility.

What is a Junior Accessory Dwelling Unit (JADU)?

A JADU is a unit not exceeding 500 square feet, created within an existing one-family home. It includes a separate entrance, sink, cooking appliance, counter space, and cabinets. The JADU may share a bathroom with the main house or have its own.

Where Can I Build an ADU or JADU?

Single-Family Areas: One ADU (attached or detached) and one JADU are allowed per property.
Multi-Family Areas: You may have up to two detached ADUs or convert non-habitable space within existing buildings into ADUs (up to 25% of the total units in a multifamily complex).

Statewide Exemption for ADUs

Statewide Exemption ADUs are limited to:

Maximum size: 800 square feet
Maximum height: 16 feet
Minimum side and rear setback of 4 feet.

What Are the Fees?

Planning Review: No fees.
Building Permits and Plan Review: Applicable to new or altered ADUs or JADUs.
Fee Exemptions: ADUs of 749 sq. ft. or less, and JADUs, are exempt from Capital Facility and Transportation Fees.

Development Standards

Single-Family Detached ADU (New Construction):

Size:
- Studio/1-bedroom: Up to 850 sq. ft.
- 2 or more bedrooms: Up to 1,000 sq. ft.
Setbacks:
- 4 feet from side/rear property lines
- 6 feet from the primary residence
- 10 feet from the street side if over 800 sq. ft.
Height: Max 16 feet, or up to 18 feet within ½ mile of transit.
Floor Area Ratio: Must comply if over 800 sq. ft.

Single-Family Attached ADU:

Size:
- Studio/1-bedroom: Up to 850 sq. ft.
- 2 or more bedrooms: Up to 1,000 sq. ft.
- Conversion of existing space may exceed size limits.
Height: Max 16 feet or 25 feet if on a second story.
Setbacks: Minimum setbacks based on main structure, unless under 800 sq. ft.
Floor Area Ratio: Must comply if over 800 sq. ft.

Junior ADU:

Size: Up to 500 sq. ft., no smaller than 150 sq. ft.
Location: Must be within the existing home and have a separate entrance.
Facilities: Must include an efficiency kitchen and may share a bathroom with the primary residence.

General Design and Layout Standards

Architecture: ADUs must match the existing design of the primary residence in terms of materials, color, roof form, window placement, and other architectural details.
Screening: Solid fences and vegetative screening are required if the ADU is within 10 feet of side/rear property lines.
Fire Safety: ADUs require fire sprinklers if the main home does.
Solar Power: Detached ADUs must have solar panels, either on the ADU or the primary residence.

Parking Requirements

ADUs: One additional off-street parking space required unless located near transit or in certain special conditions (e.g., garage conversions, or within one block of a car-share vehicle).
JADUs: No additional parking required.

Owner Occupancy & Deed Restrictions

ADUs: Owner occupancy is not required for properties with ADUs approved between January 2020 and January 2025.
JADUs: Owner occupancy required.
Deed Restriction: A deed restriction is required for both ADUs and JADUs.

For more detailed information, visit the City of Pleasanton’s official ADU page. Let LiveLarge Home help you transform your property with a thoughtfully planned ADU. Whether you’re looking for a Prefab ADU, a backyard home, or any other type of Accessory Dwelling Unit, our expertise in ADU design, pre-approved plans, and construction ensures your project meets local regulations while maximizing space and functionality. Contact LiveLarge Home today to start building your Prefab ADU!

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