Permit guides

ADU Permits in Pleasanton: a Homeowner's Guide

Pleasanton pre-approves designers' ADU plans and lists them publicly — and its 2025 code update aligned local rules with state law.

Last updated October 2026. Rules change; always confirm current requirements with the city before you build.

Who handles your permit

ADU permits in Pleasanton go through the Community Development Department, Planning Division (200 Old Bernal Avenue; applications via pleasantonpermits.com). In August 2025 the Planning Commission adopted code amendments bringing local ADU rules into alignment with state law and HCD guidance.

What you can build

Pleasanton's framework:

Pre-approvedDesigner ADU plans listed publicly by the city

1,200 sq ftMax for a detached ADU

16 ftHeight limit for most detached ADUs

4 ftMinimum rear and side setbacks

1 + 1One ADU plus one Junior ADU per single-family lot

2025Code amendments aligning with state law

Much of Pleasanton is built as Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) — modifications in PUD areas follow a separate modification process on top of the ADU rules.

The designer pre-approval program

Pleasanton's distinctive program works from the supply side: designers submit their ADU plans for city pre-approval, and approved plans are listed publicly on the city's webpage with the designer's contact info. Homeowners pick a plan, contract directly with the designer to use it, and still file a building permit — pre-approval speeds review but doesn't replace the permit.

The city is explicit that pre-approval isn't an endorsement of the designer — it's a code-compliance pre-check, used at the applicant's risk.

Check for PUD status. If the lot is in a Planned Unit Development, the PUD modification process runs alongside the ADU permit — confirm before designing.

What goes into the submittal

A Pleasanton submittal typically includes:

Application for Development Review (owner-signed or with authorization letter)
Site plan, floor plans, elevations (existing and proposed)
Structural calculations and Title 24 energy compliance
For pre-approved designer plans: contract with the designer for plan use
PUD modification application if the lot is in a PUD

Where applications usually get stuck

PUD modifications. A large share of Pleasanton lots need this parallel process.
Designer coordination. You're contracting with a third-party designer for plan rights — vet the terms.
Growth management. Pleasanton's growth management program allocates housing units annually; confirm ADU treatment for the project.
Fee schedule timing. PUD modification fees follow the annually updated Master Fee Schedule.

Not sure where to start? That's the part we do. We look at your property, map the requirements, coordinate the plans and specialists, and manage the submittal and corrections — one point of contact.

Tell us what you need help with.

Not sure where to start? That's what we're here for.

Send your project

Erik — (916) 540-8960 · Vall — (916) 956-8106
office@pcg-engineering.pro