Permit guides

ADU Permits in San Ramon: a Homeowner's Guide

San Ramon pairs a rebate program with strict design-harmony rules — the ADU has to look like it belongs.

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

Who handles your permit

ADU permits in San Ramon go through the Community Development Department, Planning Services Division (Planning@sanramon.ca.gov, (925) 973-2560). The city's ADU brochure and zoning ordinance Section D4-39 lay out the standards; the ADU Accelerator Program adds cash rebates on a first-come, first-served basis.

What you can build

San Ramon's key standards:

850 / 1,000Detached max: 850 studio/1BR, 1,000 for 2BR

16 ftHeight limit for detached ADUs

4 / 20 ft4 ft side/rear, 20 ft front setbacks

30 ftDetached ADU within 30 ft of primary residence

Rebates$2,500–$7,500 by unit size

1 spaceOne off-street parking space unless exempt

Rebates: $7,500 for units under 500 sq ft, $5,000 for 501–750, $2,500 for 751–1,000 — reserved at building permit issuance, paid after final inspection. A deed restriction prohibiting short-term rentals is recorded before final.

Design harmony is enforced

San Ramon's code requires the ADU's exterior to be built in harmony with the immediate neighborhood — design, color, and materials must complement the primary residence. Reviewers can require additional landscape screening to protect neighbors' privacy, and the ADU's outside access may not face the front of the existing building.

The unusual local standard: a detached ADU must sit within 30 feet of the primary residence. That constrains placement on deep lots in ways most cities don't.

Design the screening early. Privacy landscaping isn't an afterthought in San Ramon — reviewers can condition approval on it.

What goes into the submittal

San Ramon's ADU packet includes:

ADU application packet for building permit review
Site plan and elevations showing property layout and ADU placement
Architectural drawings: floor plans, sections, elevations
Structural calculations for foundation, framing, and load-bearing elements
Title 24 energy compliance documentation

Where applications usually get stuck

30-foot proximity rule. Limits where the ADU can go on larger lots.
Design harmony review. Subjective by nature — pre-consult with Planning.
Rebate fund limits. First-come, first-served from a fixed pool — apply early.
Parking. One space per ADU is the default; confirm the exemption before omitting it.

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