Preapproved Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
The City is now preapproving plans for detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) that are submitted by designers, architects, builders, and other qualified professionals. Preapproved ADU plans can be used throughout Pleasanton with an expedited plan review timeline and lower permitting costs. Selecting a preapproved ADU plan is the quickest way for homeowners to add a new accessory dwelling unit to their property in Pleasanton! Over the last two decades, the State has adopted a number of laws that encourage building ADUs and limit the requirements that may be imposed by cities on such units.
The City’s Planning Division is currently accepting applications from qualified design professionals. For information on how to apply, please read the For Designers section below.
The City already has a growing list of designers with plans that have been preapproved through the Preapproved ADU Program. A list of preapproved plans will be available soon. To be notified when plans become available, homeowners can sign up for the City’s Preapproved ADU Interest List. More information is available in the For Homeowners section below.
For questions, please contact the Planning Division by email at pod@cityofpleasantonca.gov or by calling (925)437-4009.
For more information about ADU requirements, please visit the City’s Permits, Forms, & Fees webpage.
For Designers
The City is currently accepting applications from qualifying design professionals to have their plans for detached accessory dwelling units (ADUs) preapproved for use throughout Pleasanton. Having your ADU plans preapproved by the City is a great way to ensure that your future clients can move through the permitting process quickly and smoothly. All preapproved ADU plans will be featured on this webpage to help connect you with Pleasanton homeowners who are interested in adding an ADU to their property. You will still retain your copyright to the preapproved design, so any homeowner who wishes to use the design must contract with you to do so.
Once the City preapproves your ADU plan, the preapproval will remain valid until the City adopts new building or zoning codes that apply to your ADU plan. The City will notify you when such changes take place and let you know how to submit updated plans.
The City offers three options to get your ADU plans preapproved:
- Concurrent Processing: The City offers a “Concurrent Preapproval” application to get your ADU plans preapproved while you are going through a site-specific plan check. Simply fill out a Request for ADU Plan Preapproval form along with your site-specific plan check application and email the request to BuildingDivision@cityofpleasantonca.gov. Concurrent preapproval does not add any time to your plan check. Concurrent processing will be subject to the hourly Plan Checker rate of $180 per hour, with 1 hour minimum.
- Previously approved ADU: ADU plans that were submitted after January 1, 2023, and already reviewed and approved by the City may also be considered for preapproval. This process is subject to a $1,000 conformance fee. Please email the Request for ADU Plan Preapproval form to BuildingDivision@cityofpleasantonca.gov along with the previously approved plan number and plans that meet the ADU Preapproval Submittal Checklist.
- Independent Application: The City also accepts applications for ADU preapproval independent of a site-specific plan check. Please refer to the City’s ADU Preapproval Submittal Checklist. Applications may be submitted to the Building Division by email at BuildingDivision@cityofpleasantonca.gov. A new application will be subject to normal plan check fees.
For Homeowners
Working with a designer who has a preapproved ADU plan is the quickest way for homeowners to add a new secondary unit to their property in Pleasanton. Here are just some of the advantages of selecting an ADU design that is preapproved by the City:
- Design Certainty: Know that the basic ADU design you have selected complies with the California Building Code and Citywide design guidelines.
- Fast Review: Applications using preapproved plans are reviewed in 7 business days, rather than 15 business days for standard applications.
- Reduced Fees: Applicants pay a flat plan review fee of $1,000. Additional construction and inspection fees still apply and vary depending on the plan selected.
In order to use a preapproved ADU plan, you must contract with the designer responsible for the plan set. All preapproved plans still require additional site-specific plans, studies, and engineering, as applicable. A full list of submittal requirements is found on the City’s Submittal Checklist for Using a Preapproved ADU Plan. The requirements for building an ADU are available on the City’s Permits, Forms, & Fees webpage.
A list of preapproved plans will be available soon! To be notified when new plans become available, please sign up for the City’s Preapproved ADU Interest List.
Preapproved ADU Plans
The City has not yet approved any preapproved ADUs. Plans will be added as soon as they are approved. To be notified when plans become available, please sign up for the City’s Preapproved ADU Interest List.
All preapproved plans still require additional site-specific plans, studies, and engineering, as applicable. Homeowners are encouraged to contact the Planning Division by email at pod@cityofpleasantonca.gov and the Building and Safety Division by email at BuildingDivision@cityofpleasantonca.gov to learn more about the requirements for constructing an ADU prior to beginning their project.