Home Remodeling, ADUs & Additions in Moraga

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Moraga General Contractor for ADUs, Additions and Remodels

Axiom Renovation (CA Lic. #1105006) builds ADUs, additions, remodels, pools and outdoor projects in Moraga. Moraga’s hillside, scenic-corridor and design review rules shape many projects, so we plan around them from the first site visit.

The Town of Moraga issues zoning clearance and design approvals, and Contra Costa County issues building permits. Moraga-Orinda Fire District, Central San and EBMUD approvals may also be needed.

What We Build in Moraga

See finished work in our portfolio.

Moraga ADU Rules at a Glance

  • A single-family lot can have a JADU, a converted ADU and a detached ADU (Ordinance 321, effective August 7, 2026).
  • Streamlined detached ADUs can be up to 800 sq ft; standard detached and attached ADUs 150 to 1,200 sq ft, with attached ADUs capped at 50% of the main home but never below 800 sq ft. JADUs can be up to 500 sq ft.
  • Detached ADUs are limited to 16 ft (18 ft near transit, plus 2 ft to match the roof pitch); attached ADUs to 25 ft or the zone limit, with a maximum of two stories.
  • Side and rear setbacks are 4 ft. Streamlined ADUs need no parking; standard ADUs need one space, with exemptions.
  • ADU rentals must be longer than 30 days, and units cannot be sold separately.
  • Ministerial ADUs are exempt from the Hillside Development Permit; standard ADUs need an average slope of 20% or less and no more than 200 cubic yards of grading.

Source: Town of Moraga ADU page (Ordinance 321).

Rules change often, so we confirm the current standards for your parcel during the site assessment.

Other Moraga Rules That Affect Your Project

  • Design Review Board: all new homes need DRB approval, and some second stories do, such as those visible from a scenic corridor.
  • Hillside and grading: building or grading on slopes of 20% or more needs a Hillside Development Permit; grading over 50 cubic yards needs a grading permit.
  • Pools and spas: setbacks are 5 ft side and rear and 20 ft front; slopes over 20% need a geotechnical report and a Hillside Development Permit.
  • Retaining walls: up to 5 ft (3 ft if visible off site), at least 3 ft from the property line, with a building permit required over 3 ft.
  • Fences: up to 6 ft need no building permit; taller fences or fences visible from scenic corridors need additional approval.
  • Wildfire: Moraga is in the Moraga-Orinda Fire District, where fire-resistant construction standards apply district-wide.

Getting Permits in Moraga

The Town Planning Department issues zoning clearance, and Contra Costa County issues building permits. We prepare and submit both sets and coordinate fire district and utility reviews.

We Also Work Near Moraga

We also build in nearby Orinda, Lafayette, Walnut Creek, and across the Bay Area. See all of our service areas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many ADUs can I build in Moraga?

Under Ordinance 321, effective August 7, 2026, a single-family lot can have a junior ADU, a converted ADU and a detached ADU.

Do pools in Moraga have special setbacks?

Yes. Pools and spas need 5 ft side and rear setbacks and a 20 ft front setback, and pools on slopes over 20% need a geotechnical report and a Hillside Development Permit.

How tall can a retaining wall be in Moraga?

Retaining walls can be up to 5 ft, or 3 ft if visible from off site, and walls over 3 ft need a building permit.

Who issues building permits in Moraga?

The Town of Moraga issues zoning clearance and design approvals, and Contra Costa County issues building permits.

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