Home Additions in Dublin, CA
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The 500 sq ft Line: Site Development Review
In Dublin, residential additions over 500 sq ft in R-1, R-2 or comparable Planned Development zones need Site Development Review (SDR), decided at the Community Development Director level. So do custom new homes, projects that demolish 50% or more of the exterior walls and rebuild, and accessory structures over 120 sq ft. The SDR submittal includes:
- Application and environmental forms and a written statement
- Preliminary title report and stormwater checklist
- A 300-foot public-notice mailing list
- Site, floor and roof plans and elevations
- An arborist report if a heritage tree is present
Addition Work
Bigger Additions, Bigger Requirements
Dublin’s all-electric rule (Municipal Code ยง7.94.070) applies to all new buildings and to qualifying alterations: projects that remove 50% or more of the exterior walls, or additions that increase floor area by more than 50%. New construction also needs EV charging equipment.
- Fire sprinklers: an addition or alteration that removes 50% or more of the exterior walls is treated as a new building for sprinkler purposes.
- Heritage trees: oak, bay, cypress, maple, redwood, buckeye and sycamore trees with a trunk of 24 inches or more are protected, and a tree protection plan is required before demolition, grading or building permits.
- Historic overlay: in the Dublin Village Historic Area, development is reviewed against the specific plan.
- HOAs: many Dublin neighborhoods have HOA design guidelines that apply in addition to City rules.
Approvals and Agencies
100 Civic Plaza, Dublin, CA 94568 · City Hall (925) 833-6650
Building & Safety (925) 833-6620 · Planning (925) 833-6610 · Fire Prevention (925) 833-6606
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Since July 2024, all applications go through the Citizen Self-Service (CSS) portal at dublin.ca.gov/CSS.
- DSRSD (water and sewer) approval is a separate submittal through DSRSD’s self-service site and must be approved before the City issues the building permit. DSRSD plan review: (925) 828-0515.
- Dublin Unified School District requires a Certificate of Compliance and payment at the district office before permit issuance where school fees apply.
- Zone 7 connection fees apply to new or larger water meters.
- Fire: the Dublin Fire Prevention Bureau, operated by the Alameda County Fire Department, reviews plans before permit issuance.
- Contractors need a current City of Dublin business license; projects valued at $100,000 or more need a Waste Management Plan.
Inspections are requested in CSS for the next business day, or the same day if requested by 5 a.m. Phone and counter requests close at 4 p.m. the business day before. Inspectors take calls 7:15 to 8 a.m., and residential evening inspections are available on Tuesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. (call the Monday before). Dublin uses outside consultant firms for plan check and inspection under its Building Official.
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Dublin Home Additions FAQ
When does an addition need Site Development Review in Dublin?
Additions over 500 sq ft in R-1, R-2 or comparable PD zones need SDR, decided by the Community Development Director.
Will my addition have to be all-electric?
If it increases floor area by more than 50%, or the project removes half or more of the exterior walls, it is a qualifying alteration under Dublin’s all-electric rule.
Are trees protected in Dublin?
Heritage trees of listed species with a 24-inch trunk are protected.
Do I need DSRSD approval?
Yes, DSRSD approval is required before the building permit is issued.