ADU Builder in Livermore, CA
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Livermore's Current ADU Code
Livermore’s ADU rules are in Livermore Development Code Chapter 11.30, adopted with Ordinance 2176 in July 2025. (A state review letter in October 2025 referred to an older 2018 ordinance on file, so we always check the current code text.) Approval is ministerial within 60 days.
- Detached: 850 sq ft for one bedroom or fewer, 1,000 sq ft for more than one bedroom. 16 feet tall, plus 2 feet to match the roof pitch, or 18 feet near transit.
- Attached: up to 50% of the main house, but never less than those minimums; up to 25 feet or the house limit.
- Conversion: no size cap, with up to 150 sq ft added for access.
- Junior ADU: 150 to 500 sq ft inside the house or an attached garage, with an efficiency kitchen, a deed restriction and owner occupancy.
- Setbacks: 4 feet side and rear; front 15 feet or the zone requirement, whichever is less; at least 5 feet from other buildings.
- Parking: one space for a new attached or detached ADU, tandem allowed; none for conversions, JADUs or sites near transit; no replacement for converted garages.
ADU Construction
Livermore ADU Placement and Design Rules
- ADUs go at the rear of the main house.
- Entrances cannot face the street or be on the main house’s front side.
- No new balconies, roof decks, or decks more than 2 feet above grade; stairs must be enclosed.
- Roofing, finish and color must match the main house.
- Each attached or detached ADU needs at least 10 by 10 feet of private open space.
- Attached ADUs are not allowed on properties rated “Significant” or “Potentially Significant” in the City’s historic inventory.
- Rentals must be at least 30 days.
Livermore also has an active pre-approved ADU program, with a 30-day review for pre-approved plans.
Permit Path
1052 S. Livermore Avenue, Livermore, CA 94550 · City (925) 960-4200
Permit Center / Building (925) 960-4410 · Planning (925) 960-4450 · pe**********@*********ca.gov
Drop-in counter Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; closed Fridays. Applications go through the City’s Accela Citizen Access (ACA) portal. The City does not offer expedited plan review.
Fees collected by the City: Zone 7 water connection fees and Livermore Valley Joint Unified School District fees are both collected by the City and due at building permit issuance.
Inspections are not booked in the portal. Use the City’s online inspection request form or call (925) 960-4430, until 6 a.m. on the day of the inspection. For an arrival window, call (925) 960-4445 between 7 and 8 a.m. Inspection windows are 8 to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
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Livermore ADU FAQ
Where can an ADU go on a Livermore lot?
At the rear of the main house, with entrances that do not face the street.
Can my Livermore ADU have a balcony or deck?
New balconies, roof decks and decks more than 2 feet above grade are not allowed.
Does Livermore have pre-approved ADU plans?
Yes, with a 30-day review for pre-approved plans.
Can I build an attached ADU on a historic property?
Not on properties rated Significant or Potentially Significant in the City’s historic inventory.