Home Additions in Moraga, CA
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Moraga's Design Review Levels for Additions
Moraga sets the review level by the size of the addition:
- Administrative review by staff: exterior-only changes, and small additions (minor up to 250 sq ft, major above 250 sq ft). Neighbors get 10 days’ notice, followed by a 10-day appeal period.
- Design Review Board, minor: additions under 1,000 sq ft.
- Design Review Board, major: additions over 1,000 sq ft and all new homes. Owners within 300 feet are mailed notice.
A project also goes to the Board if it needs an exception to the Design Guidelines, such as exceeding the floor-area guideline or a hillside deck more than 4 feet above grade, or if it is within 500 feet of and visible from a scenic corridor: Moraga Road, Moraga Way, Rheem Boulevard, St. Mary’s Road, Canyon Road or Bollinger Canyon Road. Since 2020, the Planning Commission and Design Review Board are the same seven members.
Addition Work
Hillsides and Height
- Height limit: 35 feet and two stories, with a 45-foot aggregate limit on hillside lots.
- Slopes of 20% or more require a Hillside Development Permit and usually a geotechnical report, peer-reviewed at the owner’s cost.
- Ridgeline protection and scenic corridor rules apply in mapped areas.
- Native, orchard and historic trees 5 inches or more in diameter need a removal permit.
- Grading over 50 cubic yards needs a County grading permit.
What You Submit to the Town
- Planning application and indemnification agreement
- Site plan with setbacks and floor-area and coverage tables
- Existing and proposed elevations and roof plan
- Materials and colors board, site photos and visual analysis
- Landscape plan meeting water-efficient landscape rules where they apply
329 Rheem Boulevard, Moraga, CA 94556
Town Hall (925) 888-7050 · Planning (925) 888-7040
Planning counter: weekdays 9 to noon and 1 to 5, closed alternating Fridays.
Moraga uses the County Department of Conservation and Development for plan review and inspections. Upload the Town-approved plans to the County ePermits Center. County offices: 30 Muir Road, Martinez · (925) 655-2700. Inspections: ePermits or (925) 646-4108.
Fire district: the Moraga-Orinda Fire District, 1280 Moraga Way, reviews plans for all home changes, including interior remodels.
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Other Moraga services: ADUs · Bathrooms · Kitchens · New Homes · Moraga overview
Same service nearby: Orinda · Lafayette · Walnut Creek
See home additions and second stories.
Moraga Home Additions FAQ
Does an addition in Moraga go to the Design Review Board?
Additions under 1,000 sq ft go to the Board as minor items and larger ones as major items. Small additions and exterior-only changes can be reviewed by staff.
What is a scenic corridor in Moraga?
A mapped view corridor along roads like Moraga Road, Moraga Way and Rheem Boulevard. Visible projects within 500 feet go to the Board.
Do I need a geotechnical report?
On slopes of 20% or more, a Hillside Development Permit usually requires one, peer-reviewed at the owner’s cost.
Who issues the building permit?
Contra Costa County, after Town approval and MOFD review.