Home Additions in Pleasanton, CA
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Administrative Design Review for Additions
Administrative Design Review (ADR) is required for single-family changes over 10 feet in height, including additions, roof changes, new windows and accessory structures. Adjacent neighbors get 7 days to comment or request a Zoning Administrator hearing. If no hearing is requested, the project is approved administratively, followed by a 15-day appeal period; appeals go to the Planning Commission with a 1,000-foot notice radius. In Ruby Hill and Golden Eagle, an HOA approval letter is part of the ADR submittal.
The ADR submittal includes the application, a preliminary title report where applicable, an arborist report if any tree 6 inches or larger is affected, a geotechnical report where applicable, and a scaled PDF plan set with a floor-area-ratio data table and materials.
Addition Work
Downtown, Hillsides and Trees
- Downtown historic homes: homes built before 1942 that are eligible for the California Register, 91 identified structures, cannot be demolished, including facade or roofline changes, unless unsafe. Additions need ADR and must follow the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards. Downtown Specific Plan projects also notify the Pleasanton Heritage Association and Downtown Improvement Association.
- Measure PP: approved by voters in 2008, it prohibits housing units and grading on slopes of 25% or more and within 100 vertical feet of a ridgeline.
- Heritage trees: any tree with a trunk circumference of 55 inches or more, or 35 feet or taller, needs a permit to remove.
Building Permit Requirements
200 Old Bernal Avenue (next to the City Council Chambers), Pleasanton, CA 94566
Building & Safety (925) 931-5300 · Planning (925) 931-5600, po*@****************ca.gov
Walk-in hours vary by day, so call ahead. Building permits are submitted electronically through Accela Citizen Access.
- Wet-stamped structural, Title 24, truss and soils documents, plus a stormwater plan and tree protection plan.
- Zone 7 Impervious Surface Worksheet.
- Pleasanton Unified School District fee receipt for additions over 500 sq ft.
- Fire sprinklers: an addition needs them when the existing house has them.
Inspections: schedule in Accela Citizen Access, by texting “Schedule” to (844) 670-9753, or by calling (925) 931-5322, ext. 1. Inspectors take calls at (925) 931-5300 from 7:30 to 8 a.m. on inspection day.
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Other Pleasanton services: ADUs · Bathrooms · Kitchens · New Homes · Pleasanton overview
Same service nearby: Dublin · Livermore · San Ramon
See home additions and second stories.
Pleasanton Home Additions FAQ
Do additions need design review in Pleasanton?
Additions over 10 feet in height go through Administrative Design Review with a 7-day neighbor comment period.
Can I add on to a historic Downtown home?
Yes, with ADR and following the Secretary of the Interior’s Standards; demolition of eligible pre-1942 homes is prohibited unless unsafe.
What is Measure PP?
A 2008 voter measure that bars housing and grading on slopes of 25% or more and within 100 vertical feet of a ridgeline.
Are school fees due?
Additions over 500 sq ft pay Pleasanton Unified School District fees before issuance.