ADU Builder in San Ramon, CA
Get a Free San Ramon ADU Consultation
Nine Free ADU Plans from the City
San Ramon offers nine free, permit-ready ADU plans in Craftsman, Mediterranean and Suburban Ranch styles. All are one bedroom and one bath, from 560 to 708 sq ft, and they are built as designed without modification. For many San Ramon lots, a pre-approved plan is the fastest way to a backyard ADU. When you want more space or a custom layout, we design to the City’s ADU rules instead.
ADU Construction
San Ramon ADU Rules
- Detached: 150 to 850 sq ft for a studio or one bedroom, up to 1,200 sq ft for more than one bedroom. 16 feet tall.
- Attached or conversion: up to 50% of the main home’s floor area. Up to 25 feet tall or the zone limit.
- Junior ADU: 150 to 500 sq ft entirely inside an existing single-family home, with no added square footage.
- Setbacks: 20 feet front, 4 feet side and rear. The state’s streamlined ADU of up to 800 sq ft and 16 feet with 4-foot setbacks is always allowed.
- Parking: one space, which may be tandem in the driveway, with exemptions near transit, for conversions, or within a block of a car share.
- Easements: a detached ADU cannot sit in an easement.
- Rentals of at least 30 days, with a recorded deed restriction.
The rules are in Zoning Ordinance §D4-39 and state law; we confirm the current ordinance text for your parcel.
Approvals for a San Ramon ADU
7000 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon, CA 94583 · City Hall (925) 973-2500
Planning (925) 973-2560 · Building & Safety (925) 973-2580
Walk-in service 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.; appointments 1 to 5 p.m. Applications go through the City’s Citizen Self Service (CSS) portal. Choose the permit type carefully, because it cannot be changed after you submit.
ADUs must meet the requirements of the power, sanitary and water providers. In San Ramon that can mean EBMUD or Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD) for water, and Central San or DSRSD for sewer, depending on where you live. Dougherty Valley is served by DSRSD.
Fire district: the San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District requires a fire submittal for any change to a home that already has fire sprinklers, and for a home without sprinklers only when square footage is added. Plans go through the district’s GeoCivix portal, with a typical turnaround of about 21 days.
Inspections are requested through the CSS portal or at (925) 973-2580, Option 1. Inspectors take calls 7:30 to 8 a.m.
San Ramon ADU FAQ
Does San Ramon have pre-approved ADU plans?
Yes. Nine free one-bedroom plans from 560 to 708 sq ft in Craftsman, Mediterranean and Suburban Ranch styles.
How big can an ADU be in San Ramon?
A detached ADU can be up to 850 sq ft for a studio or one bedroom and up to 1,200 sq ft with more bedrooms. Attached ADUs are limited to 50% of the home.
Can I build an ADU over an easement?
No. San Ramon does not allow a detached ADU in an easement.
Who is my sewer provider?
Central San or DSRSD, depending on your location. We check your parcel.