ADU Regulations in San Leandro, California
Alameda County · CA · Pop. 90,000
Max ADU Size
1,200
sq ft detached
Rear Setback
4 ft
Permit Timeline
60 days
Build Cost
$175,000 – $360,000
Zoning
Allowed ADU Types
San Leandro is an East Bay city directly south of Oakland with strong BART connectivity. The city has actively encouraged ADU development as part of its housing element to accommodate Oakland spillover demand. Industrial corridors are transitioning to mixed residential use.
Source: City of San Leandro — Accessory Dwelling Units · San Leandro Zoning Code Article 5, Section 2-594
Dimensions
Size & Setback Requirements
Detached
1,200
sq ft max
JADU
500
sq ft max
Attached
50% of primary home, max 1,200 sq ft
Setbacks
front
Same as primary dwelling per underlying zone
side
4 ft
rear
4 ft
Max height: 16 ft (detached); up to 18 ft if within half-mile of major transit stop
Lot coverage: Per underlying zone; typically 50–60% in RS zones
San Leandro's proximity to the San Leandro BART station creates transit-rich opportunities for ADU rentals. Lots within half a mile of the BART station may qualify for increased height allowances under state transit-area provisions.
Permitting
Permit Process
Department
City of San Leandro Community Development Department — Planning Division
Review Timeline
60 days
Permit Fees
$9,000 – $18,000
Impact Fees
Impact fees waived for ADUs under 750 sq ft; proportional fees apply above that threshold
Required Documents
- ›Site plan (to scale, showing lot dimensions, all structures, setbacks)
- ›Floor plans
- ›Elevations
- ›Title 24 energy compliance (residential)
- ›Structural drawings
- ›Stormwater management plan (for larger ADUs)
San Leandro has a well-staffed planning department that processes ADU applications efficiently. The city's online portal allows digital submission and status tracking. East Bay construction labor costs are comparable to Oakland and Berkeley.
Visit City of San Leandro Community Development Department — Planning Division →Infrastructure
Utilities & Requirements
Solar
Required
Parking
Not required
Separate Meter
Optional
Fire Sprinklers
See note
Financials
ADU Costs in San Leandro
Typical Build Cost
$175,000 – $360,000
Cost per Sq Ft
$245 – $320
Monthly Rental
$1,800 – $2,900/mo/mo
Property Value Added
Adds $200,000 – $370,000 to property value
Available Grants & Programs
- ★CalHFA ADU Grant Program available (up to $40,000 for pre-development costs)
- ★Alameda County ADU assistance programs — check with county housing authority
San Leandro benefits from Oakland's extremely tight rental market, drawing renters who cannot afford Oakland prices. BART access at the San Leandro station makes car-free commuting viable. The city's industrial heritage is giving way to mixed residential development, boosting long-term property values.
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San Leandro Quick Facts
- Max size1,200 sq ft
- Rear setback4 ft
- Permit timeline60 days
- Build cost$175,000 – $360,000
- Rental income$1,800 – $2,900/mo/mo
- Owner occupancyNot required
Official Source
City of San Leandro — Accessory Dwelling UnitsSan Leandro Zoning Code Article 5, Section 2-594
Last verified: March 14, 2026
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ADU rules change often.
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