ADU and Garage Conversion Specialists in Pleasant Hill
WDC builds accessory dwelling units in Pleasant Hill — garage conversions, detached guest houses, and junior ADUs — managed through the City of Pleasant Hill’ independent permitting system, including its TO/24 digital review portal for ADU applications. Pleasant Hill has some of the strongest ADU fundamentals in Contra Costa County: large suburban lots, attached garages on most single-family homes, and a multigenerational community that benefits from flexible on-property living options.
ADU Rules in Pleasant Hill
Pleasant Hill is governed by City of Pleasant Hill building department under Contra Costa County — not San Francisco DBI. California state ADU law applies, with the City’s own implementation:
- Detached ADUs — up to 1,200 sqft permitted on most single-family lots under state law; Pleasant Hill zoning applies setback and lot coverage requirements
- Garage conversions (ADU) — existing garages convertible to living space; replacement parking generally not required under California law
- Junior ADUs (JADUs) — up to 500 sqft within the primary structure with separate entry
- TO/24 Digital Portal — Pleasant Hill processes standard ADU applications through its TO/24 online portal with a target 60-day ministerial review timeline for qualifying projects; WDC manages the digital submission and coordinates directly with City staff
- Fire zone requirements — properties in Woolsey-affected and VHFHSZ-designated areas require ignition-resistant exterior construction on ADUs; WDC specifies to these standards from the design phase
- SB 543 (2026) — ADUs at or under 750 sqft are exempt from school developer fees under current California law
Oak-protected lot, permit-coordinated build.
Pleasant Hill ADUs sit near California oaks — Quercus agrifolia is protected within 20ft of most structures. WDC sites the ADU around the oak, runs the City of Pleasant Hill permit chain, and builds in the We Do Construction material register.
ADU Types We Build in Pleasant Hill
- Garage Conversion — most common ADU type in Pleasant Hill; two-car attached garages convert efficiently to full living suites
- Detached ADU / Guest House — new construction on large rear yards; ideal for multigenerational living or long-term rental
- JADU (Junior ADU) — interior conversion within primary home with separate entry
- Above-Garage ADU — second story above existing garage; requires structural engineering review
Every WDC ADU includes complete scope: structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, insulation, windows, finishes, fire zone compliance where applicable, and full permit management through certificate of occupancy.
Pleasant Hill ADU — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TO/24 portal and how does it affect my ADU project?
TO/24 is Pleasant Hill’ digital permit processing system. Standard ADU applications submitted through TO/24 are subject to a 60-day ministerial review timeline for qualifying projects. WDC prepares and submits ADU applications through this system and manages all City communications through plan check and approval.
How long does an ADU take in Pleasant Hill?
A garage conversion in Pleasant Hill typically takes 7–11 months from contract to certificate of occupancy — including design, plan check through TO/24, and construction. Detached ADUs requiring new foundation work run 10–14 months.
Does the Woolsey Fire history affect ADU construction in Pleasant Hill?
Properties in VHFHSZ-designated areas of Pleasant Hill — which includes many hillside and foothill neighborhoods affected by or adjacent to the Woolsey Fire zone — must use ignition-resistant exterior construction materials for ADU work. WDC identifies fire zone status at feasibility and specifies accordingly.
Build Your Pleasant Hill ADU
Pleasant Hill garage conversions are some of the most straightforward ADU projects in Contra Costa County. A consultation with WDC confirms what your property allows and maps the TO/24 permit path before design begins.
Request a consultation(415) 416-5494