Planning to renovate or build an ADU? City posts planning application requirements

New Application Requirements for 2023

Design Review Permit and Variance: For residents applying for a variance, please note there is now a separate variance application. Applicants will be asked to fill out both a design review permit application and a variance application for the Planning Commission’s review. Both applications are published on the City of Piedmont website here

Additional Bedroom Permit Application: On January 1, Assembly Bill 916 came into effect which allows for the construction of additional bedrooms under a ministerial review process, so long as they meet certain criteria. Up to two additional bedrooms may be permitted, so long as:

  • The area converted into a bedroom is existing habitable space, and does not include garages, carports, porches, decks, or crawl spaces;
  • The additional bedroom(s) are created within the existing space of the dwelling unit and no additional expansions are proposed (such as additions or attic dormers);
  • The project meets the City’s parking code outlined in Section 17.30 of the City Code; and
  • Any exterior design modifications (such as windows and doors) needed in order to meet health and safety requirements conform to the Piedmont Design Guidelines. 

Sustainability Application Requirements: An energy assessment, or home energy audit, is required for all design review permits that may have an energy impact due to their size or the rooms that will be added or changed. For more information, visit the City of Piedmont website here. If your proposed project has an estimated cost of over $25,000, expands the roof area by at least 30%, affects the electrical panel, or alters the kitchen or laundry room, then you may also be affected by Building Code requirements for energy efficiency. Please visit the City’s webpage here to see if your project is affected.

ADU Application Updates: On January 1, Senate Bill 897 came into effect which modifies the state regulations for ADU construction. Please refer to the updated City Code sections 17.38 (ADUs) and 17.90 (Measurements and Definitions) in the Piedmont City Code. In particular, the height limits of ADUs have been increased as follows:

  • A detached ADU has a maximum height of 18 feet, with a 2 foot allowance for a roof pitch that is architecturally consistent with the primary dwelling unit (20 feet).An attached ADU now has a height limit of 25 feet.

The new 2023 applications are available here. If you have questions, please contact us at  ondutyplanner@piedmont.ca.gov or call (510) 420-3050.

Other updates

The agenda for the Planning Commission meeting on February 13, 2023, will be posted on the City website and here on January 30, 2023. 

Applications to the Planning Commission for design review, variance, use permit, and other construction projects are due by 4:30 pm February 9, 2023, for the March 13, 2023 Planning Commission meeting.  

New temporary road closure and parking restrictions near City Hall begin January 27, 2023. 

If you have planning questions, please contact Planning & Building Department staff at ondutyplanner@piedmont.ca.gov

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