Pleasant Hill · Land use · Duplex
Where is a duplex allowed in Pleasant Hill?
In Pleasant Hill, a duplex is allowed in 16 base zones (R-20, R-15, R-10, R-10A, R-7 and 11 more, 7 with a condition), needs an use permit in 1 (PAO) and not allowed in 3 (Pleasant Hill use tables, read October 2026).
Key points
- Allowed: R-20, R-15, R-10, R-10A, R-7, R-6, RMD, MFVL and 8 more
- Needs a permit: PAO
- Not allowed: NB, C and LI
Find your lot's zone on the city zoning map, then read its row. Every status below was read from the Pleasant Hill Municipal Code use tables (read October 2026). Base zones only. General information, not legal advice — check with the city before you apply.
Zones where a duplex can go
Pleasant Hill's code calls this use “Two-unit”. Each row links to the use table it comes from. A zone marked “see note” has a condition in the code, for example upper floors only or a larger lot.
| Zone | Status | Code |
|---|---|---|
| R-20 | Allowed — see note Note L-8: When located in a single-family zoning district (R-20, R-15, R-10, R-10A, R-7, and R-6), two-unit residential dwellings shall only be allowed "P" when in compliance with Section 18.15.180 (Two Unit Projects) or Section 18.15.190 (Urban Lot Splits). | § 18.15.020 |
| R-15 | Allowed — see note Note L-8: When located in a single-family zoning district (R-20, R-15, R-10, R-10A, R-7, and R-6), two-unit residential dwellings shall only be allowed "P" when in compliance with Section 18.15.180 (Two Unit Projects) or Section 18.15.190 (Urban Lot Splits). | § 18.15.020 |
| R-10 | Allowed — see note Note L-8: When located in a single-family zoning district (R-20, R-15, R-10, R-10A, R-7, and R-6), two-unit residential dwellings shall only be allowed "P" when in compliance with Section 18.15.180 (Two Unit Projects) or Section 18.15.190 (Urban Lot Splits). | § 18.15.020 |
| R-10A | Allowed — see note Note L-8: When located in a single-family zoning district (R-20, R-15, R-10, R-10A, R-7, and R-6), two-unit residential dwellings shall only be allowed "P" when in compliance with Section 18.15.180 (Two Unit Projects) or Section 18.15.190 (Urban Lot Splits). | § 18.15.020 |
| R-7 | Allowed — see note Note L-8: When located in a single-family zoning district (R-20, R-15, R-10, R-10A, R-7, and R-6), two-unit residential dwellings shall only be allowed "P" when in compliance with Section 18.15.180 (Two Unit Projects) or Section 18.15.190 (Urban Lot Splits). | § 18.15.020 |
| R-6 | Allowed — see note Note L-8: When located in a single-family zoning district (R-20, R-15, R-10, R-10A, R-7, and R-6), two-unit residential dwellings shall only be allowed "P" when in compliance with Section 18.15.180 (Two Unit Projects) or Section 18.15.190 (Urban Lot Splits). | § 18.15.020 |
| RMD RMD (site-wide master plan applies) | Allowed — see note Note *: Only applicable to projects as determined in Section 18.15.020E (Applicability of Land Use Regulations in RMD Zoning District). | § 18.15.020 |
| MFVL | Allowed | § 18.15.020 |
| MFL | Allowed | § 18.15.020 |
| MFM | Allowed | § 18.15.020 |
| MFH | Allowed | § 18.15.020 |
| MFVH | Allowed | § 18.15.020 |
| MX-NB | Allowed | § 18.20.020 |
| MX | Allowed | § 18.20.020 |
| MX-HD | Allowed | § 18.20.020 |
| MX-VHD | Allowed | § 18.20.020 |
| PAO | Needs an use permit | § 18.25.020 |
Zones where it is not allowed
What else applies
- Standards for this use: Section 18.15.180 Two Unit Projects and 18.15.190 Urban Lot Splits (cited in note L-8; sections not in packet).
- Single-family zones: only under Sections 18.15.180 / 18.15.190 (note L-8). Three-unit and Four-unit are separate rows.
- State law: SB 9 (Gov. Code § 65852.21) allows two homes on most single-family lots with a ministerial permit, also where this table says no.
- Not covered here: Zone names are not stated in the packet (Chapter 18.05 zoning district list is not included); PUD / PPD districts: uses come from an approved PUD or specific plan (S4), no table; Chapter 18.210 land use definitions not in the packet. Overlay zones and specific plans can also change the answer.
Other uses in Pleasant Hill
Who this affects
Frequently asked questions
Can I have a duplex in the PAO zone in Pleasant Hill?
Only with an use permit. Pleasant Hill's use table lists it that way in PAO (§ 18.25.020).
Can I have a duplex in the NB zone in Pleasant Hill?
No. Pleasant Hill's use table does not allow it in NB (§ 18.25.020).
Can I have a duplex in the R-20 zone in Pleasant Hill?
Yes, with a condition. Pleasant Hill's use table lists it as allowed in R-20 (§ 18.15.020). The code adds a condition: “When located in a single-family zoning district (R-20, R-15, R-10, R-10A, R-7, and R-6), two-unit residential dwellings shall only be allowed "P" when in compliance with Section 18.15.180 (Two Unit Projects) or…”
General information, not legal advice.
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