Livermore's Development Code, or Zoning Ordinance, is a comprehensive set of local laws that govern land use, development, and redevelopment in the City, as adopted by the Livermore City Council. Consistent with California law and Livermore's General Plan, the Development Code establishes Livermore's Zoning Map (which identifies where certain uses are allowed), development standards for new development (like height and setback), procedures for subdividing land, and development review and permit procedures (like how to apply for a Home Occupation Permit). The Development Code's goals include: improving the built environment, conserving Livermore's natural and cultural environment, promoting the City's economic base, and providing for housing.

The current Development Code has undergone a series of minor updates, and was last comprehensively updated in 2010. The City is currently executing a comprehensive Development Code Update being conducted in three phases.

1. State Housing Law Compliance
2. Local Updates
3. Zoning Map

The State Housing Law Compliance portion of the update responds to a range of state housing laws, including SB 330, SB 35, SB 9, SB 6, AB 2011, and AB 2097, to ensure Livermore's local codes are consistent with state housing law, and the City’s General Plan Housing Element.

The State Housing Law Compliance phase was completed in July 2025 with City Council's approval of a new Part 11: Housing Chapter in the Development Code, Housing Element consistency updates to Part 9 and Part 10 of the Development Code, and an accompanying Objective Design Standards document. The new Part 11Housing Chapter is effective as of August 28, 2025, and it contains updated Accessory Dwelling Unit Standards. 

The new Housing Element consistency updates to Part 9 and Part 10 of the Development Code are effective as of August 28, 2025.

The Mixed-Used and Multifamily Objective Design Standards document is effective as of July 31, 2025.