Free Interactive Tool
ADU Permit Fee Calculator
Enter your ZIP code or pick a city and see the plan-check, impact, school, and utility fees you'll actually pay in 2026 — in seconds.
Look up your ADU permit fees
Jump to your city
Austin, TX
Total: $6,600–$14,500
Chula Vista, CA
Total: $4,000–$11,000
Coronado, CA
Total: $6,200–$16,000
Denver, CO
Total: $6,300–$11,500
El Cajon, CA
Total: $3,800–$10,500
Imperial Beach, CA
Total: $3,600–$9,000
La Jolla, CA
Total: $5,000–$13,500
Los Angeles, CA
Total: $6,500–$16,500
Miami, FL
Total: $7,500–$18,500
Portland, OR
Total: $4,300–$11,500
Raleigh, NC
Total: $5,300–$11,700
Sacramento, CA
Total: $4,000–$10,500
San Diego, CA
Total: $5,000–$13,500
San Francisco, CA
Total: $10,500–$25,000
San Jose, CA
Total: $6,200–$17,500
Scottsdale, AZ
Total: $5,000–$10,000
Seattle, WA
Total: $5,500–$14,000
Spring Valley, CA
Total: $3,600–$9,000
Frequently Asked Questions
How accurate are these ADU permit fee estimates?
The ranges reflect 2026 published fee schedules from each city's building and planning departments, cross-checked with recent ADU permit filings surfaced by FeeBuilder and local contractor surveys. Actual fees depend on your ADU's size, valuation, and whether you connect to existing utilities — always request a written fee estimate from your building department before budgeting.
Are California ADU impact fees really waived?
Yes, for ADUs under 750 sq ft. California Government Code Section 65852.2 prohibits cities from charging impact or development fees for ADUs under that threshold. Larger ADUs pay fees proportionally based on the ADU's square footage relative to the primary dwelling. School district fees still apply at $2–$5 per sq ft regardless of size.
What fees are NOT shown in this calculator?
The calculator covers the five largest fee buckets (plan check, building permit, impact fees, school fees, utility hookups). It does not include: architectural design fees, structural engineering, soils reports, survey work, or contractor soft costs. Add $10,000–$25,000 for those on top of permit fees for a realistic all-in soft-cost budget.
How often is the fee data updated?
We refresh every city's fee schedule when a new fiscal-year schedule is published (most cities update fees each July). The data shown here reflects the April 2026 snapshot. Cities occasionally adjust fees mid-year for impact fee categories — always verify with your local building department before finalizing a budget.
My city isn't listed. What do I do?
We currently cover 18 US cities where ADU activity is highest. If your city isn't listed, the closest large city in the same state is usually within 20–40% of what you'll actually pay. For a custom estimate, email hello@aduglossary.com with your city and we'll pull the schedule for you.
Ready to Start Your ADU Project?
Join hundreds of homeowners who used our guides to navigate their ADU build successfully.
✓ Free comprehensive guide ✓ Vetted contractor list ✓ No credit card needed