What's the total ADU permit fee in Los Angeles?

Total Los Angeles ADU permit fees in 2026 run roughly $6,500–$16,500 depending on size, type, and any utility hookups required.

How long does Los Angeles ADU permit review take?

Standard Los Angeles ADU plan review takes 6–16 weeks. Pre-approved plans and complete submittals can shorten that significantly.

What fees are NOT included in the base Los Angeles permit cost?

Utility connection fees (water, sewer, electric), school impact fees, drainage and fire-line upgrades, and any private-engineering studies typically add 30–60% to the base permit number.

Can I get my Los Angeles ADU permit fees reduced or waived?

Some jurisdictions offer fee reductions for deed-restricted affordable ADUs, JADUs under 500 sq ft, or projects using pre-approved plans. Check Los Angeles's current ADU ordinance for available waivers.

ADUCosts

Los Angeles, CA

Los Angeles ADU Permit Fee Calculator (2026)

Name: aduglossary.com — Los Angeles CA ADU Resources
Price range: $

Instant fee breakdown for Los Angeles, California. Total range: $6,500–$16,500.

Los Angeles, California ADU Permit Fees

Total estimated range: $6,500–$16,500

Plan Check

$1,500–$3,500

Building Permit

$2,000–$5,000

Impact Fees

Waived (< 750 sf)

School Fees

$3–$4/sf

Utility Hookups

$3,000–$8,000

Source: City permitting schedules and FeeBuilder surveys, updated April 2026.

Los Angeles permit process at a glance

Permitting office: Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS)

Typical plan review: 10-16 weeks

Fee waivers: ADUs under 750 sq ft are exempt from impact fees per AB 681 (2023).

Los Angeles runs a Standard Plan Program (LA ePlan) with pre-approved ADU designs that cut permit review to 6-8 weeks if you use a published plan — about half the typical LADBS path. The flip side is the city's Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone overlay, which covers a meaningful slice of the hillside neighborhoods (Hollywood Hills, Bel Air, parts of Mt. Washington) and triggers Chapter 7A ignition-resistant construction requirements that add 8-15% to materials.

Sample real-world fee example

Scenario: 700 sq ft detached ADU on a typical Los Angeles lot

Plan check (mid)	$1,700
Building permit (mid)	$2,300
Utility connection (low end)	$3,000
Misc fees (records, inspections)	$1,500
TOTAL (rough mid example)	~$8,000

Common Los Angeles ADU permit mistakes

Skipping the LADBS Standard Plan Program eligibility check — using a published plan can cut review by ~50%.
Underestimating Chapter 7A ignition-resistant material costs on hillside lots inside the Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone.
Missing the LADWP separate-meter application — a 4-8 week parallel track from the building permit.
Not budgeting for the Hillside Ordinance Geology Division review on lots above the foothill grade break.

How Los Angeles compares nearby

City	Total fee range	Link
Los Angeles	$6,500–$16,500	(this page)
San Diego	$5,000–$13,500	View →
San Jose	$6,200–$17,500	View →
Sacramento	$4,000–$10,500	View →

Full Los Angeles cost guide ROI calculator Compare all 18 cities

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