ADU guide
ADU Fees and Impact Fees
Agency charges and professional fees are different parts of an ADU budget. Ask the reviewing agency for the current fee schedule and the designer or contractor for a separate written scope.
Requirements depend on your property and the agency reviewing it. Confirm current details with that agency before finalizing plans.
Questions to consider
- List application, plan review, and inspection fees identified by the agency
- HCD says an ADU with 750 square feet or less of interior livable space is exempt from specified impact fees charged by local agencies, special districts, and water corporations; it separately discusses school fees.
- An impact-fee exemption does not establish that all plan review, permit, utility, or other charges are zero. Request the complete current fee breakdown.
- Ask about any utility connection or other charges for the proposal
- Separate agency fees from design and construction quotes
- Check whether an applicable fee exemption or adjustment applies to the particular project
Official resources
Common questions
Does an impact-fee exemption mean there are no other fees?
Do not assume that. Ask the reviewing agency to identify each applicable fee and any exemption for your project.
Are design fees the same as permit fees?
No. Design services and agency charges are separate categories. Ask each provider what is included in the written proposal.
San Diego County projects
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