ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Permit
California made ADUs much easier since 2020, but permit and impact-fee combos vary 5x between cities.
Use this page as a benchmark, not as a guaranteed quote or eligibility promise. The price, rate, fee, coverage, or feature set can change with location, customer profile, promotional timing, scope, and provider terms. Compare the current source disclosure before you buy or sign.
FairPrice Guru keeps the benchmark separate from the provider's marketing. A higher price is not automatically unfair when it buys more coverage or a better scope, and a lower headline price is not automatically better when fees, restrictions, or missing features change the real cost.
Price and terms
- Typical: $5,500 per project
- Typical range: $2,000–$15,000
What this fee covers
ADU building permit, plan check, school fees, utility hookup fees.
Hidden fees to watch
- School impact fee ($4-8/sqft)
- Sewer/water hookup ($5-25k in some cities)
- Fire dept plan review
Ways to pay less
- Ask city planning about ADU-specific waivers
- Junior ADUs under 500sqft often waive fees
Official source · Last verified 2026-07-04