ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Albany, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Albany, with category estimates and direct reference links used in our investigation.
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ADU size
California prohibits development impact fees for ADUs of 750 sq ft or less, so the 749 / 750 / 751 steps are worth comparing.
Estimated total
GetYourPermit researched range at 750 sq ft
$5,518 – $9,696
This estimate combines our fee-schedule research and project-planning experience. Actual charges vary by parcel, plans, valuation, utilities, and outside agencies.
Typical planning amount
$7,578
Modeled at the 600 sq ft reference.
Where the money goes
These are fee components within the permit process, not separate approvals.
- Building plan check$536
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$1,817 – $1,960
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- Separate trade permits$250 – $650
Shown separately only where electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits are billed outside a combination permit.
- School district fees$2,250 – $3,450
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$520 – $2,680
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Processing, inspection & records$124 – $389
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$21 – $31
Percentage surcharges, construction taxes, and State-mandated charges.
The darker segment is the low end of the range; the full bar is the high end.
Published fee references
Building permit issuance
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-family Building Permit fee by valuation | Set by City formula | Formula | Community Development Fees, Fiscal Year 2026-27Location: Community Development Fees FY2026-27, Building Permits & Plan Check Fees, Single Family ResidentialConfirms: The current City schedule provides valuation brackets for Single Family Residential Building Permits. |
| Building Permit application fee | $89 | Flat fee | Community Development Fees, Fiscal Year 2026-27Location: Community Development Fees FY2026-27, Building Permits & Plan Check Fees, Application FeeConfirms: The current schedule lists an $89.30 Building Permit application fee. |
Plan check
Review of your drawings for code compliance.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building plan-check City processing fee | Set by City formula | Formula | Community Development Fees, Fiscal Year 2026-27Location: Community Development Fees FY2026-27, Building Plan Check, City Processing FeeConfirms: The current City schedule provides plan-check brackets and separately identifies actual-cost consultant review. |
Impact fees
Development impact fees. Prohibited for ADUs of 750 sq ft or less.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU under 750 sq ft capital-facilities impact-fee exemption | $0 | Flat fee | Community Development Fees, Fiscal Year 2026-27Location: Community Development Fees FY2026-27, Capital Facilities Impact Fee, New ADU less than 750 sq ftConfirms: The current City schedule expressly lists a State-law exemption for new ADUs under 750 square feet. |
| Residential addition or conversion capital-facilities impact fee | $0.65 / sq ft | Per square foot | Community Development Fees, Fiscal Year 2026-27Location: Community Development Fees FY2026-27, Capital Facilities Impact Fee, Residential additions and conversionsConfirms: The current City schedule lists $0.65 per square foot for residential additions and conversions. |
Surcharges, taxes & state fees
Percentage surcharges, construction taxes, and State-mandated charges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Building Standards Administration fee | 0.01% of valuation | Percent of valuation | Community Development Fees, Fiscal Year 2026-27Location: Community Development Fees FY2026-27, State of California Requirements, Building Standards Administration FeeConfirms: The current City schedule lists the State Building Standards Administration Fee as 0.01% of valuation. |
These are estimates, not official fees
Use these figures for early budgeting only. They are not a quote, not a government fee determination, and not legal advice. Actual fees depend on your parcel, your plans, your construction valuation, your utility provider, and the fee schedule in force on the day your permit is issued. Confirm every number with Albany before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
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