ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Anaheim, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Anaheim, with category estimates and direct reference links used in our investigation.
Prepared by GetYourPermit editorial teamReport an error
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
$7,000 – $12,500
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
$9,650
Modeled at the 600 sq ft reference.
Where the money goes
These are fee components within the permit process, not separate approvals.
- Separate planning / zoning fee$400 – $800
Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.
- Building plan check$1,488 – $2,604
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$912 – $1,596
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- Separate trade permits$700 – $1,200
Shown separately only where electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits are billed outside a combination permit.
- School district fees$2,400 – $3,300
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$800 – $2,400
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Processing, inspection & records$200 – $400
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$100 – $200
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combined plan check and building permit fee | Verify on the City’s official website | Formula | Combined Plan Check and Building Permit FeesLocation: PDF page 5, Tier 3 Residential Buildings Category 1 lookup table and Notes 1–5Confirms: The currently linked official schedule is a tiered square-foot formula, not a single flat ADU fee; the live page does not state a formal effective date. |
Plan check
Review of your drawings for code compliance.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan check share of combined fee | 62% formula | Formula | Combined Plan Check and Building Permit FeesLocation: PDF page 5, Note 1 and Note 2Confirms: The City document allocates 62% of the combined amount to plan review. |
Inspection
Field inspections during construction.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building permit inspection share of combined fee | 38% formula | Formula | Combined Plan Check and Building Permit FeesLocation: PDF page 5, Note 1 and Note 3Confirms: The City document allocates 38% of the combined amount to building-permit inspections. |
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 Anaheim before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
Back to Anaheim · Permit process · Build a permit report · How we build these estimates