ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Bakersfield, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Bakersfield, 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
$4,039 – $8,709
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
$6,124
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$554
Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.
- Building plan check$650 – $1,450
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$700 – $1,680
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- Separate trade permits$320 – $720
Shown separately only where electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits are billed outside a combination permit.
- School district fees$900 – $1,900
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$320 – $1,050
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Processing, inspection & records$280 – $700
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$315 – $655
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building permit, plan review, and inspections | Verify on the City’s official website | Verify on the City’s official website | Fee Schedule — July 1, 2026Location: PDF page 6 of 7, Building Department Fees, Building PermitConfirms: The current City schedule establishes the $291 floor and included services but requires a City quote for the project-specific valuation charge. |
Surcharges, taxes & state fees
Percentage surcharges, construction taxes, and State-mandated charges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accessory Dwelling Unit application fee | $554 | Flat fee | Fee Schedule — July 1, 2026Location: PDF page 1 of 7, Planning & Zoning Application Fees, Site Plan Review, ADU application feeConfirms: The live-linked July 1, 2026 schedule lists a $554 ADU application fee. |
| Conditions of Approval / Compliance fee | $89 | Flat fee | Fee Schedule — July 1, 2026Location: PDF page 6 of 7, Building Department Fees, Conditions of Approval/ComplianceConfirms: The current schedule lists $89 per permit only for building permits in the stated Specific Plan or PUD/PCD areas. |
| General Plan Maintenance fee | $211 | Flat fee | Fee Schedule — July 1, 2026Location: PDF page 6 of 7, Building Department Fees, General Plan MaintenanceConfirms: The current schedule lists a $211 General Plan Maintenance charge added to building permits for new construction. |
| Residential Strong Motion Instrumentation fee | Set by City formula | Formula | Fee Schedule — July 1, 2026Location: PDF page 6 of 7, Building Department Fees, Strong Motion Instrumentation — ResidentialConfirms: The current schedule publishes the residential Strong Motion rate as $13 per $100,000 of project 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 Bakersfield before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
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