ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Benicia, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Benicia, 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
$13,322 – $18,835
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
$16,035
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$350 – $550
Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.
- Building plan check$1,713 – $2,298
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$2,284 – $3,064
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- Separate trade permits$400 – $700
Shown separately only where electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits are billed outside a combination permit.
- School district fees$2,550 – $3,654
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$5,555 – $7,829
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Processing, inspection & records$360 – $530
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$110 – $210
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 inspection/permit fee | From $139 | Formula | FY2026/27 Master Fee ScheduleLocation: FY2026/27 Master Fee Schedule, Building Inspection Fee Table-2Confirms: The current City Building table supplies the complete valuation-tier formula and the valuation inclusion rule. |
Plan check
Review of your drawings for code compliance.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building plan-review fee | 75% formula | Formula | FY2026/27 Master Fee ScheduleLocation: FY2026/27 Master Fee Schedule, Building Plan Review Fee Table-2AConfirms: The City’s current fee table sets plan review at 75% of the Building Inspection Fee, subject to the stated minimum full-cost-recovery condition. |
| Pre-approved ADU/PADU plan-review fee | $344 | Flat fee | FY2026/27 Master Fee ScheduleLocation: FY2026/27 Master Fee Schedule, Building row 74Confirms: The current City schedule gives a dedicated $343.50 plan-review charge for pre-approved ADU/PADU/HCD plan sets. |
Impact fees
Development impact fees. Prohibited for ADUs of 750 sq ft or less.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU library, parkland, and transportation impact-fee rule | From $0 | Formula | Notice of Modified Impact Fees and Capacity Fees — Effective July 1, 2024Location: 2024 impact schedule Exhibit A, ADU row and note [1]; June 2026 memo |
Utility connection
Water, sewer, and electrical connection or capacity charges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU water-capacity fee | $4.82 / sq ft | Per square foot | Notice of Modified Impact Fees and Capacity Fees — Effective July 1, 2024Location: 2024 impact schedule Exhibit A, Water Capacity Fee Levels, ADU row and note [1]; June 2026 memoConfirms: The City schedules ADU water capacity at $4.82 per square foot, with the 2026 City memo confirming the category was unchanged. |
| ADU wastewater-capacity fee | $5.57 / sq ft | Per square foot | Notice of Modified Impact Fees and Capacity Fees — Effective July 1, 2024Location: 2024 impact schedule Exhibit A, Wastewater Capacity Fee Levels, ADU row and note [1]; June 2026 memoConfirms: The City schedules ADU wastewater capacity at $5.57 per square foot, with the 2026 City memo confirming the category was unchanged. |
Surcharges, taxes & state fees
Percentage surcharges, construction taxes, and State-mandated charges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benicia pre-approved ADU plan-set use fee | $0 | Flat fee | FY2026/27 Master Fee ScheduleLocation: FY2026/27 Master Fee Schedule, Building row 75Confirms: The current City schedule sets the use fee for Benicia’s ADU pre-approved plan set at $0.00. |
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 Benicia before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
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