ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Berkeley, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Berkeley, 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
$10,572 – $15,226
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
$12,899
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$3,280 – $4,871
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$5,046 – $7,494
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- Separate trade permits$483 – $486
Shown separately only where electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits are billed outside a combination permit.
- School district fees$463 – $475
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$800 – $1,400
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$500
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 valuation fee | From $150 | Formula | Planning and Development Fee Schedule — July 2025Location: Fee Schedule, Building Permits, IIConfirms: The City publishes a valuation formula, not an ADU flat total. |
Plan check
Review of your drawings for code compliance.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular plan check | 65% formula | Formula | Planning and Development Fee Schedule — July 2025Location: Fee Schedule, Building Permits, II, Regular Plan Check FeeConfirms: The schedule establishes a 65% formula. |
| Pre-approved ADU plan check | 50% formula | Formula | Planning and Development Fee Schedule — July 2025Location: Fee Schedule, Building Permits, II, Pre-approved ADU Plan Check FeeConfirms: The City provides a discounted pre-approved-ADU plan-check formula. |
Surcharges, taxes & state fees
Percentage surcharges, construction taxes, and State-mandated charges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU neighborhood notification | $500 | Flat fee | Residential Additions and Accessory Dwelling UnitsLocation: Residential Additions and ADUs, Neighborhood Notification and FeesConfirms: The City collects $500 with a new ADU building-permit application for courtesy notice. |
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 Berkeley before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
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