ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Capitola, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Capitola, 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
$6,700 – $15,850
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
$9,780
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 – $1,832
Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.
- Building plan check$380 – $800
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$1,900 – $4,000
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- School district fees$2,700 – $3,900
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$1,000 – $4,200
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Processing, inspection & records$120 – $548
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$250 – $570
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU Building Permit valuation formula | From $160 | Formula | Fiscal Year 2026-2027 City Fee Schedule — Effective July 1, 2026Location: FY2026-27 City Fee Schedule, Building Fees — Table 1-A; Building Plan Check & Final Inspection; Information Technology FeeConfirms: The current City schedule gives every Table 1-A valuation bracket, the 1.5 combination-permit multiplier, and the named plan-check/final-inspection and technology layers. |
Plan check
Review of your drawings for code compliance.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU Design Permit review | $545 – $1,832 | Estimated range | Fiscal Year 2026-2027 City Fee Schedule — Effective July 1, 2026Location: FY2026-27 City Fee Schedule, Design Permits — Accessory Dwelling Unit Staff Review and PC ReviewConfirms: The current City schedule supplies both ADU review fees, while the City ADU page establishes that review level is project-specific. |
Impact fees
Development impact fees. Prohibited for ADUs of 750 sq ft or less.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Affordable ADU development-fee waiver eligibility | Verify on the City’s official website | Verify on the City’s official website | Resource Guide for Plan, Design, Permits, Review, Build — Accessory Dwelling UnitsLocation: City ADU Resource Guide page 24, fee-waiver FAQConfirms: The City-linked guide establishes the waiver conditions but does not supply a current project-specific waived amount. |
Surcharges, taxes & state fees
Percentage surcharges, construction taxes, and State-mandated charges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU Green Building Educational Resource Fund Fee | 0.25% of valuation | Percent of valuation | Fiscal Year 2026-2027 City Fee Schedule — Effective July 1, 2026Location: FY2026-27 City Fee Schedule, Other Fees and Assessments — Green Building Educational Resource Fund FeeConfirms: The current City schedule states the multiplier directly and identifies the governing municipal-code section. |
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 Capitola before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
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