ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Carmel-by-the-Sea, 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
$4,019 – $11,029
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
$6,629
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$450 – $950
Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.
- Building plan check$800 – $2,050
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$1,100 – $2,600
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- Separate trade permits$350 – $800
Shown separately only where electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits are billed outside a combination permit.
- School district fees$800 – $2,200
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$200 – $1,100
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Processing, inspection & records$145 – $930
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$174 – $399
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 Plan Check and Inspection valuation lookup | Verify on the City’s official website | Verify on the City’s official website | Adopted Fee Schedule 2026-2027Location: Adopted Fee Schedule FY2026-27, Building Services; SOG 18-05, Building/Fire Permit Fees and Table B date label |
Impact fees
Development impact fees. Prohibited for ADUs of 750 sq ft or less.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU and JADU impact-fee rule | From $0 | Formula | California Department of Housing and Community Development Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook, March 2026Location: HCD ADU Handbook, March 2026, Fees FAQ, page 26 — impact-fee threshold and proportionalityConfirms: The official handbook states the applicable zero/proportional impact-fee thresholds and distinguishes impact fees from connection/capacity charges. |
Utility connection
Water, sewer, and electrical connection or capacity charges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU school and utility connection lookup | Verify on the City’s official website | Verify on the City’s official website | California Department of Housing and Community Development Accessory Dwelling Unit Handbook, March 2026Location: HCD ADU Handbook, March 2026, Fees FAQ, page 26 — school fees and water/sewer connection feesConfirms: The official handbook establishes the statewide conditional rules but does not provide Carmel-specific school or utility rates. |
Technology & surcharges
Records, technology, and general plan surcharges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building Technology Surcharge | $9 | Flat fee | Adopted Fee Schedule 2026-2027Location: Adopted Fee Schedule FY2026-27, Community Planning & Building — Building Technology SurchargeConfirms: The current adopted City schedule explicitly lists a $9 Building Technology Surcharge per permit. |
Surcharges, taxes & state fees
Percentage surcharges, construction taxes, and State-mandated charges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Plan Update fee | 15% formula | Formula | Adopted Fee Schedule 2026-2027Location: Adopted Fee Schedule FY2026-27, Community Planning & Building — General Plan UpdateConfirms: The current adopted City schedule explicitly lists General Plan Update as 15% of all Building & Safety permits. |
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 Carmel-by-the-Sea before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
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