ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Danville, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Danville, with category estimates and direct reference links used in our investigation.
Prepared by GetYourPermit editorial teamReport an error
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
$7,337 – $10,330
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
$8,700
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$400 – $700
Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.
- Building plan check$1,105 – $1,500
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$1,700 – $2,307
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- Separate trade permits$600 – $1,050
Shown separately only where electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits are billed outside a combination permit.
- School district fees$2,832 – $3,288
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$450 – $950
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Processing, inspection & records$0 – $160
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$250 – $375
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 and inspection fee by valuation | Set by City formula | Formula | Master Fee Schedule for User and Cost Recovery Fees, Fiscal Year 2026/27Location: Master Fee Schedule FY2026/27, p. 17, Building Permit Fee TableConfirms: The current Town schedule provides valuation brackets for the Building Permit fee, including inspection. |
Plan check
Review of your drawings for code compliance.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structural and architectural plan-review fee | Set by City formula | Formula | Master Fee Schedule for User and Cost Recovery Fees, Fiscal Year 2026/27Location: Master Fee Schedule FY2026/27, p. 17, Plan ReviewConfirms: The current schedule fixes structural and architectural plan review at 65% of the Building Permit fee and defines the included review scope. |
Surcharges, taxes & state fees
Percentage surcharges, construction taxes, and State-mandated charges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Strong Motion Instrumentation Program fee | 0.013% of valuation | Percent of valuation | Master Fee Schedule for User and Cost Recovery Fees, Fiscal Year 2026/27Location: Master Fee Schedule FY2026/27, p. 18, Administrative Fees That Apply to All PermitsConfirms: The current schedule lists residential SMIP at 0.013% of valuation with a $0.50 minimum. |
| California Building Standards fee | Set by City formula | Formula | Master Fee Schedule for User and Cost Recovery Fees, Fiscal Year 2026/27Location: Master Fee Schedule FY2026/27, p. 18, Administrative Fees That Apply to All PermitsConfirms: The current schedule lists the California Building Standards fee as $1 per $25,000 of total valuation. |
| Comprehensive Planning fee | 0.1% of valuation | Percent of valuation | Master Fee Schedule for User and Cost Recovery Fees, Fiscal Year 2026/27Location: Master Fee Schedule FY2026/27, p. 18, Administrative Fees That Apply to All PermitsConfirms: The current schedule lists a Comprehensive Planning fee of 0.1% of valuation, capped at $2,000. |
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 Danville before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
Back to Danville · Permit process · Build a permit report · How we build these estimates