ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Davis, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Davis, 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
$5,100 – $11,000
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
$7,800
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 – $800
Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.
- Building plan check$1,235 – $2,665
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$1,900 – $4,100
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- Separate trade permits$550 – $1,100
Shown separately only where electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits are billed outside a combination permit.
- School district fees$350 – $600
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$200 – $800
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Processing, inspection & records$275 – $475
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$240 – $460
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 Basic Fee lookup | Verify on the City’s official website | Verify on the City’s official website | Fees and Charges FY 2026-2027Location: FY 2026-27 Building Division, Building Permit and Plan Check Fees attached valuation table; ADU page, Types of ADUsConfirms: The City’s current Building schedule provides a valuation table, but the public evidence does not identify a universally applicable ADU row or City-assigned valuation for a numerical result. |
Plan check
Review of your drawings for code compliance.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Building Plan Review | 65% formula | Formula | Fees and Charges FY 2026-2027Location: FY 2026-27 Building Division Fee Schedule, Fees for Building Plan Check — Initial Plan ReviewConfirms: The current City schedule expressly states the 65% initial-plan-review formula and its one-recheck inclusion. |
Impact fees
Development impact fees. Prohibited for ADUs of 750 sq ft or less.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU impact-fee rule | From $0 | Formula | Accessory Dwellings Units (ADU) GuidelinesLocation: Accessory Dwellings Units (ADU) Guidelines, updated January 2026, page 1 — Impact FeesConfirms: The current City ADU handout explicitly sets the below-750-square-foot zero rule and the 750-plus proportional rule. |
Utility connection
Water, sewer, and electrical connection or capacity charges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU utility connection and capacity lookup | Verify on the City’s official website | Verify on the City’s official website | Accessory Dwellings Units (ADU) GuidelinesLocation: Accessory Dwellings Units (ADU) Guidelines, updated January 2026, page 2 — Services and Utility ConnectionsConfirms: The City identifies the existing-connection default and a conditional proportional separate-connection/capacity charge, but no dollar amount. |
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 Davis before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
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