ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Dublin, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Dublin, 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
$3,800 – $8,700
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
$5,750
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$0 – $300
Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.
- Building plan check$0 – $350
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$0 – $400
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- Separate trade permits$450 – $1,100
Shown separately only where electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits are billed outside a combination permit.
- School district fees$2,400 – $3,500
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$500 – $1,600
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Processing, inspection & records$350 – $950
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$100 – $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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualifying ADU City permit and plan-check fee waiver | $0 | Flat fee | ADU Fees & WaiversLocation: ADU Fees & Waivers, Permit Fee Waivers; 2026 waiver form, p. 1Confirms: The current City page and 2026-revised City form establish the qualifying permit/plan-check waiver and its end date, while expressly preserving separately named fee layers. |
Impact fees
Development impact fees. Prohibited for ADUs of 750 sq ft or less.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU under 750 sq ft impact-fee exemption | $0 | Flat fee | ADU Fees & WaiversLocation: ADU Fees & Waivers, Impact Fee WaiversConfirms: The current City page states that ADUs less than 750 square feet are not subject to impact fees. |
| ADU 750 sq ft or larger impact-fee calculation rule | Set by City formula | Formula | ADU Fees & WaiversLocation: ADU Fees & Waivers, Impact Fee Waivers; FY 2025-26 Impact Fees, p. 1 |
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 Dublin before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
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