ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Fontana, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Fontana, 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
$5,410 – $9,160
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
$7,140
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$260
Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.
- Building plan check$720 – $1,420
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$920 – $1,850
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- Separate trade permits$330 – $750
Shown separately only where electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits are billed outside a combination permit.
- School district fees$2,350 – $3,300
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$270 – $670
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Processing, inspection & records$260 – $480
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$300 – $430
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 and Safety permit and plan check | Verify on the City’s official website | Verify on the City’s official website | ADU Plan Check & Development Impact FeesLocation: Page 1, Permit & Plan Check, Building & Safety row |
Plan check
Review of your drawings for code compliance.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Planning plan check | $260 | Flat fee | Listing of City Fees, Charges & Rates as of January 1, 2026Location: PDF page 62, Planning, Plan Check — Planning Plan Check Fee Residential-ADUConfirms: The current January 1, 2026 schedule lists the Residential-ADU planning plan-check fee as $260. |
| Engineering plan check | $194 | Flat fee | Listing of City Fees, Charges & Rates as of January 1, 2026Location: PDF page 52, Engineering, Plan Check — Engineering Plan Check for Building & Safety, Residential ADU OnlyConfirms: The current January 1, 2026 schedule lists the Residential ADU Only engineering plan-check fee as $194. |
| Fire plan check | $90 | Flat fee | ADU Plan Check & Development Impact FeesLocation: Page 1, Permit & Plan Check, Fire Plan Check rowConfirms: The official sheet lists $90 per submittal. |
Impact fees
Development impact fees. Prohibited for ADUs of 750 sq ft or less.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Municipal services development impact fee | $2,630 | Flat fee | ADU Plan Check & Development Impact FeesLocation: Page 1, Development Impact Fees, Municipal Services rowConfirms: The official ADU sheet lists $2,630 for qualifying units. |
| Landscape median development impact fee | $326 | Flat fee | ADU Plan Check & Development Impact FeesLocation: Page 1, Development Impact Fees, Landscape Median rowConfirms: The official ADU sheet lists $326 for qualifying units. |
| Public facilities development impact fee | $520 | Flat fee | ADU Plan Check & Development Impact FeesLocation: Page 1, Development Impact Fees, Public Facilities rowConfirms: The official ADU sheet lists $520 for qualifying units. |
| Police development impact fee | $552 | Flat fee | ADU Plan Check & Development Impact FeesLocation: Page 1, Development Impact Fees, Police rowConfirms: The official ADU sheet lists $552 for qualifying units. |
| Library development impact fee | $116 | Flat fee | ADU Plan Check & Development Impact FeesLocation: Page 1, Development Impact Fees, Library rowConfirms: The official ADU sheet lists $116 for qualifying units. |
| Fire development impact fee | $431 | Flat fee | ADU Plan Check & Development Impact FeesLocation: Page 1, Development Impact Fees, Fire rowConfirms: The official ADU sheet lists $431 for qualifying units. |
Technology & surcharges
Records, technology, and general plan surcharges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer fee | $0.05 / sq ft | Per square foot | ADU Plan Check & Development Impact FeesLocation: Page 1, Permit & Plan Check, Computer Fees rowConfirms: The official sheet states a square-foot rate. |
| Archive fee | Set by City formula | Formula | Listing of City Fees, Charges & Rates as of January 1, 2026Location: PDF page 22, Building and Safety, Administrative — ArchiveConfirms: The current January 1, 2026 schedule lists a $5 archive charge per defined sheet. |
Surcharges, taxes & state fees
Percentage surcharges, construction taxes, and State-mandated charges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strong Motion Instrumentation fee | From $1 | Formula | ADU Plan Check & Development Impact FeesLocation: Page 1, Permit & Plan Check, SMI rowConfirms: The City sheet publishes the multiplier and minimum but identifies it as a separate surcharge rather than the core City permit fee. |
| Building Standards surcharge | From $1 | Formula | ADU Plan Check & Development Impact FeesLocation: Page 1, Permit & Plan Check, Building Standards rowConfirms: The official sheet gives the valuation increment and minimum. |
| Training fee | $5 | Flat fee | Listing of City Fees, Charges & Rates as of January 1, 2026Location: PDF page 22, Building and Safety, Administrative — Training FeeConfirms: The current January 1, 2026 schedule lists a $4.80 training fee per permit. |
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 Fontana before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
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