ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Fremont, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Fremont, 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
$6,703 – $12,513
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
$9,308
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 – $750
Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.
- Building plan check$1,350 – $2,550
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$1,553 – $2,903
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- Separate trade permits$650 – $1,350
Shown separately only where electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits are billed outside a combination permit.
- School district fees$2,000 – $3,200
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$160 – $450
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$190 – $360
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 application fee | $153 | Flat fee | Master Fee Schedule — Effective July 1, 2026Location: Master Fee Schedule, page 20, II.P.2.a Building Application FeeConfirms: The current schedule lists a $153 flat building application fee per record. |
| Building valuation-fee lookup — City component determination required | Verify on the City’s official website | Formula | Master Fee Schedule — Effective July 1, 2026Location: Master Fee Schedule, pages 20–21, II.P.2.b.1–2Confirms: City confirmation is required before calculating a total. |
Plan check
Review of your drawings for code compliance.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| New-construction building trades plan check | From $292 | Formula | Master Fee Schedule — Effective July 1, 2026Location: Master Fee Schedule, page 21, II.P.3.c(1)Confirms: The current schedule defines a percentage of the building plan-check fee with a per-trade minimum. |
Technology & surcharges
Records, technology, and general plan surcharges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Permitting technology fee | 3% formula | Formula | Master Fee Schedule — Effective July 1, 2026Location: Master Fee Schedule, page 18, II.L Permitting Technology FeeConfirms: The current schedule applies a 3% technology surcharge to defined technical review and inspection services, with listed exclusions. |
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 Fremont before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
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