ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Fresno, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Fresno, 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
$5,155 – $10,507
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
$7,575
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$38 – $467
Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.
- Building plan check$1,050 – $2,100
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$1,000 – $1,900
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- Separate trade permits$400 – $750
Shown separately only where electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits are billed outside a combination permit.
- School district fees$2,350 – $4,100
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$120 – $800
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Processing, inspection & records$25 – $50
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$172 – $340
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| City ADU Plan 1 permit-fee example | $1,678 | Flat fee | ADU Permit, School, & Impact Fees & Construction EstimatesLocation: Sheet1, Permit Fees row, Plan 1 column; Square Footage of ADU row = 340Confirms: The official spreadsheet records $1,677.54 for its 340-square-foot Plan 1 example. |
| City ADU Plan 2 permit-fee example | $1,686 | Flat fee | ADU Permit, School, & Impact Fees & Construction EstimatesLocation: Sheet1, Permit Fees row, Plan 2 column; Square Footage of ADU row = 499Confirms: The official spreadsheet records $1,686.40 for its 499-square-foot Plan 2 example. |
| City ADU Plan 3 permit-fee example | $2,270 | Flat fee | ADU Permit, School, & Impact Fees & Construction EstimatesLocation: Sheet1, Permit Fees row, Plan 3 column; Square Footage of ADU row = 625Confirms: The official spreadsheet records $2,270.07 for its 625-square-foot Plan 3 example. |
| City ADU Plan 5 permit-fee example | $1,586 | Flat fee | ADU Permit, School, & Impact Fees & Construction EstimatesLocation: Sheet1, Permit Fees row, Plan 5 column; Square Footage of ADU row = 1,015Confirms: The official spreadsheet records $1,585.90 for its 1,015-square-foot Plan 5 example. |
Plan check
Review of your drawings for code compliance.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU Zone Clearance review fee | Verify on the City’s official website | Verify on the City’s official website | Master Fee Schedule — Zoning Clearance FeesLocation: Applications, Forms & Fees page, ADU section; Master Fee Schedule page 123, Zoning Clearance rowsConfirms: Current City sources confirm that an ADU requires Zone Clearance and publish the three current fee tiers, but do not identify which tier applies to a given ADU. |
Technology & surcharges
Records, technology, and general plan surcharges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entitlement Processing System Update surcharge | $24 | Flat fee | Master Fee Schedule — Planning & Development FeesLocation: PDF page 80, Technology — Entitlement Processing System Update rowConfirms: The July 1, 2026 schedule lists a $23.79 technology surcharge on building permits. |
Surcharges, taxes & state fees
Percentage surcharges, construction taxes, and State-mandated charges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Building Standards Commission permit surcharge | From $1 | Formula | Master Fee Schedule — Planning & Development FeesLocation: PDF page 79, California Building Standards Commission Permit Surcharge rowsConfirms: The July 1, 2026 schedule publishes the State building-standards valuation bands and the $1 increment above $100,001. |
| General Plan and Related Document Update and Maintenance surcharge | 12.83% formula | Formula | Master Fee Schedule — Planning & Development FeesLocation: PDF page 79, General Plan and Related Document Update and Maintenance rowConfirms: The July 1, 2026 schedule sets this surcharge at 12.83% on building permits. |
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 Fresno before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
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