ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Indio, California

GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Indio, with category estimates and direct reference links used in our investigation.

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3 fee lines

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

$5,463 – $10,243

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

$7,886

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$300 – $500

    Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.

  • Building plan check$1,583 – $1,638

    The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.

  • Building permit issuance$1,298 – $1,517

    The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.

  • Separate trade permits$450 – $750

    Shown separately only where electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits are billed outside a combination permit.

  • School district fees$1,400 – $4,200

    Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.

  • Utility fees$150 – $600

    Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.

  • Processing, inspection & records$175 – $425

    Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.

  • Surcharges, taxes & state fees$107 – $613

    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.

FeeAmountBasisSource
Building permitSet by City formulaFormula
City of Indio 2026 Fee Schedule — Building and SafetyLocation: Building & Safety schedule, pages 1–2 of 5, fee items 25–44Confirms: The official building-permit charge is a valuation-tier formula separate from plan check and other inspections.

Plan check

Review of your drawings for code compliance.

FeeAmountBasisSource
Building plan check and processingSet by City formulaFormula
City of Indio 2026 Fee Schedule — Building and SafetyLocation: Building & Safety schedule, page 1 of 5, fee items 1–19Confirms: The current City schedule uses a tiered valuation formula; it is not a flat per-square-foot ADU charge.

Technology & surcharges

Records, technology, and general plan surcharges.

FeeAmountBasisSource
Technology fee3.64% formulaFormula
City of Indio 2026 Fee Schedule — Building and SafetyLocation: Building & Safety schedule, page 5 of 5, Notes, note [4]Confirms: The City schedule states that a 3.64% technology fee funds its advanced technology platform.

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 Indio before you commit money.

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