ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Irvine, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Irvine, 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
$4,678 – $7,668
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
$5,877
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$250 – $700
Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.
- Building plan check$408 – $612
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$73
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- School district fees$3,102 – $3,300
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$400 – $1,600
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Processing, inspection & records$336 – $480
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$109 – $903
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New residential permit issuance fee | $73 | Flat fee | Schedule II — Building Safety FeesLocation: Schedule II, page 1, Permit Issuance FeesConfirms: The current City schedule lists $73.08 for new residential construction permit issuance. |
Plan check
Review of your drawings for code compliance.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-family model plan check, including custom homes | $0.68 / sq ft | Per square foot | Schedule II — Building Safety FeesLocation: Schedule II, page 2, item 3, Model plan check including custom homesConfirms: The adopted schedule provides a current $0.68-per-square-foot plan-check rate for the stated residential classification. |
Inspection
Field inspections during construction.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-family inspection fee | $0.56 / sq ft | Per square foot | Schedule II — Building Safety FeesLocation: Schedule II, page 2, item 3, InspectionConfirms: The adopted schedule provides a current $0.56-per-square-foot inspection rate for the stated residential classification. |
Technology & surcharges
Records, technology, and general plan surcharges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building automation fee | 10% formula | Formula | Schedule II — Building Safety FeesLocation: Schedule II, page 5, item 21, Automation FeeConfirms: The official schedule applies a 10% automation fee, with a residential-remodel exception. |
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 Irvine before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
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