ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Livermore, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Livermore, with category estimates and direct reference links used in our investigation.
Prepared by GetYourPermit editorial teamReport an error
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
$4,050 – $9,700
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
$6,450
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 – $600
Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.
- Building plan check$1,200 – $2,700
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$1,400 – $3,100
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- Separate trade permits$500 – $1,350
Shown separately only where electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits are billed outside a combination permit.
- School district fees$350 – $950
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Processing, inspection & records$250 – $700
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$100 – $300
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard ADU new-construction Building fee | Verify on the City’s official website | Formula | Master Fee ScheduleLocation: Master Fee Schedule, pp. 5–7, New Construction Fees (All Construction Types), R-3 rowConfirms: The current City schedule identifies R-3 as one- and two-family homes and presents a threshold-plus-per-additional-100-sq-ft calculation across construction classifications. |
Plan check
Review of your drawings for code compliance.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-approved ADU City plan-review fee | $1,000 | Flat fee | Pre-Approved Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)Location: Pre-Approved ADU page, Reduced FeesConfirms: The City states that applicants using a pre-approved ADU plan pay a flat $1,000 plan-review fee. |
Impact fees
Development impact fees. Prohibited for ADUs of 750 sq ft or less.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU at or below 750 sq ft impact-fee exemption | $0 | Flat fee | Development Impact and Connection FeesLocation: Development Impact and Connection Fees, p. 1, ADU/JADU footnoteConfirms: The City’s current fee sheet states that no impact fees can be charged for ADUs 750 square feet or less. |
| ADU over 750 sq ft impact-fee rule | Set by City formula | Formula | Development Impact and Connection FeesLocation: Development Impact and Connection Fees, p. 1, ADU/JADU footnoteConfirms: The City’s current sheet supplies the State-law threshold and proportional calculation rule but not a single all-in ADU amount. |
| Tri-Valley Transportation Development Fee for ADU/SDU | $0 | Flat fee | Development Impact and Connection FeesLocation: Development Impact and Connection Fees, Tri-Valley Transportation Development Fee; attached FY2027 adjustment, ADU/SDUConfirms: The current City packet lists the ADU/SDU Tri-Valley Transportation Development Fee at $0.00. |
Utility connection
Water, sewer, and electrical connection or capacity charges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential wastewater connection fee | Set by City formula | Formula | Development Impact and Connection FeesLocation: Development Impact and Connection Fees, Exhibit A, Wastewater Connection Fee Schedule, ResidentialConfirms: The effective-July-2026 City schedule specifies residential wastewater connection fees by studio through four-bedroom dwelling-unit classification. |
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 Livermore before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
Back to Livermore · Permit process · Build a permit report · How we build these estimates