ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Long Beach, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Long Beach, 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
$4,980 – $7,280
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
$6,120
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$900 – $1,350
Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.
- Building plan check$1,450 – $1,909
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$1,695 – $2,235
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- School district fees$200 – $600
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$150 – $350
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Processing, inspection & records$115
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$470 – $721
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 permit fee by construction valuation | Set by City formula | Formula | Building Permit & Plan Check FeesLocation: PDF page 2, Building Permit Fees (By valuations) tableConfirms: The current City schedule publishes a complete stepped valuation formula rather than one flat permit amount. |
| Combination building permit fee | From $164 | Formula | Building Permit & Plan Check FeesLocation: PDF page 3, Combination Building Permit rowConfirms: The current schedule sets the combination permit charge at 150% of the valuation-based permit fee with a $164 minimum; this derived path replaces, rather than supplements, the base permit charge. |
Plan check
Review of your drawings for code compliance.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Combination plan-check fee | From $154 | Formula | Building Permit & Plan Check FeesLocation: PDF page 1, Plan Check Fees, Combination Plan Check rowConfirms: The current schedule sets combination plan check at 85% of the permit fee with a $154 minimum. |
| Zoning plan check for valuation up to $750,000 | 0.5% of valuation | Percent of valuation | Building Permit & Plan Check FeesLocation: PDF page 2, Planning Plan Check Fees, Zoning Plan Check with Valuation up to $750,000 rowConfirms: The current schedule provides a percentage, minimum, and cap for this valuation band. |
Technology & surcharges
Records, technology, and general plan surcharges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology surcharge | 6% formula | Formula | Community Development Fee SchedulesLocation: HTML Additional Information section, 6% Technology Surcharge noteConfirms: The current City fee landing page states that a 6% Technology Surcharge is added to all applicable fees; this percentage is of fees, not project valuation. |
Surcharges, taxes & state fees
Percentage surcharges, construction taxes, and State-mandated charges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Plan surcharge | 6% formula | Formula | Community Development Fee SchedulesLocation: HTML Additional Information section, 6% General Plan Surcharge noteConfirms: The current City fee landing page states that a 6% General Plan Surcharge is added to all applicable fees; this percentage is of fees, not project valuation. |
| Records management and retention fee | From $35 | Formula | Building Permit & Plan Check FeesLocation: PDF page 6, Records Management and Processing Fees, Records Management and Retention Fee rowConfirms: The current schedule states that plan retention by microfilming or digitizing costs 5% of the permit fee with a $35 minimum; this percentage is of the permit fee, not project valuation. |
| Plan-check and permit application processing fee | $115 | Flat fee | Community Development Fee SchedulesLocation: HTML section Community Development Fee Schedules, note beneath fee-document linksConfirms: The City fee landing page states that a $115 processing fee is added to each plan-check and permit application. |
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 Long Beach before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
Back to Long Beach · Permit process · Build a permit report · How we build these estimates