ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Los Gatos, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Los Gatos, 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
$8,390 – $13,348
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
$10,738
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$500 – $800
Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.
- Building plan check$1,820 – $2,730
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$2,868 – $4,268
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- School district fees$2,400 – $3,400
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$300 – $1,350
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Processing, inspection & records$82 – $170
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$420 – $630
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 issuance/reinstatement | $68 | Flat fee | Permit Fees — FY 2026-2027 Comprehensive Fee ScheduleLocation: FY 2026-2027 Permit Fees, page 7, item 38Confirms: The Town lists $68 for issuing or reinstating a Building Permit. |
| Valuation-based building permit | Set by City formula | Formula | Permit Fees — FY 2026-2027 Comprehensive Fee ScheduleLocation: FY 2026-2027 Permit Fees, pages 7–8, Building Permit FeesConfirms: The Town provides current valuation bands and the application packet requires construction valuation for an ADU/JADU. |
Plan check
Review of your drawings for code compliance.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Building plan review | 65% formula | Formula | Permit Fees — FY 2026-2027 Comprehensive Fee ScheduleLocation: FY 2026-2027 Permit Fees, page 9, Plan Review FeeConfirms: The Town states plan review is separate from and in addition to the building permit fee, calculated at 65% of that fee. |
Surcharges, taxes & state fees
Percentage surcharges, construction taxes, and State-mandated charges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title 24 energy and accessibility surcharge | 15% formula | Formula | Permit Fees — FY 2026-2027 Comprehensive Fee ScheduleLocation: FY 2026-2027 Permit Fees, page 15, State of California Title 24 surchargeConfirms: The Town schedule says a 15% surcharge applies whenever a plan review is assessed. |
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 Los Gatos before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
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