ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Milpitas, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Milpitas, 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
$6,560 – $14,420
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
$10,345
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 – $650
Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.
- Building plan check$1,350 – $1,900
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$1,850 – $2,600
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- Separate trade permits$250 – $800
Shown separately only where electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits are billed outside a combination permit.
- School district fees$1,500 – $3,200
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$1,000 – $4,500
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Processing, inspection & records$160 – $420
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$150 – $350
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
Plan check
Review of your drawings for code compliance.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU plan review | Verify on the City’s official website | Formula | Building Fee ScheduleLocation: Building Fee Schedule, page 3, New Residential tableConfirms: The current table expressly covers additional dwelling units and gives plan-review bases and increments by square footage. |
Inspection
Field inspections during construction.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU inspection fee | Verify on the City’s official website | Formula | Building Fee ScheduleLocation: Building Fee Schedule, page 3, New Residential tableConfirms: The current table expressly covers additional dwelling units and gives inspection bases and increments by square footage. |
Technology & surcharges
Records, technology, and general plan surcharges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Technology fee | 3.8% formula | Formula | Building Fee ScheduleLocation: Building Fee Schedule, page 14, City of Milpitas Standard Permitting FeesConfirms: The current schedule lists Technology Fee as 3.8% of total permit fee. |
Surcharges, taxes & state fees
Percentage surcharges, construction taxes, and State-mandated charges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community Planning fee | 5% formula | Formula | Building Fee ScheduleLocation: Building Fee Schedule, page 14, City of Milpitas Standard Permitting FeesConfirms: The current schedule lists Community Planning Fee as 5% of total permit fee. |
| Eligible ADU/JADU incentive permit-fee assistance | Verify on the City’s official website | Verify on the City’s official website | ADU Incentive ProgramLocation: ADU Incentive Program, Milpitas & ADUs sectionConfirms: The City states the active program can cover eligible ADU/JADU permit costs but is fund-limited. |
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 Milpitas before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
Back to Milpitas · Permit process · Build a permit report · How we build these estimates