ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Monterey, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Monterey, 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
$6,474 – $13,245
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
$9,411
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 – $550
Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.
- Building plan check$1,300 – $2,750
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$1,650 – $3,600
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- Separate trade permits$300 – $650
Shown separately only where electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits are billed outside a combination permit.
- School district fees$2,200 – $4,000
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$300 – $800
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Processing, inspection & records$177 – $355
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$247 – $540
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 project valuation | From $117 | Formula | Master Fee Schedule, Fiscal Year 2026/2027Location: FY26-27 Master Fee Schedule, Community Development Building Permits & Inspections, Building Permit Fees — Project Valuation table and note 2Confirms: The current City schedule explicitly provides the valuation brackets, base fees, and $1,000 increments; the City portal confirms that valuation and project triggers determine applicable fees. |
Plan check
Review of your drawings for code compliance.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan Check fee by project valuation | From $117 | Formula | Master Fee Schedule, Fiscal Year 2026/2027Location: FY26-27 Master Fee Schedule, Community Development Building Permits & Inspections, Plan Check — Project Valuation table; ADU/JADU checklist, introductory requirementsConfirms: The current City schedule provides the plan-check valuation brackets and the City ADU/JADU checklist explicitly requires plan-check payment after preapplication. |
Impact fees
Development impact fees. Prohibited for ADUs of 750 sq ft or less.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU impact-fee lookup | Verify on the City’s official website | Verify on the City’s official website | ADUs and JADUsLocation: ADUs and JADUs page — Will impact fees apply?Confirms: The official City ADU page confirms the governing sources but does not expose a project-specific numerical impact-fee result. |
Utility connection
Water, sewer, and electrical connection or capacity charges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU school and utility fee lookup | Verify on the City’s official website | Verify on the City’s official website | Plan SubmittalLocation: Plan Submittal — Additional fees and City of Monterey Sewer Connection; ADU/JADU Pre-Submittal Checklist — water credits and utilitiesConfirms: The City identifies the responsible external agencies and conditional City sewer-connection calculation but does not supply an ADU-specific total. |
Surcharges, taxes & state fees
Percentage surcharges, construction taxes, and State-mandated charges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Plan Fee | 15% formula | Formula | Master Fee Schedule, Fiscal Year 2026/2027Location: FY26-27 Master Fee Schedule, Community Development Building Permits & Inspections — General Plan FeeConfirms: The current City Building schedule explicitly lists General Plan Fee as 15% of Building Permit fee. |
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 Monterey before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
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