ADU permit cost and fee breakdown in Moraga, California
GetYourPermit’s researched permit-fee range for a detached accessory dwelling unit in Moraga, 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
$5,100 – $16,000
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
$9,750
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$1,800 – $2,400
Shown only where the City bills Planning or zoning review as a separate fee.
- Building plan check$900 – $2,750
The Building Division’s review of the drawings; part of the Building Permit process.
- Building permit issuance$850 – $2,650
The permit issuance charge; where plan check is bundled, the combined amount is carried here.
- Separate trade permits$400 – $1,450
Shown separately only where electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits are billed outside a combination permit.
- School district fees$500 – $2,700
Possible school-district developer fees based on current thresholds and scope.
- Utility fees$450 – $2,400
Possible water, sewer, electrical, meter, or capacity-related charges.
- Processing, inspection & records$150 – $1,100
Fixed processing, inspection, records, and administrative charges.
- Surcharges, taxes & state fees$50 – $550
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contra Costa County Building Permit fee lookup | Verify on the City’s official website | Verify on the City’s official website | Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)Location: Accessory Dwelling Units, Steps to Build an ADU, Step 5Confirms: The live Town page directs applicants to Contra Costa County for Building Permits and identifies separate utility, sewer, and fire approvals. |
Impact fees
Development impact fees. Prohibited for ADUs of 750 sq ft or less.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU 750 sq ft or less impact-fee exemption | $0 | Flat fee | Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)Location: Accessory Dwelling Units, Are impact fees required?Confirms: The current Town ADU page states that ADUs at or below 750 square feet and JADUs have no development impact fee. |
| Larger-ADU impact-fee rule | Set by City formula | Formula | Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)Location: Accessory Dwelling Units, Are impact fees required?Confirms: The current Town page provides the proportional calculation rule but no dollar rate. |
Surcharges, taxes & state fees
Percentage surcharges, construction taxes, and State-mandated charges.
| Fee | Amount | Basis | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| ADU application deposit | $1,800 | Flat fee | Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)Location: Accessory Dwelling Units, Steps to Build an ADU, Step 3Confirms: The live Town ADU page states applicable fees are due at submittal as a $1,800 deposit, subject to change. |
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 Moraga before you commit money.
City reference pages for verification
Back to Moraga · Permit process · Build a permit report · How we build these estimates